Easterseals Southern California (ESSC)—with 3,000+ employees serving over 29,000 people with disabilities and their families throughout Southern California—has elected new officers on its Board of Directors and added two new members for the 2026-2029 term.
“We are strengthened by leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience and a shared commitment to advancing equity and access for people with disabilities,” said Mark Whitley, president & CEO, ESSC. “We are grateful for the dedication of this board, which reflects the values and vision of our organization and will help guide our work as we continue to grow and innovate in service to our communities.”
Officers:
Lynell Davis — Chair
With 15+ years of experience spanning in-house leadership, complex litigation, health care law, bioethics and corporate governance, Davis is the first African American to lead ESSC’s board. Serving since 2023. Davis is VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of The California Endowment, one of the largest private health-care conversion foundations in the U.S.
Nic Novicki — 1st Vice Chair
On the board since 2017, Novicki, is an actor, comedian, producer, disability advocate and founder & director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, celebrating 13 years of advocating for disability inclusion in Hollywood.
Dr. Arthur Southam — 2nd Vice Chair
Retired as EVP of Health Plan Operations, Kaiser Permanente, Southam served on the board from 1994 to 2003, rejoining in 2023.
Mike Murtaugh — Secretary
A Senior Partner at Murtaugh LLP, Murtaugh served on the ESSC board from 1994 to 2004, rejoining in 2015.
Hans Getty — Treasurer
Senior VP & Regional Manager, Corporate & Commercial Banking, at U.S. Bank, Getty has served on the board since 2014.
Joining the board are Amber Howard, Managing Partner, Glossary Artists; and Michael Ibrahim, Division VP, California & Hawaii, CVS Health.
A seasoned talent executive, Howard—who leads the gaming vertical at Glossary Artists—has worked with some of the most recognized brands and talent in the sports, entertainment and digital industries, creating strategies to showcase, leverage and bolster their presence throughout the industry.
With 17+ years of progressive leadership experience at CVS Health, Ibrahim began his career as a pharmacy intern while pursuing his Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a journey marked by a consistent focus on operational excellence, strategic innovation and talent development.
Other board members include:
Mark Bertrand (past Chair), VP of Space & Defense at Boeing Capital Corporation, retired; Jerome Core, Head of Inclusive Content, Amazon MGM Studios & Prime Video; Andre Filip, CEO, Smart Magic, Inc; Melissa Hoffman, VP, Lead Counsel TMTT, Edwards Lifesciences; Marilyn Lindheim, community member; Sonia Moldovan, VP, Strategy & Programs, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; Becky Porter, SVP, Head of Talent Acquisition & Development, Capital Group; Maria Serrao, television sports reporter & host of Playing The Field; Claudia Villamizar, community member; and Chad Watson, VP, Corporate Partnerships, Anaheim Ducks & Honda Center.
