Letter from LCS President Yolanda Martinez Llamas

The Lake Chapala Society is a unique treasure in our Lakeside community. There is nothing
quite like it anywhere else in Mexico or Central America. Celebrating our 70 th anniversary this
year, LCS is a hub for newcomers looking to integrate into Lakeside life and for long-time
residents to enjoy a community space for classes, activities, services, entertainment and
volunteer opportunities.

And yet, we are so much more than that! Our vision is a future where all Lakeside residents
have a role in enriching the community’s quality of life, vitality, and prosperity through the
exchange of knowledge, expertise, culture and language.
As such, much of our work is dedicated to improving the lives and prospects of our Mexican
neighbors through such programs as our volunteer-led ESL language and literacy classes,
the Children’s Art Program and summer camp, photography and ceramics classes, student
financial aid, and family financial planning.

Membership dues and program fees alone cannot sustain LCS. Beyond offering our programs
and services, we have made extensive repairs and improvements to the aging infrastructure
of our main campus, which was possible only through the generosity of our donors. And those
needs are continual. To build and sustain community we need to maintain our physical
spaces.

I am committed to continuing on the path of improvement, including renovation of the Wilkes
Education Center and an expansion of its activities. The Center provides vital literacy
programs and services to for our Mexican neighbors.
Our success is possible only with the continued support and generous hearts of our members
and our donors, large and small alike. Your support helps us not only provide our services and
classes, but it also allows LCS to get better and stronger as we move forward, always striving
to improve.

So, if you’re already a member, thank you! If you’re not yet a member, please consider
joining. It’s easy to do in the LCS office or online at: https://lcsajijic.givecloud.co/membership.
Bienvenidos!

Yoly
Yolanda Martinez Llamas
President

Board of Directors

Yolanda Martínez Llamas

President

Biography

Greg Distefano

Vice President

Biography

Timothy Boardman

Treasurer

Biography

Nancy DeSouza

Secretary

Biography

Yolanda Martínez Llamas

President

Biography

Greg Distefano

Vice President

Biography

Timothy Boardman

Treasurer

Biography

Nancy DeSouza

Secretary

Biography

Hunter Johnson

Director at Large

Biography

Linda Lou Goman

Director at Large

Biography

Stephen Graham

Director at Large

Biography

Stephen Balfour

Director At Large

Biography

John Henry

Director at Large

Greg Custer

Director at Large

Biography

George Radford

Director at Large

Biography

Mike Abe Platt

Director at Large

Biography

James Burns

Executive Director

Biography
Yolanda Martínez Llamas
President

Born in Michoacán, I moved to join family in Chicago as a young teen after being orphaned.
After attending high school and Richard M Daley College in Chicago, I completed cosmetology college. Now a dual citizen, I returned to Mexico in 1996 to open my own successful small business.

As a bilingual and bicultural entrepreneur, I chose to devote my spare time to public service. In 2023, I gave my salon business to my employees to free my time for expanding my time for
community service and engagement.

My skills include successful fundraising, community organizing, social activism, mentoring,
budgeting, and association governance. Key leadership roles include:

  • Lake Chapala Society Board Member/Vice President/President (combined) – 8 years
  • President of Cruz Roja – 7.5 years
  • SIMAPA Board member – 10 years
  • Volunteer President of DIF – 2 years
  • President of Chapala Chamber of Commerce – 4 years
  • Multiple other volunteer, consulting and advisory positions and member of ad hoc committees, including organizations aiding abused women.

I now serve as the administrative director at the Municipal Clinic in a position with flexible hours to supervise medical staff and other personnel, checking on the well-being of patients and general management of the Chapala facility.

I hold a degree in international commerce from Loyola Chapala Regional University and am near completing my law degree at UTEL University.

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Greg Distefano
Vice President

After graduating with a BS degree in English literature from Brown University, I headed off to NYC and received an MBA in marketing from Columbia University. Following a brief stint at Citibank’s Visa credit card department, I struck out on my own as a freelance PR and event specialist.

At the age of 28 I landed a job as vice president of the fashion and luxury division at DeVries Global – a prominent NYC PR firm. Three years later, I was recruited to be a senior partner at the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency, serving as the head of U.S. public relations for the diamond giant, DeBeers. In 2000, I was awarded a Silver Anvil by the Public Relations Society of America, for the best “Integrated Communications Program” in the United States, for my campaign linking diamonds to the millennium.

Feeling that I had reached the pinnacle of my chosen profession, I returned home to Providence, Rhode Island where I accepted a position as head of marketing for Johnson & Wales University, with campuses in Providence, Charlotte, Miami and Denver. I remained in that position for 11 years, after which I moved to Ajijic.

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Timothy Boardman
Treasurer

Born in Dewsbury [near Leeds] in the UK. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in the UK he and his wife Denise moved to Canada [Toronto] where he re-qualified as a Canadian CA and continued working in the profession for 10 years. After being recruited into the construction industry, he continued with the same group of Companies for 27 years until 2016 when he retired to Lakeside.

Tim & Denise live in West Ajijic with their 2 dogs and are still trying to get used to the different pace of life from that of Canada, but are not missing the cold & snow.

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Nancy DeSouza
Secretary

Nancy and her husband, Peter Gaskins, moved to Ajijic full time in 2023 after decades of Mexico vacations and two years of wintering in Ajijic.A Salem, Oregon native and University of Oregon graduate, she retired from nearly 30 years in public service for the State of Oregon. Her career spanned state agencies from consumer protection, industry regulation, corrections, parole & probation, health licensing and tourism.The last half of her career was spent serving as executive director of semi-independent state agencies in transition. In doing so, Nancy was able to use her skills and legal training in finance, administrative and contract law, dispute resolution, human resources/labor law, governance, and small business administration.

She has extensive experience working with boards and commissions, both as an executive director and as a board member. These include more than 10 years on the governing body of a large Salem Presbyterian church and officer positions on the boards of Co-Serve International and Travel Salem.

She and Peter are avid supporters of local charities, all types of live music, and host students and artists for Lakeside festivals. You will often find them walking their dogs on the Ajijic malecón and through the village.

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Hunter Johnson
Director at Large

Hunter and his wife, Jennifer, started their move to Lakeside in 2017 after his 45- year career in community development, public sector service, and nonprofit management. The couple made their first trip to Mexico in 1965, have traveled throughout the country ever since, and settled on Ajijic as the perfect spot. LCS was a major factor in their decision and Hunter has participated in a range of programs and activities including serving on the Program Committee, a team leader for Reaching Out, and helping create and support the Mudlarks Pottery Studio.

His professional career ranged from increasingly responsible position in the San Francisco and Emeryville, California, Redevelopment Agencies, to 10 years of providing consulting services guiding clients through the intricacies of building diverse housing types, creating economic development strategies, writing applications for federal, state, and local funding programs, strategic planing, and building organizational capacity. He finished his career leading LINC Housing as the nonprofit organization grew from two employees to 75 with a core operating budget of $6 million and annual property throughput of $60 million.

Education:
Hunter’s education includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Tulsa, a professional degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley, and executive education programs at Harvard University.

Community Contributions:
He has held a number of nonprofit and public sector governance roles including:
• Palm Springs Airport Commission
• Palm Springs Public Arts Commission Chair
• The National Housing Conference Board of Directors
• California Housing Consortium Board of Directors and Co-Founder
• Steering Committee of the International Housing Partnership, Chair
• Palm Springs Art Museum Artists Council Secretary

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Linda Lou Goman
Director at Large

Linda Lou Goman had a long career in the telecommunications industry working for AT&T and Verizon in Los Angeles and Sacramento. During that time she earned a MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from Pepperdine University.

After retiring she became very involved with the non-profit, Assistance League of Sacramento, chairing several committees. She also volunteered her time narrating audio books for the California State Library’s program for the blind and disabled. She also “voiced” radio commercials for several Sacramento businesses.

Linda and her husband, Stan, moved to Lakeside as permanent residents in August 2021. Since then she has acted in numerous productions at Lakeside Little Theatre, Bare Stage and Bravo theatre. Linda and Stan are both very active with the Lakeside Little Theatre. Linda is currently serving on the Board of Directors and Stan is the Bar Sales Manager. He also serves as President for the Chula Vista Homeowner’s Association.

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Stephen Dewitt Graham
Director at Large

After graduation from Delta State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration, Steve moved to Dallas/Fort Worth to begin a career in Human Resources. Most of his career was in Information Technology companies or Telecommunications Services or Research/Development companies. Steve had PHR and SPHR certifications.

After retiring in 2015, he lived in Sarasota, Florida where he was the co-chair of the annual stewardship campaign in 2018 for his Episcopal church. The church raised more than the ambitious goal set for that year.

After moving to Lakeside in 2021, Steve volunteered for the Lake Chapala Society as a Docent/Amigo. There he wrote a tour of the campus for the Docents/Amigos to give to membership prospects.

As a member of the Rainbow Alliance committee, they have raised over 300,000 pesos for local charities since September 2023.

Steve has owned a home in Riberas del Pilar since 2021.

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Stephen Balfour
Director at Large

The first part of Steve’s career was spent working in the hotel and hospitality industry. He continued in the special events industry in the Hollywood, Atlanta and Boston markets. Since his earliest years Steve has been a part of the nonprofit sector with extensive experience in the fundraising area.

Steve has served with the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Cancer Society in regional capacities, winning national awards for his efforts. With nearly 40 years exposure to the nonprofit sector, he has served a variety of roles for small grassroot nonprofits up to some of the largest national organizations. He has served as Board Member, Executive Director, Development Director, Vice President for Income Development and various other roles through the years. He has been most fortunate to have his success tied to the success of thousands of volunteers over the years who he has led in reaching towards each organization’s mission and vision. As a Board Member, Steve produced a concert in Mexico City in 1994 for a children’s hospice with Marc Anthony and Celia Cruz.

Steve bought a home Lakeside 8 years ago and looks forward to giving back out of appreciation for the support he has received from volunteers over his career.

For these recent years Steve has served the Lake Chapala Society as a major donor, President of the Board for 4 years, LCS 2.0 long range plan task force member, Executive Director and now as a member-at-large of the board with a focus on fundraising and events for the Lake Chapala Society. Steve also supports a dozen other organizations through collaborations with LCS and Concerts in the Park.

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Greg Custer
Director at Large

Greg migrated to Mexico in 2015, having worked in Mexico tourism for over 40 years. He enjoys Latin American history, theater, exploring Mexico (he’s been to all 32 States) and helping expats explore Mexico living.

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George Radford
Director at Large

With forty year career in Information Technology (IT), his skills include business requirements definition, systems design, general and project management. More specifically strategic, tactical and operational business and IT planning, business process analysis, report writing, presentations, IT requirements analysis and definition, project planning and control.

Education – BA, York University, Toronto, Computer Science.

Relevant work experience
Toronto Public Library – Project Manager – 2 years
Directed consultants, vendors and Library staff on projects to: replace an existing email system with cloud-based MSExchange for 2,400 staff manage the installation of a gigabit fiber optic network to each of 99 Library locations.

TELUS Mobility (Telecom) – Projects Manager, Business Architect – 10 years
Responsible for the definition of IT requirements for the division servicing business and government wireless clients.Defined tactical IT plans to support the division’s strategic goals. Managed multiple projects in the $3 to 5 million range.

Ontario Provincial Government – 11 years
Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office.
Managed all IT services including systems development, call center and computer operations.Ministry of Government Services. Managed IT services provided to the Real Estate division (account management role).Acting director of the IT Branch.
Management Board Secretariat
Participated in the creation of government-wide policy for the management of IT in the Ontario Government.

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Mike Abe Platt
Secretary

I bring over 25 years of diverse and extensive experience in the Hotel Industry, steadily advancing through various roles and leadership positions. My career journey began as a Dining Room Assistant Manager and evolved through positions such as Dining Room Manager, Beverage Manager, Front Desk Manager, Convention Manager, Convention Sales Manager, and Food and Beverage Manager. This progression culminated in my roles as Assistant Hotel Manager and ultimately Hotel Manager. Throughout my career, Ihave honed my skills in guest services, operations management, and team leadership, making me a seasoned professional with a proven track record of delivering exceptional service and driving operational excellence within the hospitality sector.

Facilities Manager Lakeside Little Theater | San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco, Mexico March 2021 – Current
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee staff
• Manage facilities operations, encompassing safety, security, capital improvements, and maintenance
• Serve as House Manager and assist in numerous ongoing entertainment venues

Managing Director September 1999 – December 2002 Lake Worth Playhouse | Lake Worth, Florida
• Took over as Managing Director of a 300 seat community theater that included a100 seat black box theater that was in deep financial and managerial trouble.
• Implemented numerous changes in personnel, ticketing systems, public relations and Internet presence
• Applied and secured numerous grants that ensured the financial stability of the organization

Licensed Real Estate Agent May 1997 – September 1999 Castles By The Sea Real Estate | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• Helped clients improve sales chances by recommending value-added improvements and attractive staging.
• Obtained maximum sales prices with savvy sales and negotiation tactics.
• Advocated for buyer or seller needs with tireless dedication to customer satisfaction.

Managing Director Chesterfield Hotel March 1991- April 1997 Tollman-Hundley Hotels | Palm Beach, FL

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James Burns
Executive Director

James Burns, Principal of Cypress and Sage Advising, has spent his entire career working in not-for-
profits and higher education. As a museum professional, he served as executive director of five
organizations, following many years as a curator in private, state, municipal, and university
organizations. James has taught organizational leadership at the university level and he currently
specializes in accessibility consulting, primarily working with organizations that support adults on the
autism spectrum. James holds a B.A. and M.A. in history, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies,
focusing on inequities in education based on identity. James’ love of not-for-profit organizations is
rooted in their role in giving back to society. An educator at heart, James is passionate about informal
lifelong learning environments and their potential to build community and foster civic dialogue. He
enjoys developing partnerships and collaborations. Challenged by a mentor a couple of years ago to
come up with a personal tagline, he said: “connecting people, ideas, and organizations…”
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