MCLEAN FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Foundation Grants Director
Denise joined the McLean Foundation in 2011. After graduating from Humboldt State University with a Degree in Zoology, she and her husband, also an HSU alum, lived in the Central Valley for 10 years before moving back to Humboldt County where they raised their 2 children and have fostered a connection with the community and with the natural wonders that populate the diverse environmental elements of the rich local coastal and forested areas. Her broad employment background brings benefit to the many organizations that support the North Coast community. Working for the McLean Foundation has continued to compliment her commitment to the community and as a resource for the nonprofits of Humboldt County. Denise has served on the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce Board and is a board member of the Rohner Community Recreation and Parks District.
Denise is married to Rob and has 2 grown children and 2 wonderful grandchildren. They call Fortuna their home along with many beloved furry friends.
Job Titles:
- Certified Public Accountant
- President
Dennis was one of the original board members of the Mel and Grace McLean Foundation. He grew up in the Bay Area and came to Humboldt County in 1977, to work for Eel River Sawmills, the company founded by Mel and Grace McLean. He started as the controller, and, after Mel's stroke, became Vice-President and then President of the Company. He worked at Eel River Sawmills for more than 30 years, winding up the Company affairs when it was sold.
Dennis worked closely with both Mel and Grace and developed an understanding and appreciation of the McLeans' philosophy and caring nature. Over the many years, decisions were made to insure that their employees had jobs that paid fair wages and provided security. Mel and Grace deeply cared for their employees and the communities in which they lived. The McLean Foundation carries on their legacy.
Dennis is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of Fortuna Sunrise Rotary.
Lynn Ross started as Administrative Assistant for the McLean Foundation in 2022, after a long career as a bookkeeper for many diverse industries, from a wetsuit manufacturer to aquarium products to a civil engineering firm, throughout the state of California.
Lynn is a native of Southern Californian, transplanted to Humboldt County in 2016, and currently resides in beautiful, sunny, and friendly Fortuna with her partner, Gary. She has a daughter and three doted-upon grandchildren. Lynn is very happy to be a part of the McLean Foundation and assists in supporting the foundation's mission to empower people and strengthen the communities of the Eel River Valley.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- René Imperiale
Rene Imperiale- Egan is thrilled to have joined the Mclean Foundation board in July of 2019. Having been born and raised in Fortuna, Rene is deeply rooted here and committed to the community. She is also proud to note that she is the granddaughter of the late Gene Lucas, whom the community center is named after.
After graduating from Saint Mary's College in 1988 with a double major in economics and business administration, Rene returned to Humboldt County to begin her career in finance. She has been in lending for 31 years and is currently employed by Caliber home loans in Eureka.
Rene, along with husband John and son Jared, currently reside in Fortuna. They enjoy spending their time in the great outdoors, while taking advantage of our beautiful local resources. They enjoy traveling and are big SF Giants fans.
Most recently, Rene served on the Redwood Preparatory Charter School Board and is currently on the Redwood Memorial Foundation fundraising committee. She and her family enjoy being involved in our local community. Rene is looking forward to serving on the Mclean Board, and is excited to promote the new beautiful McLean Campus.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Director of Forest Sciences for the Humboldt
Sal Chinnici is currently the Director of Forest Sciences for the Humboldt and Mendocino Redwood Companies, where he has worked since Humboldt Redwood began in 2008. Prior to working for the Mendocino Family of Companies, Sal was the Director of Biological Sciences for the Pacific Lumber Company, a position he held for 17 years.
Sal grew up in San Jose, California, attended Humboldt State University, and graduated in 1977 with a degree in Wildlife Management. After working at many lumber and wildlife jobs in the Redding area and elsewhere, Sal and his wife Sharn moved to Scotia in 1992 when Sal went to work for the Pacific Lumber Company. They settled in Fortuna in 1994 where they have raised their three sons who all attended the local Fortuna schools.
Sal is very thankful to have settled in a wonderful community like Fortuna and hopes to give back to the community by serving on the McLean Foundation Board and through other local activities. He is currently President-Elect of Fortuna Sunrise Rotary, First Vice-Chair of the Buckeye, and on the Board of Directors at Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club.
Sarah Reback has deep roots in the Eel River Valley. As a 5th generation resident, she is passionate about building a stronger community for future generations.
Sarah has volunteered with multiple committees and organizations including- Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ethan and Teyler Totes, and The Hydesville Education Foundation. In 2013, Sarah founded the community group, Project Kindness. In recognition of her community impact, Sarah was awarded the Woman of Distinction Award by the Fortuna Kiwanis.
Sarah has dedicated her career to serving in the education field. She is currently finishing her Social Work degree at Cal Poly Humboldt where she's studying to become a school counselor.
In addition to the McLean Foundation, Sarah serves on the Board of Directors for Reaching for Independence, a local nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities.
Sarah's greatest passion is her family. Sarah and husband Rhett reside in Fortuna where they are raising their two sons Corbin and Jace.
Tony Titus is a life-long resident of Ferndale. He and his wife, Libby, have four children, eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Tony graduated from Humboldt State University in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. His first job in the private sector was with Eel River Sawmills, Inc. where he worked for 16 years. His years at Eel River Sawmills, Inc. enabled him to know and work with Mel McLean, Gene Lucas and Dennis Scott. Having the opportunity to be a member of the McLean Foundation Board feels a bit like coming full circle. One other plus that came about as a result of his 16 years at Eel River Sawmills, Inc. was meeting his wife, Libby, who worked there for 20 years.
Tony currently works as the Fiscal Controller at United Indian Health Services, Inc. where he has been for 11 years. Previously, Tony has served on the Redwood Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, the Humboldt County Fair Junior Livestock Auction Committee and the Eel River Valley Portuguese Hall Association Board.