GET TO KNOW THE VPCF

Debbie Simpson is President of the Ventura Police Community Foundation and Vice President of AAA Propane Services, serving Ventura County for over 30 years. A lifetime Casa Pacifica Angel and past two-term Angels Board President, she has led major fundraising events for at-risk youth. A proud Ventura resident, Debbie and her husband raised five children and remain dedicated to community service.

Sher serves as our Vice President and has served on our board since 2022. Sher is Co-Owner of Comfort Real Estate Services with offices in Ventura and Camarillo. Serving with the Women's Council of Realtors of California, she is able to support women leaders statewide, which is a passion of hers. She is an active community advocate and loves to share the message of supporting small local businesses. Sher, her husband, and two pups love spending time with their three grown children and 10 grandchildren.

Margarida Eidson serves as our Treasurer and is active in volunteering for numerous non-profit organizations. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Ventura East, where she previously served as the President, and has now been selected to serve as Governor of District 5240, serving clubs from Westlake to Cambria.
Margarida owns Eidson Management, Inc., a business management company. She is a mother of four boys, well, men now.

Katie has been on our board since 2023, and has served as Secretary since January 2025. A lifelong Ventura resident, Katie is passionate about supporting the Ventura Police Department and strengthening community ties. Her dedication to service began early, including her time as a National Charity League Tik-Tocker, where she actively engaged in local volunteer efforts. Katie and her husband enjoy life in Ventura and have recently welcomed their first child!

With a long-standing commitment to community service, I began volunteering with “First Sunday in the Park” and the annual Ventura Street Fairs. I led the Buena High School Stadium fundraiser and have chaired the annual Seaside Basketball Tournament for over 25 years. As a charter member of the Ventura Police Community Foundation, I’ve served as President, Golf Tournament chair, and Events Coordinator.

Ryan Weeks serves as the Ventura Police Department’s Liaison to the Board. A Ventura resident and a 28-year veteran of the Ventura Police Department, he has held a wide range of assignments, including Special Operations, Major Crimes Investigations, the Special Enforcement Team (Gangs), and Professional Standards. He currently serves as the Investigations Commander and Commanding Officer of the SWAT Team. In addition, Ryan oversees District 4, which encompasses a large portion of East Ventura.

Sarah Abrams has served on the board since 2017 and sits as Co-Chair for the Communications Committee, and serves with the Events Committee. Sarah serves as the Marketing Director for the family business, American Pacific Mortgage, and is Co-Founder with her husband, Greg, of the locally focused non-profit Love VC, Inc. Sarah keeps herself busy with their 10-year-old twin daughters, whether it is in school functions, extracurricular activities, or traveling as a family.

Jennifer Duston is a founding member and Past President of the Ventura Police Community Foundation. A former principal, she now serves as a Leadership Consultant for FranklinCovey Education. She serves on local boards, is a proud VCLA alum, and a dedicated advocate for leadership and service. Her favorite role, though, is being wife to Ryan and mom to her adult daughters, Maddie and Maycie.

Sal knows first-hand what it's like being a troubled teen, turned his life around, and now dedicates his free time to at-risk youth, especially on the westside, and mentors local kids at the Westpark Community Center. He owns Ideal Upholstery and is passionate about giving back.

When not handling foundation projects, she works for Sager Electronics in Field Sales. Roni has previously served as secretary for the Ventura County Chapter of the California Dump Truck Owners Association and as the Communications chair for the local Chapter of the National Charity League. She has a daughter and lives in Ventura with her husband.

Brandy Herrin was born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia. After college, she launched her first business, where design aesthetic and business skills caught the eye of Steve Walden, founder of Walden Surfboards here in Ventura, and she relocated to Ventura to take the creative helm of Walden Surfboards. Brandy has always been involved in community outreach and volunteering both in Ventura and her hometown. Brandy is a distance runner, a Philadelphia sports super fan, and a dog mom.