New Board Directors

S. Kazmier “Kaz” Maslanka was born in Wichita, Kansas, where he earned a bachelor’s in fine arts. But over time he taught himself to be a tool design engineer and worked on many projects before moving to San Diego in 2004. He retired in 2018 to pursue his art and poetry interests that led him to Balboa Park and C100. He lives in Tierrasanta.

Javier Santos is an architect and CEO of Piute Technologies, a San Diego firm focusing on commercial and industrial building technologies. He earned a bachelor’s at the New School of Architecture & Design, worked at the San Diego Unified Port District in engineering and land-use planning, Evolutionary Energy Systems and Hydro-Convergent Technologies. Volunteer interests include the U.S. Green Building Council, AIA San Diego, Cleantech San Diego and Surfrider Foundation. He was born in El Paso, Texas, moved to San Diego in 1999 and lives in Ocean Beach.

Jon Schmid, who grew up in San Diego, is president and CEO of Cook + Schmid public relations and communications firm. As a journalist, he was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His local volunteer work has included the San Diego Maritime Museum,  Citizens Coordinate for Century 3, Lambda Alpha International, San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego County Taxpayers Association. He earned a bachelor’s in history at Point Loma Nazarene University and master’s in journalism from the University of Missouri. He lives in Point Loma.

Returning to the board after a two-year hiatus is former treasurer Sam Dychter. A native San Diegan, he has been involved in local San Diego nonprofits including including the  International Community Foundation, Olivewood Garden and Learning Center and Orchestra Nova  He is a physician/scientist at Pfizer and works in the research and development of anti-cancer medicines. He did his university and medical studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. He lives in Carmel Valley.