Our Core Team

Carl E. Holland, Chairperson

I am originally from Chicago, Ill., moving to California in my high school Sr. year.  Upon completing high school in Pasadena, Ca, I served in the U.S. Navy through the late 1960’s.  After military service I graduated from the University of Michigan Business School, now known as the Ross School.  I enjoyed a broad and rewarding career in the energy industry, as well as being a small business owner and a financial advisor.

I have lived in Oakland for over thirty years.  My wife and I reared two fine young men, influenced cousins, nieces and nephews, and hopefully inspired other young adults through employment.

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Sam Burd, Vice Chairperson

Why should someone volunteer for the Montclair Community Action Group?

“We provide a way for civic-minded people to effectively work to improve their community.  The actions we help initiate are conceived, staffed, and implemented by local volunteers.  Thus, work done is geared toward what the community wants.

If you’re interested in organizing actions, you can leverage your time to have a greater effect.  If you only have a little time, or you just want to contribute your skills, our actions allow for that, to.  We gear our actions toward improvements that are positive to the community, achievable by our volunteers, with results we can see.  The simple answer to why volunteer is — you choose when and how much to work to improve your surroundings.”
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Natalie Van Tassel, Secretary

What have you enjoyed most about being part of the Volunteering For Oakland?

“I have loved being part of a group of people who want to help our community and are willing to actually DO IT!  As a retired educator, I have been especially involved in the Local School Action Affiliate in which we held book drives for school libraries, and volunteer fairs to get more adults working with the children in our schools.

The School Supply Drive has also been a favorite of mine.  Interested teams dedicated to a goal that helps others is stimulating and fun!  Folks who came on board for one event have gone on to work with the schools more than they ever expected.  What could be better?!”

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Juliet Nellis, Treasurer

Juliet Nellis is a 2009 graduate of the College of the University of Chicago with a dual degree in Philosophy and Germanic Studies. As a student, Juliet counterbalanced her theoretical academic work with practical professional work as a Fiscal Assistant for various organizations affiliated with the University of Chicago.

For the last two years, Juliet has worked as a Fiscal Assistant at the Bay Area Academy of San Francisco State University. Juliet grew up in Oakland and is extremely excited about volunteering for Oakland.

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Adele Grunberg

Why am I in VFO? Having volunteered for the Obama Campaign in 2006 through the election in 2008, I was motivated by Obama’s example to do community service. I have lived in Oakland since 1975 and like being involved in activities that help the local public schools. I am originally from NYC and have lived in California since 1971.

I attended law school and graduate school in psychology in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am so pleased that my daughter, Juliet Nellis, pictured here with me, is also part of the core team.

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Claudia Huttner

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Ed Gerber

Ed Gerber has been involved in volunteer activities for over 30 years. Prior to his retirement he represented numerous local governments to the California Legislature and Executive Branch. His previous volunteer activities included the Coro Foundation. Sacramento Charter Commission, and numerous good government activities. He is presently the Co-Chair of the Local School Action Group, the Oakland City Budget Advisory Committee and involved in several political campaigns.

He believes that VFO offers an excellent opportunity for Oakland residents to make a difference in providing necessary services.

“ Volunteers are the lifeblood of a successful community.”

 

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Vicky Friedman

Vicky is a native of Oakland. She is currently heading VFO-affiliated Greening Oakland Homes(GOH). She speaks at workshops co-sponsored by GOH, the City of Oakland and PG&E about her own experience upgrading her vintage 1937 home for energy savings and efficiency.

She also volunteers for other Bay Area non-profits: Students Rising Above and Wardrobe for Opportunity.