A Legacy of Leadership and Love.

PRESIDENT

I’ve called Petaluma home for more than 36 years, where my wife, Joy, and I have raised our two children. I currently serve as Strategic Sourcing Director for See’s Candies in San Francisco, following decades of work with companies like Hewlett Packard, La Tortilla Factory, Traditional Medicinals, and Manzana Products. Community engagement has always guided my life. I'm a founding member of 100 Black Men of Sonoma County and have served on numerous local boards. Today, I’m honored to serve as President of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, dedicated to building community and empowering local youth.

TREASURER

I’ve lived in Petaluma for over 15 years with my wife, Angela, and our family of three adult children and three grandchildren. I’ve been involved with PBCD for more than five years and continue to support several local nonprofits. I believe deeply in giving back and in the power of community. PBCD represents those same values by fostering inclusion, understanding, and cultural pride. I look forward to helping grow this movement and ensuring our organization continues to uplift and serve Petaluma’s diverse community with compassion and purpose.

SECRETARY

I became involved with PBCD soon after moving from San Rafael to Petaluma seven years ago and now serve as Board Secretary. Over the years, I’ve volunteered at our annual picnic, cultural exhibit, and Copperfield’s window display. As a retired Special Education teacher, I continue to work with young students who need extra reading support. My passion is finding and sharing children’s books that reflect diversity and inclusion. I believe every child should see themselves in stories and also experience the wide variety of people, cultures, and perspectives that make up our world.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

I am a multitalented performing and teaching artist from Sonoma County. Known as “Sky Palace” in my musical work, I am  also an accomplished dancer and actress. In 2020, I became the first Black or Latina woman elected to my hometown of Healdsburg’s City Council. I am passionate about creating avenues of freedom for artistic expression to support cultural change, promote justice, and heal communities. My leadership and creativity continue to inspire local youth, and I am honored to serve as Director of Programs for PBCD, where I work to build spaces for expression, empowerment, and unity through art.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH

As Director of Youth for PBCD, Zech partners with the Grapevine Youth Program to engage and uplift young leaders across Sonoma County. Passionate about community, youth development, and the arts, he brings both creativity and purpose to his role. Zech earned his degree from the University of Virginia and works locally in the energy field. His focus is on building bridges between youth leadership and community engagement, ensuring that young people have the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive.

DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING

Gregory Appling earned his BS in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University. After a decade in environmental science, he became a licensed contractor and later served on the Gravenstein Unified School District Board, including four years as president. He also serves on the boards of the Sonoma Land Trust and Port Blakely Companies, focusing on education and sustainability. A member of the Sonoma County Black Forum since 2021, Gregory joined PBCD’s board in 2025 to support fundraising and youth programming. He and his wife, Julie, live in Sebastopol with their two sons and share a love for the outdoors.

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

I’m an educator and filmmaker who has spent more than 35 years teaching communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. After serving as the Director of Academic Technology for the California State University system, I transitioned into my current role as a partner at the Authentic Leadership Center in Sacramento. I’ve lived in Petaluma for over 30 years and have been an active PBCD volunteer since 2018. I bring my background in education, media, and organizational development to help strengthen PBCD’s technology and communication systems.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

My husband, Warren, and I moved from Oakland to Petaluma in 1975, where we raised our two sons and built a life rooted in community. Getting involved with Gloria Robinson to help start Petaluma Blacks for Community Development was one of the best decisions we ever made. It helped Petaluma truly feel like home. Now, after 50 years here and a fulfilling career as an Auditor/Appraiser for Sonoma County, I continue to find purpose through PBCD, church, and family. Our work keeps me inspired, connected, and always learning.

GRAPEVINE YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Destiny Williams is a visionary leader and social justice advocate committed to empowering youth and building equitable communities. A UCLA graduate, she has extensive experience with nonprofits and grassroots organizations advancing equity and inclusion. As Youth Coordinator for PBCD’s Grapevine Youth Leadership Program, Destiny connects Black youth across Sonoma County to opportunities for service, leadership, and community engagement. She believes in helping shape the next generation of changemakers by cultivating spaces where young people can grow in confidence, unity, and purpose.