Leadership

Rescue Mission Alliance

Executive Team
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Chief Executive Officer
Todd White

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Chief Financial Officer
Dave Chittenden

Dave Chittenden, Chief Financial Officer

Dave has served the Rescue Mission Alliance for 20 years. Most of his tenure has been as Chief Financial Officer, with a stint as President and CEO from 2021 to 2023.

Dave's passion for serving others has been a constant throughout his career. After working at the Camarillo State Developmental Center for several years, Dave spent time as Chief Operating Officer of The Arc of Ventura County, a nonprofit which assists adults with developmental disabilities. He went on to serve as Chief Financial Officer at Villa Esperanza Services, which provides services for children with autism.

During his time at RMA, Dave has led strategic development teams in operations and finance, including retail expansion, major capital and facilities acquisition and technology. He's overseen RMA's thrift store division and call center, in addition to the accounting and finance departments. Dave is responsible for the financial operating performance of RMA's $30 million in annual revenue.

During his time as CEO of RMA, Dave spearheaded the acquisition and opening of four new locations where new services are being offered, with a focus on women and children.

Dave earned a master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1992, and a Master's of Business Administration-Finance in 2002, both from California Lutheran University.

Dave grew up in Ventura, where he lives with his wife of 29 years, Suzanne. The couple has three grown children and one grandchild. They attend Encounter Church in Ventura. Dave is a physical fitness enthusiast, and also enjoys walking his dogs and playing electric guitar.

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VP, Community Engagement
Clint Garman

Clint Garman, VP, Community Engagement

Clint Garman joined Rescue Mission Alliance in 2025, bringing a strong background in public service, community engagement, and ministry. Prior to joining RMA, he served as the Community Liaison for Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere, where he worked closely with constituents across the county. Clint continues to support the County on special projects.

An ordained and licensed reverend with The Missionary Church, Clint also serves as an elder, reflecting his deep commitment to faith and service.

From 2009 to 2020, Clint owned and operated Garman’s Irish Pub in Santa Paula, playing a key role in revitalizing Downtown Main Street. His dedication to local development extended into civic leadership when he was elected to the Santa Paula City Council (2016–2020), including a term as mayor. 

Clint and his wife, Gina, have been married for nearly 30 years and are proud parents of three and grandparents of two. They live in Ventura, where Clint & Gina remain invested in their hometown community.

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VP, Development and Engagement
Joann Gillett

Joann Gillett VP, Development and Engagement

Joann joined RMA in 2017 to manage digital and print communications for the Development team. In 2021, she was promoted to Director of Communications, establishing a new department dedicated to enhancing RMA’s brand awareness and visibility.

Prior to her nonprofit career, Joann spent more than a decade in journalism, most recently at the Ventura County Star as Editor of Special Sections and a member of the Engagement Team. In this capacity, she promoted newsroom content, analyzed audience engagement, and executed Star events. Her writing and editing has earned her several California Newspaper Publishers Association awards, as well as the Gruner Prize, awarded for outstanding community service in newspaper journalism.

During her tenure at RMA, Joann has made significant contributions to fundraising, marketing, and communications, elevating the organization’s profile and expanding its reach statewide. She has served as Interim Director of Development, launched RMA’s digital advertising program, and spearheaded the organization’s rebranding efforts.

Driven by a passion for making a positive impact, Joann is honored to be able to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, hunger, domestic violence, human trafficking and other challenges, through her work.

Joann earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pepperdine University. Her alma mater named her Journalism Alum of the Year in 2008. She lives in Ventura with her husband and young son.

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VP, Ministry
Brian Rayburn

Brian Rayburn, VP, Ministry

Brian Rayburn has led local churches, international congregations, and nonprofits with heartfelt passion for redemption for more than 25 years. With degrees in Marketing and Theology, Brian is Texas-bred but has called Hong Kong, Seattle, and Ventura home. Before coming to serve at RMA, he launched Good Suds—a nonprofit laundromat empowering adults with disabilities. Brian has led at World Vision USA, co-founded a sustenance farm and microloan program in Laos, and ran a Pakistani literacy initiative in Hong Kong.

As an ordained Southern Baptist pastor, Brian has served numerous congregations, including International Baptist Church Hong Kong. Brian is married to Megan, an attorney at the California Attorney General’s office, and they share life with their two children, Pax and Mac. A lover of art, perfectly timed high-fives, and soul-stirring coffee, Brian is passionate about new ideas and the power they hold.

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VP, Social Enterprises
Troy West

Troy West, VP, Social Enterprises

Troy has been an invaluable asset to RMA for 27 years, and under his guidance, we have developed industry-leading thrift stores in four counties. These social enterprises—or revenue-generating businesses with a mission—have been key to RMA’s success, while also providing affordable clothing and goods to those in need and vocational opportunities to our program residents.

Troy is an active board member of the Association of Christian Thrift Stores (ACTS), where he shares his expertise through training seminars and consulting services on how other nonprofits can help fund their programs and provide vocational experience. We are indeed blessed to have Troy on our team as he continues to improve our cutting-edge programs.

In his expanded role, Troy and his team will continue to grow our thrift store operations, look to expand RMA’s social enterprises, and manage security, fleet, and the Call Center. He will also oversee operations of our food banks in San Fernando and Antelope valleys.

Outside of his professional role, Troy is deeply committed to his faith, family, and outdoor activities. He resides in Antelope Valley, California, with his wife and youngest son. Troy is the proud father of three boys, a daughter-in-law, and the grandfather of two adored granddaughters. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding with his family.

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VP, Human Resources
Emily Wilmeth

Emily Wilmeth, VP, Human Resources

Emily Wilmeth serves as Vice President of Human Resources at Rescue Mission Alliance, bringing more than two decades of experience in HR leadership, organizational development, and strategic operations. Her career is grounded in a deep commitment to service, faith, and community—a foundation that continues to shape her approach as a trusted leader and mission-driven partner.

Before joining RMA, Emily served for nearly 15 years as HR Director and Office Manager for Lure Fish House and Coastal Provisions, where she managed HR operations for over 800 employees across seven restaurant locations and a commercial fish processing facility, playing a pivotal role in launching each site and developing the company’s HR infrastructure from the ground up. Her earlier roles in education, ministry, and corporate administration reflect a consistent dedication to building strong teams, fostering meaningful culture, and leading with compassion.

Rooted in her lifelong faith and community involvement, Emily has also led impactful volunteer efforts, including co-founding a nonprofit youth football and cheer organization that served hundreds of local families. She now brings that same heart for service to her work at RMA, where she supports the organization's Christ-centered mission of restoring lives and renewing hope.

A Ventura native, Emily and her husband Garry have been married for nearly 32 years, raising four children together and now enjoying the blessing of two young grandchildren. She finds joy in family, the outdoors, and living each day with purpose and grace.

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Other Leadership

Director, Call Center
Cheryle Gibbons

Director of Operations
Efrain Pantoja

Vocational Director/Construction
Kenneth Threloff

Outreach Ministries

Rescue Mission Alliance Antelope Valley

Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast
Luke Johnson, Director

Lighthouse for Women and Children
Leslie Painter, Director

Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley
Josie Casarrubias, Director

Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank

Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County
Michael Darden, Director

Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley