Leadership
Rescue Mission Alliance
Executive Team
Chief Executive Officer
Todd White
Todd White, Chief Executive Officer
Todd White brings over 30 years of diverse leadership experience to his role as CEO of RMA. He most recently served as President, COO and CFO of Barna Group, a Christian research organization that provides data on the trends affecting faith and culture, for more than 10 years. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Todd was a valued member of RMA’s Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Todd has held senior leadership positions at various organizations, including as Gospel Light Publication’s CFO and VP of Finance, and as co-founder and President of AdCheck, Inc., a marketing and media company. He also served as Controller for Employers Depot, an HR and professional employer organization.
Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from California Lutheran University, and an MBA with an emphasis in Strategy and Economics from the New York Institute of Technology.
Todd has been married to his wife Shannon for 30 years, and has two grown children, and one grandson. They reside in Ventura. The couple attends Ventura Missionary Church where Todd also serves on the Administrative Council.
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.
Chief Development Officer
Kat Landa
Kat Landa, Chief Development Officer
Kat Landa serves as Rescue Mission Alliance’s Chief Development Officer, bringing more than 24 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen leadership, secure resources, and grow their impact.
Throughout her career, Kat has partnered with more than 100 rescue ministries and food banks across the United States, helping organizations build cultures of philanthropy from the inside out. She spent much of her career in nonprofit fundraising and communications, overseeing $35 million in annual campaign investment and helping raise more than $60 million annually in charitable gifts for hundreds of organizations. She has also led growth strategy for a nonprofit communications technology company, and most recently, served as Chief Growth Officer at DickersonBakker, a national nonprofit consulting firm.
Kat holds Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Spiritual Director (CSD) credentials and is a graduate and instructor at Asset Giving University through the National Christian Foundation of California. She regularly speaks at ministry and nonprofit leadership conferences.
Kat and her husband, David, have been married for 17 years and have two teenage daughters. The family lives in Santa Barbara and serves together in ministry at St. Joseph’s in Carpinteria.
VP, Community Impact and Partnerships
Clint Garman
Clint Garman, Vice President, Community Impact and Partnerships
Clint Garman is a fifth-generation Venturan and a passionate community leader dedicated to strengthening lives across California’s Central Coast. As VP, Community Impact and Partnerships, Clint leads strategic partnerships with businesses, churches, civic leaders, and community organizations to expand the Mission’s reach and advance its life-transformation programs.
With deep roots in Ventura County, Clint brings a unique blend of public service, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurial experience. He served on the Santa Paula City Council from 2016 to 2020, including a term as Mayor, where he focused on economic development, community partnerships, and improving quality of life for residents. His leadership today focuses on mobilizing resources, strengthening regional collaboration, and helping Rescue Mission Alliance expand its capacity to serve more people through long-term recovery, housing pathways, and restoration services.
Before joining Rescue Mission Alliance, Clint was a small business owner, employing more than 100 people through Garman’s Irish Pub. He and his wife, Gina, have three adult children and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren. Clint enjoys staying active in the community, supporting local initiatives, and investing in the next generation of leaders across the region.
VP, Marketing and Communications
Joann Gillett
Joann Gillett VP, Marketing and Communications
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.
VP, Operations
Tony McMillin
Tony McMillin, VP, Operations
Tony McMillin brings a broad and diverse background spanning administration, thrift operations, loss prevention, sales, operations, and project management. This wide-ranging experience gives him a unique ability to connect cross-functional teams, streamline processes, and strengthen overall organizational performance.
Tony began his career with Rescue Mission Alliance in 2012 and, in the years since, has advanced through a variety of roles that have shaped his leadership approach and deepened his commitment to the organization’s mission. In addition to his executive responsibilities at RMA, he has owned and operated several businesses.
Born and raised in Ventura, Tony has a deep-rooted passion for education, leadership, and service—values that guide both his professional and personal life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business, a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in servant leadership, and a Master’s Degree in Communications.
Tony is happily married to his forever, Margarita, and is a proud father to his 4-year-old son, Cal Ryan, and bonus kids Reyna, Julian, and Giovanni.
VP, Thrift Store Operations
Troy West
Troy West, VP, Thrift Store Operations
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.
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.
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.
Outreach Ministries
Rescue Mission Alliance Antelope Valley
Rony Aguilar, Warehouse Manager
Rony Aguilar, Warehouse Manager
Rony has been with Rescue Mission Alliance Antelope Valley for four years, and has lived in the area for over 15 years. He has a passion for making an impact in people’s lives, feeding people both literally and spiritually.
He and his wife, Maria, serve as prayer team leaders, men's and women's ministry leaders, and with high school and middle school students at their home church, The Highlands. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, and long road trips. They have two sons, ages 23 and 27, a black Labrador named Jack, and an English Bulldog named Max.
Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast
Luke Johnson, Director
Luke Johnson, Director
Luke Johnson is the Director at RMA Central Coast, bringing extensive experience in ministry, nonprofit leadership, and mentorship. A Central Coast native, he is dedicated to community transformation through faith-based service. Luke focuses on expanding support for women and children while fostering holistic recovery through an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Lighthouse for Women and Children
Leslie Painter, Director
Leslie Painter, Director
Leslie has worked in the human trafficking field for over two decades, walking alongside survivors with compassion, advocacy, and hope. She completed her education in Anti-Human Trafficking from Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice, which deepened her understanding of the complex dynamics of human trafficking and trauma-informed care.
With the incredible depth and breadth of her experience, Leslie is expanding the reach of our existing ministries to Rescue Mission Alliance and the Lighthouse for Women and Children.
Leslie is a proud Nana of four, devoted mother, and wife to her best friend. Outside of her professional work, she finds joy going to the beach, spending time with her family, gardening, thrifting, bookstore wandering, all while having a good cup of coffee in her hand.
Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley
Josie Casarrubias, Director
Josie Casarubias, Director
Josie Casarrubias is the Executive Director of Rescue Mission Alliance–San Fernando Valley, where she leads with a deep commitment to restoring dignity, hope, and stability in the lives of others. She is a compassionate and purpose-driven leader with over 25 years of experience and is known for her genuine care for people and her ability to lead with both strength and humility. She is also a dedicated leader in her church community, where she is passionate about mentoring and building strong families and supporting healthy, faith-centered relationships.
Happily married for 27 years, proud mother of five, and joyful grandmother, Josie draws from her personal experiences to guide and inspire others. In her quiet moments, she enjoys reading, learning, and spending peaceful time enjoying the outdoors and a good cup of coffee.
The City Center
Jim Duran, Executive Director
Jim Duran, Executive Director
A lifelong Ventura resident, Jim has led The City Center through years of measurable, life-changing results, and he continues as Executive Director under this partnership. His vision built the program and his leadership will carry it forward.
Jim came to this work by way of an unlikely path—from the restaurant and senior-living industries to founding a local church and three thriving nonprofits that serve marginalized and under-resourced communities. What unites that journey is a relentless commitment to the people most often overlooked.
For the residents, donors, volunteers, and community partners who have trusted The City Center, Jim's continued leadership is a steady anchor. The partnership with Rescue Mission Alliance strengthens what he has built—it does not replace it. The mission stays the same, and so does the person leading it.
Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank
Joshua Leon, Warehouse Supervisor
Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County
Michael Darden, Director
Michael Darden, Director
Michael has served at Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County for more than 18 years, driven by a deep desire to bring hope and lasting transformation to those experiencing homelessness and addiction. He began as a Chaplain, later serving as Program Manager and Assistant Director, before stepping into the role of Director in 2021.
In 2021, he married Laura, the love of his life. Together, they enjoy serving their church, game nights, bonfires, traveling, hiking, and exploring new places. In addition to his role at RMA VC, he also serves on the pastoral team at Calvary Ventura.
Other Leadership
Vocational Director/Construction
Kenneth Threloff