The Arc of San Diego Executive Team

  

David W. Schneider, President & CEO

David W. Schneider, President & CEO of The Arc of San Diego returned to this executive position in 2010,  which he previously held from 1995 to 2001. Between these times, Mr. Schneider served as CEO & General Manager of Community Medical Pharmacy.  

With over 30 years of experience working with people with disabilities, Mr. Schneider brings a wealth of knowledge in this field. Before joining The Arc of San Diego in the 1990s, he served as Executive Director of The Arc of Stanislaus County. Mr. Schneider has also worked in top management positions with several corporations including President & CEO of J. Wm. McGuinness & Associates, Inc., Senior Vice President of two large commercial insurance agencies, and Staff Analyst for Ralphs Grocery Company.

Mr. Schneider received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and his Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University - Fresno. He has been awarded the professional designations of Certified Disability Management Specialist, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Associate in Risk Management among others.

Anthony  J. DeSalis, Esq., Executive Vice President & COO

Anthony DeSalis has been continuously employed with The Arc of San Diego for over 25 years, most recently as Executive Vice President and COO. Prior to this assignment, he was Senior Director of Operations, Area Director, Workshop Manager and before that a Production Supervisor and Workshop Floor Supervisor.

Mr. DeSalis is a graduate of National University School of Law (San Diego) where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence. He was recognized for excellence in the areas of Law Review, Executive Notes and Comments Director. In 1992, Mr. DeSalis was admitted to the California Bar association (Employment and Business Law Sections) and is currently a member of the San Diego Bar Association.   

 

Rich Coppa, Vice President of Infrastructure and Facilities & CIO

 

Rich Coppa serves as the Vice President of Infrastructure & Facilities/Chief Information Officer at The Arc of San Diego, where he is responsible for the oversight of the Information Technology, Facilities/Maintenance and Vehicle Departments.

Rich has invested 17 years of service at The Arc of San Diego designing and implementing a state-of-the-art infrastructure. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, Suma Cum Laude, in Business Management from Capella University with additional degrees and certifications in Computer Science and Administrative Management.  Rich is also an American Academy of Project Management certified Master Project Manager.

Prior to joining The Arc of San Diego, Rich held the position within the United States Air Force as a Non-Commissioned Officer.  While serving in the USAF, Rich received several honors, which include the John L. Levitow Honor Graduate Award from NCO Preparatory School, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In addition, Rich is established in the business community as an entrepreneur, previously owning several businesses.

Rich is active in several community groups, including The Knights of Columbus, American Academy of Project Management AAPM ®, IT Executive Roundtable, and CIO Decisions. 

Chad Lyle, Vice President of Finance/CFO

Chad Lyle serves as Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer for The Arc of San Diego where he is responsible for the Accounting & Finance Department. He began his career with The Arc of San Diego in 2010.

Prior to joining The Arc of San Diego, Mr. Lyle served as Controller for both DeNardi Machinery, a Southern California heavy equipment dealership, and Landfill Gas & Environmental Products, a construction and manufacturing firm. He has also held accounting positions with Citizens National Mortgage and Wells Fargo Bank, in their mortgage loan divisions.

Mr. Lyle received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Finance from San Diego State University. He was also a member of the San Diego chapter of the Construction Financial Manager's Association for six years. 

Jennifer Bates Navarra, Vice President of Marketing & Development 

 
Jennifer Bates Navarra has served as the Vice President of Marketing & Development for The Arc of San Diego for five years. Prior to joining The Arc, she worked for the San Diego City Council and California State Assembly. Ms. Navarra has more than 15 years experience in public relations, media management, and marketing.  

Ms. Navarra received her B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. She holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and is a graduate of LEAD San Diego ('01). She is a devoted member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Trojan League Associates of San Diego County. Among her many accolades she was recently named a finalist in the 2012 San Diego Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Awards.

Serena Souza, Vice President of Human Resources/CHRO

Serena Souza serves as Vice President of Human Resources/Chief Human Resources Officer with the Arc of San Diego, where she is responsible for the oversight of the Human Resources/Payroll and Behavioral Resources Teams. Serena has over 16 years of executive-level Human Resources experience, and holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). 

In addition, Serena has obtained her Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) and a HR Management Certification from University of Riverside.  Prior to joining the Arc of San Diego, Serena worked for CRC Health Group (CARF Accredited Facilities), which is a nation-wide company that specializes in Recovery Treatment.  Serena has also worked for two well-known nonprofit organizations, Scripps Health and San Bernardino Community Hospital.  Serena served for three years on the Professional in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) Board.