LAYN is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, whose function is to set long range policies and goals, provide fundraising assistance and lend professional expertise to the agency. Members bear fiduciary responsibility, and supervise the Executive Director in implementing the policies they establish for the agency.

David Cottrell, President

After over a successful 30 year career as a C level officer in several leading public and privately owned entertainment, service and Investment Management companies, David Cottrell is now a CFO/COO Consultant and Strategic Business Advisor. He is known for his track record of leadership, evolving deals and nurturing startup companies, turning around problematic and unstable operations, being a visionary to grow companies and motivate talent, championing best practices and maximizing profitability, and driving businesses and optimizing outcomes.  “When I was introduced to LAYN I saw an opportunity to give back to the local community by channeling my connections and talents into something that benefits a greater good, the kids, and as important, those who work at LAYN dedicating their careers to the cause.”

Lisa Newell, Vice President

Dr. Newell graduated from Ross University in 1997 while doing her clinical training at University of Missouri Columbia. Being a native of Southern California, and a technician here intermittently for 10 years, she found it difficult to be away for three years. She was happy to return to practice as a veterinarian. She has been serving on the board of directors for the California Wildlife Center, a local wildlife non-profit organization, for five years. She is also an active volunteer with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This year, she will be playing in several events in the World Series of Poker, another passion of hers. She knew that being a veterinarian was “in the cards” for her, since telling her mom she wanted to be a “doggie doctor” since the age of four.

Lisa Ferguson, Treasurer

Lisa Ferguson is the managing partner for Premier Business Management Group, LLP, a business management firm, located in Sherman Oaks, CA.  Ms. Ferguson has been working in business management for over 30 years and started her own firm in January, 2003.  Her clients range from all areas of entertainment: actors, directors, screen and television writers and music.  Ms. Ferguson has been in Who’s Who for Women in Business since 2003 and has also been listed in Who’s Who and the Entertainment Business Journal for the same amount of time.  Ms. Ferguson holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.  Ms. Ferguson has done pro-bono accounting for the Elton John Charitable Fund and the Elton John Aids Foundation and she contributes to many charities.  She and her husband, Michael Miqdadi, reside in Valencia California with her son, Colin.

Hope Biller, Secretary

2-time Emmy nominated producer, Hope produced and directed documentaries for many years but is now semi-retired and spends the majority of her time raising two children (Sofia and Sam) and doing an inordinate amount of work volunteering at their school.  Hope grew up in Philadelphia and attended the University of Pennsylvania and has lived in Los Angeles for 17 years.  Residing in Los Feliz, Hope iis very excited to become a member of the LAYN board.

Diana Buckhantz, Director

Diana is a social issue public relations consultant with a 20 year track record in obtaining media attention for non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and foundations.  She has worked on issues as diverse as the environment, women’s civil rights, children’s educational programs, disability, and adolescent sexuality to name a few.  Through her work in the area of runaway and homeless youth, she encountered LAYN and was impressed with the commitment of the staff to provide a caring home environment for youth who have none. Diana is the mom of a remarkable 18 year old boy. She often looks at him and wonders what his life would have been like if he had needed to run away and live on the streets.

Alan Buckle, Director

A well established, respected professional in the banking industry, Alan brings to the LAYN over 30 years of banking and leadership experience. As a husband and father of 3 residing in Los Angeles, Alan understands how challenging life can be today for youths, even though they may have a safe and supportive environment in which to grow.  Meeting those same challenges as a homeless youth requires even more guidance and support.  This is why Alan volunteers his time.

Kattya Hidalgo, Director

Lucienne Hoffman, Director

Lucienne came to Los Angeles from Toronto in 1986.  Lucienne worked in the movie and fashion industry as a make-up artist.  She lives in Los Feliz with her two boys Jared (12) and Luke (8).

Perla Hudson, Director

Perla Hudson compliments the organization with her tireless energy, enthusiasm, and compassion for those in need. The wife of world renowned guitarist, Slash, Perla has used the couple’s high visibility to contribute to numerous causes from Muscular Dystrophy to LA County Family Services.  Her efforts have raised money and boosted volunteer registers for countless causes and non-profits.  Through her participation in street-level outreach programs she continues to advocate the importance of taking a hands-on approach to helping others. “It’s not just about writing a check.  The greatest reward comes from actively being a part . . . rolling up your sleeves and making a difference.”  She believes it is important to lead by example and in doing so hopes that her actions will encourage others to get involved.

Leslie Kaplan, Director

Leslie, a native Los Angelino, is a physician practicing adolescent and young adult medicine in both Encino and Malibu. While receiving her adolescent medicine training at Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, she especially enjoyed working with homeless youth at the (then) Los Angeles Free Clinic (now the Saban Clinic.) She currently lives in Encino with her husband, Robert, and three young daughters.

Brian Lee, Director

Brian Lee, Co-Founder of LegalZoom, was formerly an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP and a former Manager at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. He has substantial experience in consulting on tax and accounting issues specializing in the high technology industry.  Mr. Lee graduated Magna Cum Laude with at B.A. in Economics/Business from UCLA and received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law.  Mr. Lee is also the founder of ShoeDazzle.com

Donal Logue, Director

Fox Television Network Advocate/Volunteer Donal Logue joined the Los Angeles Youth Network's Board of Directors in July of 2002. Donal is an actor who is currently the lead on a Fox television series "Grounded for Life." Donal's introduction to LAYN was through volunteering at the drop-in center and participating in street outreach. Donal's compassion for at risk youth lead to an invitation for him to serve youth in a different capacity on the Board of Directors. He hopes that that LAYN will continue to grow and thrive, offering its "wonderful services" to at risk teens in the greater Los Angeles area. "I intend to contribute personally, both through financial and other contributions as well as dropping by the shelters and centers and lending a hand. Sometimes a good load of new T-shirts and socks is just what the doctor ordered."

Matt Louis, Director

A native of Los Angeles, Matt grew up in a single parent household dependent upon welfare at times; so he appreciates the struggles of many of the kids LAYN serves. Professionally, Matt has enjoyed a career in investments and finance most recently with Merrill Lynch. He also has an extensive background in global business development, business operations, and technology. Matt is blessed with a family consisting of his wife and three sons. "Beyond serving LAYN's mission, I trust that doing so sets an example to my boys of the importance of social responsibility and service to your community."

La Greta McHenry, Director

LaGreta is the Account Manager for the Entertainment Partners Budgeting software program and has been on the board for 5 years. She joined the board and came over after the merger between LAYN and Options House in 2000. "I originally became involved with Options House because I felt if my former boss, Bob Draney, who was the CEO of Entertainment Partners (now retired) and a Trustee Board Member of Options House, had time to do it, I must have some time to give back to those in need as well. Youth today face many challengesand that's compounded when you find yourself on the streets.I know I can't alleviate all the social problems in the world, but I can do something. Being a member of LAYN's board is one way I can go about giving of myself to help give a child the opportunity to pursue his/her dreams in life."

Douglas Stanton, Director

Gayane Tatoulian, Director

Gayane Tatoulian resides in San Marino, California.  She has served as vice president for a chain of high-end retail watch stores in the Southern California area for the past 22 years. Her charities of choice have pertained to children and animals.  Her love for children has moved her to serve as Chairwoman of ECF, a US based charity dedicated to supporting orphans in Armenia and other countries.  Gayane has organized numerous successful benefits to raise funds for this charity.  Additionally,  she has volunteered her time to several animal support charities.  Gayane has also been actively involved in her own children's schools through wide spread support of the PTA and other school based organizations.  " I feel I need to speak up for the ones who have no voice to say that they are hungry, cold, and need help".

Tim Wilson, Director

CEO for Ernest Paper Products Accounting and Fundraising Tim is the President of Ernest Paper Products and has been a board member for over 5 years. Tim was brought aboard because of the cause by a previous board member. Tim served as past president of a national charity dedicated to raising funds for children's cancer research. "My hope is that one day we will not need this charity or any other of its kind."