Meet our Leadership Team.

Executive Board

Original co-founder

Vearl Smith

Founding Chairman

Abilene Christian University

Vearl’s servant leadership was honed as a county official, RSF Golf Club President and EVP, Marketing at Southern Farm Bureau Insurance. A native Texan, he's known for thinking big, having co-founded multiple scholarship programs and the K-12 Jackson Christian Academy.

Original co-founder

Greg Jackey

Co- Chairman

San Diego State University

Greg has spent 35 years in Wealth Management and Financial Planning. He has served as a board member for the non-profit Century Club and currently sits on the board of STEP (Support The Enlisted Project). In his spare time Greg enjoys golf and travel.

Laura Kreiss

CEO

...

Laura Kreiss is an accomplished entrepreneur, inventor, real estate developer, and philanthropist, known for her dedication to various causes. She is a passionate advocate for international relations, community leadership, and children's welfare. As the new CEO of the Future Legends Scholarship Program, Laura aims to create a lasting impact by building a strong community that invests in the education and mentorship of young scholars, ensuring a better future for America.

Eric Manese

President

University of arizona

Eric serves as the branch manager at Rancho Santa Fe Insurance. He has deep experience in professional sales. Eric has an overwhelming desire to have an impact on the next generation of leaders who will change the world for the better.

Steven Sakara

Treasurer

Baylor University

A native San Diegan and Future Legend’s first scholar, Steven moved to New York City in pursuit of his goal to work on Wall Street. After quickly moving up the ranks of one of the world’s largest investment banks, he transitioned to real estate private equity focusing on multifamily investments. In his free time, he enjoys traveling the world, playing tennis, and trying new restaurants. After experiencing the positive impact Future Legends has on the lives of its scholars firsthand, he was inspired to stay involved and support the growth of its mission.

Kathy McElhinney

Secretary

San Diego State University

Kathy McElhinney is a third generation Californian. She has been self-employed in the fields of real estate and property management. For the past 30 years, Kathy was, and remains, very involved with the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Golf Club. She has served as Captain of the Women’s Golf Team, Tournament Chairman, Chairman of the Women’s Golf Club and has served on the Board of Governors.

Heather Manion

BS Nursing

University of San Francisco

After growing up in Rancho Santa Fe, Heather graduated from college then served as a Captain in the Army and was in the Army Nurse Corps for 5 years and then a civilian nurse for 16 years. For the past 30 years she has dedicated herself to real estate, been active in the RSF Golf and Tennis Club and a past president of Rotary. As a Mentor, she shares life experiences and adventures as she guides and coaches scholars.

Jessica Kim

MD

UC San Diego

Jessica grew up in San Diego where she enjoyed playing golf year-round, especially at Torrey Pines, her high school team’s home course. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UC San Diego and her M.D. from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She is currently completing her residency at UCLA. Throughout her eight years of higher education, Jessica has been part of the Future Legends family as a scholarship recipient.

Norma Wiberg

Director of Partnerships and Administration

Notre Dame University

Norma is a San Diego native who has built a successful career in the mortgage industry for the past 45 years. She has served on the Boards of Friends of San Pasqual Academy, Sharp Hospital Foundation and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club and Foundation. Norma's passions include family and giving back.

Advisory Board

Annie Fonte

Chair

Harvard University

Annie M. Fonte is a dynamic Entrepreneur, Inventor, Artist, Consultant, Speaker, and Mentor. With a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, she left behind a successful corporate career to embark on over two decades of entrepreneurial endeavors, with multiple thriving businesses to her credit. Co-owner of Kate Grace Physical Therapy, she also serves as a thought leader, empowering individuals through a practical self-mastery program to achieve their highest level of living.

Steven King

Vice Chair

san diego state university

Steven is a Wealth Manager with over 30 years of experience with top Wall Street firms. He owns Cardiff Reef Wealth Management, Inc. As a California native, he loves golf, travel and volunteering.

Ambassador

Tim Cady

Chairman

University of Alabama

Tim Cady is a successful co-owner of Advanced Diabetes Supply, a prominent company based in Carlsbad. With a strong commitment to education and a passion for giving back, he actively supports various charitable initiatives. As the newly appointed Chairman of Future Legends, Tim plans to leverage his business expertise to organize charity events and raise funds, empowering more students to achieve success in their academic and post-graduate endeavors.

Emeritus

Dan Green

To Follow

To Follow

Original co-founder

Sharon Considine

San Diego State

Sharon is best known as a restaurant owner for 27 years. President of the USO, Coronado CofC, SD Restaurant Association, Coronado Hospital Foundation, SDSU Alumni. Loves her Husband, kids and 9 grandkids. Motto: "Live for today as it could be your last."

Original co-founder

Bob Baker

To Follow

To Follow

Original co-founder

Gail Kendall

Penn State University

Gail Kendall was employed 20 years with Ticketron; the last decade of which she served as Area Manager, San Diego. She is a founding member and officer of Future Legends; also, President of Community Concerts of RSF. Interests: Golf and fitness/weight training.

Bob Baker

Emeritus

To Follow

To Follow

“ A large part of leadership is teaching ... " ‍