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MATTHEW CAMPOS, CLC, Executive Director
Matthew Campos came to Desert Best Friend’s Closet under contract in 2014 to develop the “Bridge to Employment” program, bringing job search readiness skills training and job placement services to DBFC's clients. He joined the team full time in July 2015. Before coming to Desert Best Friend’s Closet, Matthew was a placement services representative for Goodwill Southern California where he worked for 8 years. He oversaw the One Stop center providing services to 3000 clients annually. He is very active in his community, serving on several boards such as the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce, Desert Business Association, Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Desert Communities Chapter. Matthew has earned certificates in Global Career Development and Nonprofit Management from University California Riverside. |
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JOHNNY ANDERSON, Director of Operations
Johnny Anderson came to Desert Best Friend’s Closet as a volunteer on the Bridge to Employment team in 2017. He joined the staff as the Director of Operations in 2018. Johnny has a rich background in retail management and finance. Before coming to Desert Best Friend’s Closet Johnny was the Retail General Manager for Tommy Bahama in Palm Desert. Johnny also worked as a Team Leader in Credit Acquisitions for American Express in Salt Lake City. He is active in his community, serving on the board for Desert Communities Employer Advisory Council. Johnny holds a BS in Business Administration from Southern Utah University and an MBA from University of Phoenix. |
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Matthew McLeroy, Director of Development and Programs
Joining our organization in 2019, Matthew McLeroy has quickly become a valuable assset to our Bridge to Employment program. Matthew is our Job Developer who nurtures our relationships in the community and has a passion for helping our clients gain employment. He is dedicated to our vision of seeing all Coachella Valley residents becoming self-sufficient through employment. Matthew has a background in finance and degrees in Business, Marketing and Social and Behavioral Sciences. As a former client, Matthew is empathetic to our clients needs and experiences. Matthew's role in the community relationship building and client job placement has added a unique element to our Bridge to Employment program. Matthew is also the 2021 recipient of our David Chavez Inspirational Award given to the client who best exemplifies the attributes of character, integrity, and positivity in advancing their life. |
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CONNIE GOLDS, Founder
Connie Golds has a demonstrated history of commitment and service to the Coachella Valley, particularly with organizations that empower community members. As the founder and Executive Director of Desert Best Friend's Closet (DBFC), the only nonprofit in the desert that educates and empowers clients at no cost for success in employment and life through training and wardrobe services, Connie is dedicated to helping Coachella Valley residents have the confidence, tools and clothing to secure employment. Under her leadership over the past 14 years, DBFC has made a difference in the lives of more than 7,000 community members. Read more . . .
Her dedication and impact at DBFC has earned numerous accolades, including the ATHENA Leadership Award from the City of Palm Desert and Outstanding Founder of a Local Nonprofit Award by the Desert Cities Chaper of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a leadership award from the Angel LIght Academy. In addition to DBFC, Connie has brought her wisdom and passion for helping others to countless community organizaitons. Her directorships include the Riverside County Workforce Development Board, where she is the Chair of the Eastern Regional Committee Workforce Board; the Scholarship Committee of the Desert Community Foundation; and the National Board of the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits. As a Black Belt in Shito Ryu Karate, Connie also coaches youth in Karate. A resident of the Coachella Valley for 40 years, she is guided by the belief that she can leave the world "a little better than she found it"--and is an inspiration to everyone she meets to do the same. |
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BRANDON GRACE, Retail Associate
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