El Dorado County, Calif. — The El Dorado Community Foundation has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors for 2026, expanding local leadership as the foundation continues to distribute millions of dollars in community grants across El Dorado County.
New board members include Tara Christian, David Cooke, Janine D’Agostini, Mike Kuhlman and Don Sacco. They join Board President Paul Zappettini, Vice President Lynnee Boyes, Treasurer Pam Maxwell, Secretary Margie Kovarik-Maxhimer, and board members Shelbi Bennett, Jana Ellerman, Gordon Helm, Allan Priest, Dickson Schwarzbach and Brian Veerkamp.
The foundation said the incoming directors bring experience spanning law, education, faith leadership, event management and health care — backgrounds that align with the organization’s mission to strengthen the county’s nonprofit sector.
“Our board reflects the strength and diversity of El Dorado County,” the foundation said in a prepared statement announcing the appointments. “These leaders bring deep professional expertise and a strong commitment to service that will help guide our work for years to come.”
Christian is an estate planning and charitable gift planning attorney licensed in California and Nevada and a co-founder of Holmes Christian in South Lake Tahoe. Cooke has served as lead pastor of Cold Springs Church in Placerville since 1998 and works internationally as a leadership coach. D’Agostini owns It’s One Fine Day Events and has coordinated major community and international events in El Dorado County. Kuhlman is superintendent of the El Dorado Union High School District, with three decades in public education. Sacco is a retired health care executive and former CEO within the Blue Cross Blue Shield system.
The foundation also recognized outgoing board member Katy Peek for her decades of service. Peek was a founding leader of the organization, serving as board president from 1991 to 2001, and later returning for an additional 12 years through 2025.
According to the foundation, funds held at the El Dorado Community Foundation awarded $3.2 million in grants in 2025 to address both existing and emerging community needs. More than 97% of those grants were supported by local donors and fund holders.
Founded to support long-term community well-being, the El Dorado Community Foundation works with donors, nonprofits and civic leaders to fund programs throughout El Dorado County.
For more information, the foundation can be reached at 530-622-5621.
