Board of Directors
John C. Ludwig
President and Founder
Licensed family therapist MA, MFT 35+ years experience in Family Counseling including advocating for Individuals with Disabilities; Disaster Mental Health Counselor for Red Cross; Red Cross Counselor for Service to The Armed Forces; Life Time Member Paralyzed Veterans of America, Founder of John C. Ludwig Film Endowment Fund Saddleback College. John is a retired Captain/Pilot in the United States Marine Corps.
David Brown
Vice President - Finance
Co-Founder
David M Brown holds a doctorate of education with a specialization in health education from Teachers College Columbia University. He also holds a Masters of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Additionally, he has two Masters of Arts Degrees from Columbia University one in computers and education and another in health education. He is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist. He serves as treasurer of Muriel’s Angels. He is a life-long academic who has taught at a number of universities in both the United States and the world. He has served on the board of directors for the Society for Public Health Education and The National
Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc.
Dale Hight
Vice President of Operations
I have been working in the mobility industry for over 22 years , I am currently a General Manager well versed in Accessible Vehicles, Non Emergency Transportation, Wheelchairs, Scooters, Vehicle lifts, Hospital Beds, Respiratory Equipment, Orthotics & Prosthetics and Medical Supplies. I have been working closely with the Long Beach VA Hospital for over 15 years to help our disabled veterans with providing equipment that helps them have a better quality of life, I also work closely with The PVA ( Paralyzed Veterans of America ). I have been working with John Ludwig for several years to help him to provide vehicles for families with special needs children that can't afford one.
Malinda (Lynn) Brown is a retired academic and physical therapist. Lynn earned her bachelors degree from Indiana University and a masters from The University of Southern California. She practiced and taught physical therapy for over 30 years within Southern California. Colleges and universities she taught at included Fresno State, USC, and Cerritos College. She serves as the Secretary and Founding Member of Muriel’s Angels. Lynn has served on a number of educational and community boards.
Jay Mills is a real estate executive with over three decades experience helping companies reach their full potential and disrupt the real estate industry. He has held positions creating vision and direction for a variety of firms from Creative and Marketing Director to CEO.
Jay is passionate about helping people and has held multiple seats on a variety of charity boards. Jay serves as the Director of Fundraising and is a Founding Member of Muriel's Angels. Over the years he has served causes like the Special Olympics, The United Way and various local Children’s and Veterans Charities.
Secretary
Jay Mills
Director of Fundraising
Lynn Brown
Thomas Smith
Media Production
Thomas Smith is an award-winning Director of film shorts and commercials in the Southern California area with clients in California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas. Tom has always had an interest in the arts and after retiring from the Orange County Sheriffs Department in 2006 He went into video production full time starting Thomas Smith Productions. Throughout his life he has volunteered his time and talent to help numerous worthwhile charities and has found Muriel’s Angels to be worthwhile indeed. With degrees in art and sociology and a lifetime of working with people across all spectrums of society he is a respected addition to our board.
Raydell Kelley Escobedo
Hispanic Community Representative
Raydell, "Ray", is a businessman who has been an active representative for Muriel's Angels since its conception, not only in the Hispanic Community, but also in promoting the Charity's cause with many of his clients. He has been involved with various social causes, especially youth programs within his community and is a well respected member of his church. Ray continues to be a valuable asset for Muriel's Angels as our liaison with the Hispanic community.
"A fine gentleman I have personally known for 15 years." - John Ludwig, President, Muriel's Angels
Tres Pinkerton
Boardmember
Walter "Tres" Pinkerton III is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, supervisor, and practice owner; currently the Vice Principal of a private K-8 Christian school. Tres' attorney father (Walter Jr., "El Pinko") was John Ludwig's lifelong friend. They served together as Marine Corps helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War. After Tres lost his father in 2010, John mentored him through years of personal development and schooling to become an accomplished business leader. Tres knew Muriel (John's late mother), in whose honor the charity is named. Tres joins the Board with years of organizational leadership and fundraising talent to help preserve and advance the mission of Muriel's Angels.
Chris Eckman
Website Manager / Fundraising
Chris has over 20 years experience in Information Technology, Digital Marketing and Product Management.
​
He has been managing Muriel's Angels website operations as well as assisting in fundraising activities. Chris is passionate about helping others and helping Muriel's Angels communicate all the amazing work they are doing in our community.
​