Valley Churches United’s Two New Directors

Dene Bustichi and Jane Gordon appointed to the Nonprofit’s Board of Directors

Ben Lomond – Valley Churches United Missions (VCUM) announced the appointment of two new board members, Dene Bustichi of Scotts Valley and Jane Gordon of Boulder Creek. Bustichi is a general contractor in Scotts Valley, has been on the city council and currently serves as the city’s Mayor. Additionally, Bustichi serves as Board Chair of the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transportation District. Gordon, a 30-year resident of Boulder Creek, is a long time volunteer at VCUM and a former board member. In addition to serving at Valley Churches over the past 10+ years, Gordon has a long history of serving the middle and elementary schools in San Lorenzo Valley and a successful career as a technical writer. Both assumed their duties in late 2014 and have been getting up to speed on the operations and planning for the current year.

When asked about the two appointments, Executive Director David Mills said, “I’m delighted with the appointment of these two accomplished individuals. Each brings valuable perspective and a professional network sure to help us navigate the coming 2-3 years. Additionally, their deep roots send a strong message regarding our intent to remain focused on both Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley”.

Each year Valley Churches engages in an annual strategy and planning process. Bustichi and Gordon will be on board in time to participate in this year’s process, which is typically in early February. While specific committee assignments have not been made, it’s likely Gordon will be pivotal in streamlining and modernizing some of the client facing operations, while Bustichi will be instrumental in ensuring Valley Churches is well represented across northern Santa Cruz county.

When asked about his role and expectations, Bustichi said, “The legacy of service that Annette Marcum established will carry on only if the organization remains visible in the communities VCUM serves. I’m certainly aware of the good this organization does beyond San Lorenzo Valley.”

Gordon, meanwhile, is focused on streamlining client services and moving from VCUM’s project based approach to considering each family holistically. When asked about her interests in serving she said, “Valley Churches is an agency focused on providing emergency services to residents in need, but the trust we build with each family and the care we provide go beyond those services‐we truly care about our clients. And yet I wonder if there is more we can do to effect positive and permanent changes in their lives. That’s what I’d like to explore.”

Valley Churches United Missions (VCUM) is a grassroots organization founded in response to the disastrous storms and Love Creek slide of 1982. Now 33 years later Valley Churches United Missions continues to serve Families and Individuals in need in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley areas. VCUM has raised and distributed over eighteen million dollars in assistance and reaches over 500 households each month. Many volunteers have contributed countless hours over the years resulting in a thriving community resource and outreach agency.