The California Wellness Foundation Sabbatical Program was created to improve the long-term effectiveness of health-focused nonprofits by providing their executives with the rest they need to continue to direct their organizations' missions. The leadership support program - now in its sixth year - provides eight organizations each with a $35,000 grant to cover the leader's salary and expenses during the sabbatical, which lasts a minimum of three months.

Serge Dedina, Executive Director, Wildcoast

After spending much of his life fighting environmental inequities associated with poverty, in 2000, Serge Dedina founded Wildcoast, an environmental agency focused on policy and advocacy to clean and protect water resources in California’s border communities.

Linnea Hunter, CEO, Mendocino Community Health Clinic, Inc.

Linnea Hunter has been the CEO of Mendocino Community Health Clinic (MCHC) in Ukiah since 1992. MCHC operates three centers that provide comprehensive health services in rural Northern California to more than 22,000 patients each year.

Katherine Kneer, President and CEO, California Planned Parenthood Education Fund, Inc.

Katherine Kneer has been the president and CEO of the California Planned Parenthood Education Fund (CPPEF) in Sacramento since it was founded in 1972 by California’s nine Planned Parenthood affiliates as a statewide policy office.

Vannessa Lindsey, CEO, Another Choice, Another Chance

At the age of 22, Vannessa Lindsey founded Another Choice, Another Chance (ACAC) in 1987 and has served as its CEO since 1994.

Linda Broadous Miles, Executive Director, Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center

Linda Broadous Miles has been the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center’s executive director since 1995. During her tenure, the center has strengthened and expanded its programs.

Dee O’Brien, Executive Director, Walnut Avenue Women’s Center

Dee O’Brien first became involved with the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center (WAWC) as a board member and volunteer — and two years later, in 1993, was hired as its executive director.

Margo Leathers Sidener, President and CEO, Breathe California of the Bay Area

In 1987, Margo Leathers Sidener became executive director of a California chapter of the American Lung Association. Following the 2006 reorganization of that national organization, five California chapters formed their own independent organization – Breathe California – with Sidener as president and CEO of a Bay Area chapter in San Jose serving Santa Clara, San Benito and Alameda counties.

Houa Vang, Executive Director, Merced Lao Family Community, Inc.

Houa Vang has served as executive director of Merced Lao Family Community (MLFC) since 1988. Established in 1982, MLFC offers a variety of culturally competent health and social service programs to expand self-sufficiency and self-respect among Southeast Asians, many of whom came to the Central Valley as refugees.