our leadership

Heather M. Brown

Chief Administrative Officer

Heather M. Brown is an accomplished executive with 25 years of experience leading teams in private industry, local government and non-profit organizations. She is active in the Fresno, California community, where she serves on the board of the Central Valley Community Foundation and co-chairs the Race Equity committee for the DRIVE initiative, an innovative project proposing to comprehensively overhaul Fresno’s economic landscape. Infused in her career and civic involvement is a lifelong commitment to the health and wellbeing of children and women. Currently, she supports efforts focused on pre-term birth outcomes for Black women and building a continuum of care for Black children and adolescents. Heather grew up in Richmond, Virginia and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin Language and Literature from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Averett University.

Jim Rodriguez

Chief Financial Officer

Prior to joining Fresno EOC, Jim served as CFO at Kings View, a behavioral health non-profit with program locations throughout California and for Mennonite Central Committee, an international non-profit organization headquartered in southeastern Pennsylvania, providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief assistance in 60 countries around the world.

After earning his undergraduate degree in Accounting, Jim also earned an MBA with a graduate certificate in Accounting. In addition, he holds a Certified Specialist in Business Intelligence (CSBI) designation through Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

For the past seven years, Jim has served as an instructor of a Spanish-language church leadership certificate program teaching on the subjects of church financial administration and church polity through Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary. Jim has served on numerous community boards and currently is a Board of Director of Everence, a faith-based financial services organization.

Michelle L. Tutunjian

Chief Operating Officer

An advocate for change, Michelle L. Tutunjian is committed to solving conditions of poverty. For the past two decades at Fresno EOC, she has developed a record of innovative projects and strategic partnerships. In 2018, Ms. Tutunjian launched the Enterprise Division and is responsible for the oversight of six diverse programs with a combined annual budget of over $27 million. Enterprise programs under her leadership include: Energy Services, Employment and Training, Food Services, Local Conservation Corps, Transit Systems, and Valley Apprenticeship Connections. She is an active contributor to regional and national organizations, currently serving on the board of directors for the National Safe Place Network, Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, and the Cultural Arts Rotary Club Foundation where she is the immediate Past President of the Club. Additionally, she is a member of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Youth Council. Ms. Tutunjian was named “Administrator of the Year” from National Safe Place Network in 2012 and was awarded the Fresno EOC “CEO’s Excellence Award” in 2019. Ms. Tutunjian holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of California, Berkeley and earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from California School of Professional Psychology (now Alliant International University).

Jack Lazzarini

Chief Programs Officer

A native to California, Jack Lazzarini is well versed in program development and health promotion. Throughout his career, Jack has held a variety of both clinical and administrative positions. As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, Jack is passionate about creating opportunities that comprehensively address community health disparities/inequities. Jack is a Diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has worked with indigenous peoples to reverse chronic conditions. He currently oversees our Thriving Children and Families Services that incorporates Head Start 0 to 5, Health Services, and the Women, Infant and Children’s (WIC) Program.

Tate Hill

Executive Director, Access Plus Capital

Tate Hill brings 16 years of community development and business technical assistance experience, as well as 12 years in nonprofit management. For the last four years at Access Plus Capital, Hill has served as Senior Manager of Administration, Interim CEO, and Director of Administration leading fund development, strategic initiatives and administrative functions and has helped raise over $14 million in loan and grant funds, spearheaded the rebranding of Access Plus Capital, and brought on much-needed systems for sustained growth.

An advocate for racial and economic justice, Hill is board treasurer of the Greenlining Institute and executive committee member of the Fresno DRIVE Initiative focusing his work on supporting low-income and entrepreneurs of color. Previously, he was the President & CEO of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce that created the region’s first green business certification program and the Central Valley Business Diversity Expo.

Hill holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Finance from Fresno State’s Craig School of Business and a M.S. in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. He is native to Stockton, CA but was raised in southwest Fresno where he currently resides.