EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – The El Dorado Community Foundation (EDCF) has welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors for 2026. Tara Christian, David Cooke, Janine D’Agostini, Mike Kuhlman, and Don Sacco join EDCF Board President Paul Zappettini, Vice President Lynnee Boyes, Treasurer Pam Maxwell, Secretary Margie Kovarik-Maxhimer, and members Shelbi Bennett, Jana Ellerman, Gordon Helm, Allan Priest, Dickson Schwarzbach, and Brian Veerkamp to round out the 2026 Board of Directors roster.
Tara Christian holds degrees in American History and Ethics from Arizona State University and earned her law degree with distinction from McGeorge School of Law. After graduation, Tara co-founded Holmes Christian in South Lake Tahoe with her wife, Alexis. Tara’s practice focuses primarily on estate planning and administration, charitable gift planning and land trusts. Tara is licensed in California and Nevada and is currently pursuing an LLM in Tax Law from Villanova University. She is active in the Tahoe community, also serving on the boards of the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center and Tahoe Learning Haven.
David Cooke has served as Lead Pastor of Cold Springs Church in Placerville since 1998, guiding the congregation through significant growth and impact. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is a Professional Certified Coach. David also serves as International Director of The Leadership Connection, mentoring leaders locally and globally, including extensive work in East Africa. His passion is helping leaders flourish through authenticity, resilience, and spiritual formation.
Janine D’Agostini is the owner of It’s One Fine Day Events, an event planning firm she has operated since 2000, coordinating weddings and major community, public, and political events, including the 2016 World Championship Gold Panning Tournament, which brought participants from 22 countries to El Dorado County. Janine has served on the boards of CASA and the Pioneer Volunteer Fire Association, and she currently serves as Vice President of How 2 Love Our Cops, a national organization supporting law enforcement families.
Mike Kuhlman has devoted 30 years to public education, serving as Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, High School Principal, Mentor Teacher, and History Teacher. He has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators for roles ranging from Teacher of the Year to District Superintendent of the Year, highlighting both his instructional and leadership impact. Beyond professional recognition, Mike is known for building strong relationships and championing initiatives that strengthen communities. Now serving as Superintendent of the El Dorado Union High School District, he continues to emphasize collaboration, transparency, and service.
Don Sacco is the retired CEO of Regence Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oregon and co-founder and Executive Vice President of the Regence Group. He has over 25 years of experience in the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, including a decade as CEO of a Washington Blue Shield plan. He served on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors and its Policy and Legislation Committee. After retiring to California, Don led a healthcare consulting practice and later served as CEO of Active Diagnostics, positioning the company for successful acquisition. He was a national leader in advancing consumer-directed healthcare products and services and a champion for our community.
The Foundation also thanks its outgoing Board member, Katy Peek, for her many dedicated years of service to the Foundation, as a founder and Board president from 1991-2001 and her additional 12 years on the Board from 2013-2025. While Katy’s presence on the Board will be missed, her wisdom and passion for this community will continue to inspire us long into the future.
The El Dorado Community Foundation works to strengthen the community both now and for future generations. That mission is driven by the impact of their grant-making, and they are proud to announce that funds held at the Foundation granted $3.2 million in 2025 to support existing and emerging needs within the community. Over 97 percent of this grant funding is made possible by many donors and fund holders at the Foundation, who serve as the true drivers of grant making impact throughout El Dorado County.
For more information on the Foundation, visit https://eldoradocf.org/.