Board of Trustees
Blue Oak School is governed by a Board of Trustees. According to the school’s bylaws, the Board is responsible for setting policy, overseeing financial affairs and guiding the school’s future.
The Board is also the guardian of the school’s mission. Blue Oak’s Board is led by elected officers, and trustees are nominated and approved by a majority of the voting members. The Board is accountable for the financial well-being of the school, including capital assets, operating budgets, fundraising, and endowments.
Current Board Officers
Carol Ritter
Chair
Biography
Shay Ritter and Mia Ritter (BOS Class of 2025). Undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley (Highest Honors, Anthropology, Class of 1999) and Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley (Class of 2003). Partner at Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty in Napa, California running the firm’s Business and Real Property Departments with a primary focus on wine industry mergers and acquisitions.
Kitty Oestlien
Vice Chair
Biography
Liv Oestlien (BOS Class of 2029) and Axel Oestlien (BOS Class of 2031). Undergraduate in Film and Television at Queensland University of Technology and MBA from Brisbane Graduate School of Business, QUT. +15 years of GTM execution in high tech, working at companies such as Symantec and Dropbox. Currently owner and founder of Tansy Wines, a women owned winery in Napa.
Jean Lord
Secretary
Biography
Audry (2031) and Addison (2028). Jean has a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Arizona and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University. Jean is currently an Associate Director of Portfolio and Program Management at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.
Current Trustees
Jae Chun
Biography
Annette (2018) , Amelia (2024) & Edric Chun (2028). Jae Chun is the CEO and owner of Dana Estates in Napa Valley. Born and raised in South Korea and went to Yonsei University in Korea and then had MBA at Sloan School of MIT. He worked as founder of a couple of startups in Korea and now full time vintner in Napa. Several years of financial work experience as well as founding small business and big companies.
Dan Haspel
Biography
Ellie Haspel (BOS Class of 2028) and Zach Haspel (BOS Class of 2031). Undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in Mathematics (2003) and a Masters in Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (2012). Managing Director at Golden Gate Capital in San Francisco, California leading the firm’s investment efforts in Technology and Financial Services companies.
Michael Jennaro
Biography
Matteo Jennaro (BOS Class of 2028). Undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College and Masters of Business Administration from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Founder and Principal of The Oak Knoll Group, full service Design+Build real estate development and general contractor (CSLB License 1096006). Additionally General Manager and Partner at Pathway Home Solutions, provider of home mobility solutions to MediCare recipients nationwide.
Cleo Pahlmeyer
Biography
Violet Watson (2027), James Watson (2030) and Maeve Watson (2033). Cleo Pahlmeyer was raised in Napa and her education took her east where she received a BA in Art History from the University of Virginia, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Connoisseurship of Fine and Decorative Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. Eventually returning to her family winery after working in the international art world, Cleo led many areas of the business before she was appointed president. After more than ten years with Pahlmeyer Winery, she led the sale of the business. Cleo is currently founder and owner of Wayfarer Winery.
Yvette Sherer
Biography
Ella Sherer (BOS Class of 2025) and Julia Sherer (BOS Class of 2027). Associate degree in Computerized Accounting, York Institute. The University of Phoenix completed two years of studies in Business Management. Certified Disputed Resolution, Las Vegas, Union Employees. Currently working as Executive Assistant at Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford, CA.
Mark Strode
Biography
Isabella, Matea, Julia and Vivian (BOS Class of 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2025). Carpenter and crew on Schooner Spirit of Massachusetts. Crew, boat builder and instructor for the New England Historic Seaport and Hull Lifesaving Museum. Graduate of North Bennet St. School (Preservation Carpentry-2000) and Franklin and Marshall College (undergraduate 2006). Founding Board Chair of The Phoenix. Board member Recovery Branches, served on Next Gen Committee, Development Committee and Board of Exponent Philanthropy. Currently owner of rental properties and nonprofit consultant.
Mario Marte
Biography
Sebastian Marte-Corona and Gabriel Marte-Corona (2030). Mario holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of South Florida, and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Most recently, Mario was the CFO of Chewy, Inc. where he helped take the company public. Prior to becoming CFO, he led financial planning and analysis and treasury in three successful private fundraisings and the sale of Chewy to BC Partners in 2017. He has almost two decades of experience in finance at American Airlines, Hilton Worldwide and Chewy.
Steve Taylor
Biography
Steve Taylor is the current Senior Project Coordinator and former Director of Finance for the
Westmark School in Encino, California. Prior to joining the Board of Trustees, Steve served on the Finance Committee and volunteered his time during the 2022-2023 school year to support the administrative team and prepare a balanced budget. Steve and his wife live in Napa.