Committee Members
Committee Members
Select the tab for a member below to see their bio.
Member-At-Large
David H. Ready, PhD (January 2024)
David H. Ready, served as City Manager of Palm Springs for 21 years, retiring from City Hall in 2021. During his tenure as City Manager, he had extensive experience with public bond funding of large-scale capital improvement projects including expansions of the Palm Springs International Airport and Convention Center, a new animal shelter, Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, parks, and multiple other infrastructure projects. Additionally, he spearheaded the City's efforts on various public/private economic development projects including renovation of downtown center, and several retail and housing initiatives throughout the city.
David's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in political science from Kent State University (Ohio), a master's degree in urban affairs and a law degree from the University of Akron School of Law (Ohio), a Ph.D. in Political Science/Public Administration from Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan), and he is a member of the State of Ohio Bar.
Member-At-Large
Barbara E. Foster-Monachino (February 2024)
Barbara E. Foster-Monachino is an attorney with over 45 years experience practicing in Canada and the United States, serving as General Counsel to major international companies in the mining, technology and telecommunications fields. She is licensed to practice in both New York and California. She and her late husband founded and managed two companies; Technology and International Property Services Inc. and MFD Warehouse Restoration Ltd., a construction company specializing in repurposing heritage properties. Barbara currently serves on the COD Foundation Board where she is Chair of the Audit Committee and Director of Operations and Nominating. In the past, she has been a member of the Finance and Investment Committee, the Development and Presidents Circle Committees and Co Chair of Stepping Out - the major fundraiser for the Foundation. In the past she served on the Contemporary Art Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum and chaired Special Events. She has also co chaired fundraising events for Coachella Valley Repertory. In addition to these activities she has published two novels. She holds a LL.B. degree from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law.
Business Representative
Bruce T. Bauer (January 2024)
Bruce T. Bauer is Of Counsel with Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkey LLP, practicing in the areas of civil and business litigation, governmental relations, and municipal and public agency law. He has substantial experience in areas of banking, employment, real estate, tort and business law. Mr. Bauer is former Chairperson and Member of the Rancho Santiago Community College District Bond Oversight Committee. His is former Vice Chair and Member of the City of Santa Ana Planning Commission. He is a former Board member of the Heritage Museum of Orange County. He is a Member of the Desert Bar Association and is a graduate of Leadership Coachella Valley. Mr. Bauer is a Loyola Law School graduate. He earned a BA in Political Science from California State University Long Beach. He is active with LGBTQ issues and a member of the Lambda Legal Defense Fund.
Kelly Merchant
Student Representative
Kelly Merchant is appointed as Student Representative. She is currently ASCOD President. Her educational interests include Political Science. She brings with her EMT training. Kelly has volunteered for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Life Stream Blood Bank. She is a strong advocate for student involvement in College undertakings. Through this committee Kelly hopes to give back to the college and pave the way for future student involvement and increasing community leadership.
Term Started: September 2022 Term Ends: September 2024
James Dietrich
Senior Citizen Group Representative
Mr. Dietrich is a real estate investor, property manager, funds manager, contractor, and educator with over three decades of experience. He is retired from a 30-year career in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, transportation, logistics supply chain management, material handling automated design, installation, and project management. He is retired from a 15-year career in historic home repair. His community service includes Kiwanis of Palm Springs, American Legion, Southwest Church of Palm Desert, Sigma Pi College Fraternity of CSULB, and Fraternal Order of Elks. Mr. Dietrich has a 4-Year BS Degree and an Associate Degree in business and finance. He previously participated in the Energy Building Systems Technology Program at the College of the Desert.
Term Started: September 2022 Term Ends: September 2024
Diane M. Rubin, CPA
College Support Organization Representative
Diane M. Rubin, CPA, is a retired audit partner with the firm of Novogradac & Company LLP, a national public accounting firm headquartered in San Francisco, California with offices throughout the United States. Diane began her career at Price Waterhouse in New York after obtaining an MBA in Accounting from the University of Washington. She currently is an independent director of the Board of Directors of First Foundation Inc. and serves as Chair of its Audit Committee. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Accounting Foundation and is a member of the board of the College of the Desert Foundation. She was a member of the Board and Chair of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and served as a member and President of the California Board of Accountancy. Diane has also served on the Rancho Mirage Parks and Trails Commission, the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the Palm Springs Opera Guild of the Desert.
Term Started: September 2022 Term Ends: September 2024
Richard D. "Rick" Seeley
Taxpayers' Association Representative
Rick is a community champion and philanthropist. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Redlands and has done post-graduate work at the University of Michigan and University of Southern California. Early in his long career he attended California's Chaffey and Long Beach community colleges to complete his lower division studies. He firmly believes in the vital role community colleges play in the field of education.
In 2016 Rick retired from Southern California Gas Company after a 33-year career of increasing responsibilities culminating in his tenure as the Director of Procurement and Supplier Diversity.
Rick has served as president of the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Rick is also the treasurer of the LA Philharmonic Affiliates in the Desert, another group providing opportunities for Coachella Valley students to be exposed to classical music at Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
As a fourth generation Southern Californian Rick is founding and continuing director of the Long Beach Heritage Foundation. He is also a founder and board member of BuildOut California, the world's first LGBT trade organization focused on leveling the playing field in construction industry procurement opportunities for LGBT suppliers. He lives in south Palm Springs with his husband, Bradley.
Term Started: March 2022 Term Ends: March 2024
