The mission of the Vanguard University Foundation Board is to cultivate investment in the life of Vanguard University. Comprised of alumni and friends, this group of committed volunteer leaders provides input and secures philanthropic support for the university’s strategic priorities. This meaningful work enhances the opportunity for students to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith and to be equipped for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ centered leadership and service.
Angela (Oddo ’97) Carlson-Davis (Board Affairs Chair)
Angela (Oddo ’97) Carlson-Davis is a business woman with more than 20 years of experience in human resources. She oversees all areas of HR and OSHA Safety, including managing, training, hiring, benefits, payroll, termination, conflict resolution, and workers compensation. She currently works in the field of commercial real estate at Crowne Point Equity, LLC. Angela is a true supporter of Vanguard, a champion for Christian higher education and a three-generation VU Legacy family member.
Shane Elias-Calles ’17, MA ‘19
Shane earned both his bachelor’s in Business Administration and his master’s in Organizational Psychology at Vanguard. As a four-year member of the baseball program and part of the 2015 World Series team, Shane looks back on his time as a student-athlete with gratitude. Shane and his family own and operate Consolidated Contracting, a commercial construction company built on the values of integrity and lasting relationships. In 2025, the company was honored by the Orange County Business Journal as the Top Medium Sized Family Owned Business in Orange County.
Kyle Ferguson ‘95
As an attorney with more than 20 years of experience and founder of FBFK Law, Kyle Ferguson ’95 supports a multitude of businesses with a wide range of transactions. Kyle represents both purchasers and sellers in leveraged buyouts and mergers and acquisitions, and he represents both entrepreneurs and investors in venture capital financings. His clients include large and established companies, as well as start-ups. Kyle further assists clients with raising capital through seed and venture capital financings; private placements; and structuring relationships with business partners, shareholders and others. Kyle graduated with a B.A. from Southern California College, and he received both a M.B.A. and J.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
Emmanuel Pierre
Hyppolite ’11
Emmanuel Pierre Hyppolite ’11 is a first-generation Haitian-American businessman and entrepreneur with extensive experience across real estate, construction, utility and consulting industries. He is currently the director of programs and diversity initiatives at Hollins Consulting, Inc. He earned a BA in business at Vanguard, then went on to earn numerous post-graduate certificates and degrees. Emmanuel served on Vanguard’s Alumni Council and serves on several other boards and in leadership roles for universities and professional organizations.
Andrew Johnston ’16
Andrew Johnston ’16 is the vice president of strategic initiatives at Ministry Partners Investment Company. Since graduating from Vanguard University with a BA in business administration, he has worked in finance roles at CalPrivate Bank, First Bank and Ministry Partners. Andrew is a member of the Sigma Beta Delta honor society for business. He was appointed to Vanguard’s Alumni Council in 2020 and joined the Foundation Board in 2022, where he focuses on alumni giving, endowment allocation, and capital campaigns.
Kendall Kasper ’90
(Chair)
Kendall Kasper ’90 is a commercial insurance professional at Patriot Risk & Insurance services. He serves his clients by helping them build a sound strategy for protecting their financial interests. He also serves at his church in Rancho Mission Viejo and is active in other organizations that are advancing God’s kingdom all over the world. Kendall graduated from Vanguard University, then Southern California College, in 1990 with a BA in pastoral ministries.
Stephanie (Hillon ’03) Kearns
Stephanie (Hillon ’03) Kearns is General Manager of Jay’s Catering Co. & Ellie’s Table. During her first five years at Jay’s, Stephanie transitioned from Event Specialist to a Sales Administrator role where she focused on building a training program and implementing many of their current sales operations processes. Stephanie holds a B.A. in Communications from Vanguard and a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Cal State Long Beach.
Rob Knusten ’09
Rob Knusten ’09 oversees staff training, development, day-to-day operations and the compliance and financial departments at J. Derek Lewis and Associates (JDL), where he began interning while a student at Vanguard University. He brings the leadership, management, and vision essential to ensure that JDL provides clients with a level of service and professionalism that exceeds their expectations. Rob received a BA in business administration from Vanguard in 2009.
Bonnie Livingston, PhD
Bonnie Livingston, PhD, was an executive in the medical device industry for more than 25 years. She was formerly president and CEO of Salvatori Ophthalmics, a public eye care products company, and Iovision, Inc., a surgical products firm that was acquired by Pharmacia-Upjohn. Bonnie also served as management consultant and coach to CEOs in a variety of service and products industries. She is associated with several philanthropic organizations.
Justin McIntee ’98, MBA ’09 (Foundation President)
Justin McIntee ’98, MBA ’09, vice president for university advancement at Vanguard University, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Vanguard. Previous to VU, Justin was director of major gifts at Mission Hospital Foundation where he spearheaded a landmark $500 million comprehensive campaign. Since returning to VU in 2013, his strategic partnerships have enabled him to lead teams that have completed four capital campaigns and raised more than $34 million.
Ross Nelson ‘08
Ross Nelson ‘08 is the CEO and broker at Marshall Reddick Real Estate, which he has grown from 15 employees to more than 100 full-time staff and more than 75 contracted realtors in nine offices across four states. While at Vanguard University, Ross co-founded Krotchet Kids International, an accessories company that provides jobs in Uganda and other impoverished areas, and met his wife, Laura (Buckner ’08). Ross and Laura are President’s Circle members and Ross has served on the Vanguard Alumni Board.
Nick Peterson ‘09
(Foundation Secretary and Chair of the Investment and Finance Council)
Nick Peterson ‘09 is an advisor with Edward Jones, a firm built on the belief that the best way to do business is on a one-on-one, personal basis. Nick’s clients have appreciated the connections he has made for them while serving the community as a member of the board of directors for the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and president of the Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa. Nick earned a BA in business administration from Vanguard University.
Jim Peugh, MA ’01, MA ’02
Commander Jim Peugh, MA ’01, MA ’02, is the command chaplain at the Marine Corps Installations, East-Marine Corps Base Camp in Lejeune, North Carolina. He is an ordained minister with the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God. He served as the director of leadership development at Vanguard University from 1997-2002. After receiving a BA in church leadership in 1991 from Bethany College, he earned an MA in theological studies in 2001 and an MA in religion in 2002, both from Vanguard.
Mitchell Prevost ‘24
Mitchell is serves on the Vanguard University Foundation Board because Vanguard played a pivotal role in his spiritual, personal, and professional development. He served as team captain for the Men’s Basketball Team and graduated with a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. As Area Vice President for Caldwell Insurance Services in Orange County, Mitchel works closely with business owners to help them grow and protect their companies through strategic insurance and risk management solutions.
Scott Robinette ’90
As a pastor’s kid and son of two educators including a former Vanguard University sociology professor, Scott Robinette ’90 was raised to see the good in people, appreciate learning, and to reach for his dreams. While double-majoring in management and marketing, Scott and a few fellow business majors founded VU’s first business club aimed at helping students connect with local businesses for real-world learning, internships, and job opportunities. Today, Scott is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who helps individuals and teams discover, develop and deploy their unique, God-given talents and strengths.
Rocky Soliday
Rocky Soliday is the president and co-founder of SkyRock Capital, a middle market equipment financing and leasing company focused on long term relationships. He has over 16 years of experience within the small ticket and middle market segments, as well as highly structured lease transactions. Rocky currently serves on the on the Vanguard University Athletics Council and has been an ongoing supporter of VU men’s basketball.
Richard Varnell ’66
Richard Varnell ‘66, D.Min., pastored three churches throughout his career as well as serving as an executive and interim pastor. Richard was also the founding president of the Southern California Assemblies of God Founders Fund from 1998 to 2006. Since 1987, he has served as president of Palm Desert Tax, assisting ministers and churches reach their financial goals. He and his wife, Joy, have two children and five grandchildren.
Would you like more information about the Foundation Board?
Contact Us Today
Justin McIntee
Vanguard University Foundation Board President
officevpua@vanguard.edu
714.966.5458