We Are SBCERA
We Are SBCERA
A video series featuring stories about the people who define SBCERA.
Get an inside look at the people who provide the important public services our communities depend on, and learn how the retirement security SBCERA provides gives them confidence in their futures. These stories are full of personal experiences, purpose, the impact of service, and so much more.
Sarah Hauser
Meet Sarah Hauser, the Recreation Manager of Hesperia Recreation & Park District.
Born and raised in Hesperia, Sarah grew up playing on the same fields she now manages. From her early days in Hesperia American Little League to her current role, she has dedicated her life to participating in and giving back to the community. As a mom of two boys, Sarah is proud to set an example of hard work and dedication.
“The best part of my job is watching kids grow, develop new skills, and build confidence while having fun,” Sarah said.
Debby Cherney
Meet Debby Cherney, Chief Executive Officer at SBCERA.
Throughout Debby’s career, she’s been passionate about growing successful teams centered on purpose and the important role public service has in our communities. Guided by her leadership and vision, SBCERA has reached new heights and remains committed to the service our members are counting on.
Alix Anderson
Meet Alix Anderson, an Emergency Services Dispatcher at CONFIRE.
Celebrating 10 years of making life-saving decisions, Alix talks about the fulfilling and dynamic nature of her job. Regardless of the type of call, Alix remains calm and focused – meeting people on the other side of the phone during some of their hardest days.
“The purpose I find in this job is very fulfilling. I go home every day knowing that I’ve made a real difference in someone’s life,” Alix said.
Barbara Hannah
Meet Barbara Hannah, Chief Counsel at SBCERA.
Every since she was a young girl, Barbara was passionate about justice, and always aspired to become a lawyer. After accepting her position as SBCERA’s Chief Counsel, she dedicated herself to ensuring legal integrity and supporting retirement security for SBCERA members.
“I take my job and my role as Chief Counsel very seriously. It is a crucial and critical role in this organization that ensures legal integrity and compliance,” Barbara said.
Dawn Stafford
Meet Dawn Stafford, an elected trustee on SBCERA’s Board of Retirement.
Dawn’s father inspired her commitment to public service and helped her realize the essential role of government in providing vital services to the community. She was also profoundly impacted by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fueled her passion for equality and justice.
“Public service is important because the government provides the essential services that people need,” Dawn said.
Caryn Nunley
Meet Caryn Nunley, the Patient Experience Healthcare Program Administrator at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).
In her role, Caryn serves as a crucial link between medical staff and patients, handling feedback to promote top-notch care and service. Drawing from her experience as a health educator and reproductive health advocate, Caryn is committed to bridging the gap in healthcare access and education, especially in underserved communities.
Jason Low, Ph.D.
Meet Dr. Jason Low, the Deputy Executive Officer for the Monitoring Analysis Division at South Coast AQMD.
From a young age, Jason enjoyed learning about chemistry because it reminded him of solving puzzles. He started off as a chemist doing air measurements and expanded his work to include field measurements of air pollutants in different regions over land, air, and sea. Jason is passionate about merging science with public health and is committed to working with policy decision-makers to protect the air we breathe.
Dena Smith
Meet Dena Smith, President of the Retired Employees of San Bernardino County (RESBC), and a proud SBCERA retiree.
Dena discovered fulfillment in the impactful realm of public service, working across different departments throughout her career. Looking back on her years of service, she said, “The people who find a career in public service – what motivates them and feeds their soul is doing work that they view to be meaningful.”
Now retired, Dena enjoys golfing, traveling, and the freedom to shape her life on her terms.
Dr. Rishi Parikh
Meet Dr. Rishi Parikh, the Associate Medical Director for Children’s Services of San Bernardino County.
He works closely with healthcare professionals, community-based organizations, interdepartmental agencies, and manages a patient caseload. This gives him the opportunity to work directly with families and influence policy decisions and processes that impact the youth in our community.
“The best part of my job is seeing the impact that the team has on the kids and the families,” Dr. Parikh said.
Jared Newcomer
Meet Jared Newcomer, a dedicated Fire Captain with the San Bernardino County Fire Department and Trustee on our Board of the Retirement.
Always driven by a strong sense of purpose, Jared feels grateful to be a part of an organization that serves our communities in their moments of crisis.
“There’s a lot of responsibility to do well for the communities that we serve, especially in their moments of crisis,” Jared said.
Samantha Affleck
Meet Samantha and learn about her passion for animal care in our first feature of ‘We Are SBCERA’ — a video series that highlights the people who define our purpose.
Driven by her lifelong work with livestock, she currently serves as an Animal Health Investigator for San Bernardino County Animal Care.
“When I’m able to provide a good experience for animals or even owners, it gives me a sense of being and a sense of purpose. That’s what makes me know I’m in the job for the right reasons,” Samantha said.