The City Center Transitional Living - Executive Board Officers

Eric Longenecker, President

Real Estate Consultant

Eric Longenecker is a lifelong resident of Ventura County. He received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management from California State University, Northridge (Go Matadors!). Eric is thankful to have been involved with a wide range of projects including many for-profit residential developments, public and charter schools, several bridges, a water tank, and a golf course. An environmentalist, Eric has also been involved with revitalizing dozens of contaminated properties into productive uses.
In 2010, Eric began attending Shepherd’s House Church in Thousand Oaks (currently Restoration Church in Westlake Village) and gave his life to Jesus in 2012. Eric has completed volunteer projects for Habitat for Humanity, Mexico Caravan Ministries, Mission Bridge, Ventura County Rescue Mission, and OUR Area Now-Ventura. He is a member of the Housing Committee for the non-profit low-income housing developer/property manager Many Mansions. He passionately believes in the faith-based mission of The City Center to equip homeless families with children the opportunity to rebuild their lives through self-sufficiency and is excited to be on the Board.
Eric married Jamie in 1999 and they have an amazing daughter.

Heidi Golff-Fleisch, Vice President

Realtor | City Center Mentor

I was born and raised in the Midwest and came to faith in Jesus Christ in Ventura in 2007. I’ve been a Deacon at CPC since 2010 and operated the prayer chain for twelve years. As a member of the Benevolence Fund, I recently succeeded in changing the charter to allow people from outside of the church to receive financial assistance. I also formed the Just Checking In ministry to keep in touch with vulnerable people living alone. I’m a City Center Mentor and have supported the ministry for several years along with several missions around the globe.

I’ve run a successful real estate business for 25 years and opened a branch office for eXp Realty in Ventura.

I have been raising my two Grandchildren for the last 12 years and am grateful to see my 18-year-old Grandson following the Lord. My daughter is a recovering Fentanyl addict. I was widowed in 2017 when my husband died from Meth addiction. Life experience has basically given me a Ph.D. in drug addiction and domestic abuse. I feel this background gives me a perspective that could serve the residents of The City Center well.

I married David Fleisch during the Pandemic in 2020 and we enjoy serving the Lord together. He is the President of the Elders at CPC and is on several Boards and committees.

John Exell, Treasurer

Retired Naval Officer

John believes that Jesus’ command to “love our neighbor as ourselves” includes using the talents and resources He has blessed us with to serve our homeless families right here in Ventura.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he attended the University of Michigan and then served 30 years in the US Navy, mostly overseeing construction and repair of ships. He achieved the rank of Captain and had the honor of leading two commands, one bringing him here to Port Hueneme at the Engineering Duty Officer School. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Senior Church Executive at Community Presbyterian Church where he was introduced to the plight of homeless families in Ventura. He partnered with other church leaders to establish The City Center in 2014, where he has served as the Corporate Secretary ever since. Using his gift of administration, he helps to manage the finances, HR, the corporate paperwork, and in planning various fund-raising events.
John’s bride Jane is the Mentor Coordinator for City Center where she uses her gifts to match residents with mentors. They live in Ventura, have been married 51 years, and have two grown children. Liz, a black belt and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor lives here in Ventura and Jeremy lives with his wife in Minneapolis and works for the American Banking Association. John is an avid organic gardener.

Bob Davis, Secretary

Loan Consultant

Bob Davis has been a Ventura area resident since 1967.

Beginning in July 1977, Bob has been active in the real estate and financing profession. Both as a Realtor and a Lender he is most known as bobthelender! He is pleased to be associated with First Bank, a fourth generation, family owned business for over 100 years. NMLS 249185.

The different markets of inflation, recession, stagflation and the eventual expansion from those times are experiences he has weathered and helped many people endure with prosperity. Real Estate Lending is not the commodity consumers are led to believe it can be! Bob loves to teach the facts of Lending Life for anyone willing to listen. Creating a real estate financing plan, good debt, is a favorite act of Bob’s. Takes time and often does not require a new loan, the best part is handing success to families of all shapes and sizes.

Bob is married to his best friend, Mary Gross Davis. They share children, grandchildren and yes… even great grandchildren! Living in Ventura has been a great gift and their married life is centered right here!

Making Ventura a better place is what Bob, Mary and his team seek daily.

Shonda Vielbig, Past President

Account Manager | Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED)

Shonda is a “Sooner” transplant to California. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she moved to San Diego upon graduation from O.U., where she received a degree in Industrial Engineering. Through her career in the electrical distribution industry she met Eric, her husband of nearly 30 years. Her sales career took a back seat while she devoted herself full time to raising their children. In 2005 she and her family relocated to Eric’s hometown of Ventura, where Shonda spent years serving the local community through volunteer efforts in church, the school district, and sports organizations. After 19 years, she dove back into technical sales as an account manager and lighting specialist at CED.

When Shonda was asked to serve on the board for The City Center, she knew it was God calling her to use her difficult childhood past for good to help others. Having grown up in a home with alcoholism and various forms of abuse, she knows well what many of the resident children have experienced. Shonda believes in the mission of The City Center to equip the resident parents to rebuild their lives for self-sufficiency, because in doing so, they have the best opportunity to provide their kids the stable, loving home they deserve. Shonda and Eric have three adult children, Joe (wife Kaitlyn), Emma, and Jack. They love this community and support many local organizations which assist families in need. Shonda enjoys singing and playing keys in the church worship band, hiking, camping, Bible study and book club.