Executive Board Officers

Shonda Vielbig, 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.

Eric Longenecker, Vice President

Real Estate Consultant

John Exell, Secretary

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.

Coral Hansen, Treasurer

Managing Director / B. Riley Advisory Services

Coral Hansen has been a resident of Ventura for over 10 years and believes in giving back to the community she cherishes. Coral has raised 4 children and they are the light of her light. She is a lover of animals and has years of experience serving charitable organization through Board membership. Her expertise in accounting (specializing in forensic accounting) is invaluable to the City Center’s mission.

Coral believes in paying it forward and being grateful for her friends and family.

Lisa Marquez, Past President

Sales Producer | All State Insurance Company

Lisa is from the little town of Santa Paula and has lived in the City of Ventura for the past 10+ years now. Lisa is a Licensed Sales Producer for Allstate Insurance Company and currently works at the Jill Olivares Insurance Agency in Oak View. She is licensed in property casualty, health, life, commercial and also has her series 6, 63, and 26 licenses.

In addition to being passionate about educating her clients about their insurance needs, Lisa is very passionate about helping those in her community that may not have a means to help themselves. She currently serves as the Junior Regent at the Ventura Moose Lodge where fundraising for the community is flourishing. Lisa is also a board member for Project Understanding where she believes in their philosophy of a hand up and not a hand out. She is the current chairperson for the Ventura Marathon fundraising event and participates by running a ½ marathon(13.1 miles) all while raising money for Project Understanding and its many services.

Lisa was very instrumental in creating the first “purple room” at the City Center Transitional Living where a survivor of domestic violence and their family was able to find a safe place they can now call home. She is extremely honored to now be serving as an official board member for the City Center and looking forward to the opportunity of having more purple rooms for those affected by domestic violence.

Lisa has two beautiful daughters and one amazing son but it gies her great joy spending time with the love of her life, her grandson Gauge! She loves running in her spare time and hopes to run a full marathon in the future, Lord willing. She believes that putting God first in her life makes all things possible and for that she is truly grateful!