Meet Our board

Deborah Wright, Principal, PneuMatrix Ordained (PCUSA) in 1978, Deborah consults in adaptive change management, strategic visioning, program development, Positive Deviance and Design Thinking as a PneuMatrix Founder and Principal. An Alum of Duke University and San Francisco Theological Seminary, she has served as Associate Pastor of Calvary SF, Trustee of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation, adjunct faculty at SFTS, Board Chair of Marin’s Homeward Bound, and Director of Major Gifts at SFTS. Following her Ph.D. studies (GTU) she formed Avalon Enterprises, consulting in funds development, corporate chaplaincy, strategic visioning, and project management in religion, education, healthcare, and film. She has been a grant administrator and grant evaluator and has taught Adaptive Change Leadership. Clients include The George Lucas Educational Foundation, Google, Kaiser Permanente, and the PC(USA). She is new to Zephyr Point, having only visited twice – as a conference keynoter and for a Synod Exec retreat.

Beadle began serving on the Zephyr Point Board of Directors in January of 2021 and currently serves as the Chair of the Program Committee and a member of the Development Committee. Beadle is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Hayward where he and his family currently attend. He has been to Zephyr Point numerous times with family for vacation, a church staff retreat as well as a couples retreat. He loves the outdoors, Lake Tahoe and the memories he makes with every visit.

Beadle works as a senior director of communications at Ubisoft, a leading video game company, where he helps lead corporate communications, product campaigns, Ubisoft Film & Television and worldwide media training. He enjoys bringing his vast work experience and a creative approach to the board and contributing to further the mission and work of Zephyr Point.

Beadle is married to his partner, Lauren Gibbs Beadle, who serves as Director of Children’s Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Hayward and they collectively love and care for four children, three guinea pigs, four chickens and one Corgi. Beadle’s hobbies include watching the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, music, dancing, travel and, of course, playing video games.

Rev. David Y. Won has served on the board since 2019 and currently holds the position of Treasurer. He is a Teaching Elder and has been the Senior Pastor at New Presbyterian Church for 22 years. David’s academic background includes an MS in Civil Engineering from Seoul National University and Washington State University, and he previously worked as a civil engineer. While pursuing his PhD at UCLA, he felt called to ministry and subsequently completed both MDiv and ThM degrees at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a member of the Pacific Presbytery, actively participates on the Administrative Committee, and serves the Synod of Southern California & Hawaii (SSCH), including roles on the Synod PJC and other committees. David was Moderator of SSCH in 2012 and served as Moderator of the National Caucus of Korean Presbyterian Churches, PC(USA) in 2017. Additionally, he is engaged in the Korean American Christian Community and works as a part-time chaplain in the LA County Jail ministry. David has been married for 42 years and is the father of two adult married daughters and grandfather to five grandchildren.

Jim Arce began serving on the Zephyr Point Board of Directors in January 2022. He serves on the Facilities and Grounds Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee. Arce is an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, CA.
Arce is a semi-retired real estate asset manager. He enjoys teaching, woodworking, and fly fishing travel, and is the Scoutmaster for Tiburon BSA Troop 48. Arce is married to Pat Arce. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Before the conference center grew to be what it is today, Nannette Notor spent summer days swimming, fishing, hiking, and exploring while staying at her grandparent’s cabin at Zephyr Point. Over the years she has attended Christian camps and conferences in many other locations, but she is excited to be returning to those childhood roots. Nannette retired as a clinical audiologist at the end of 2020, but she brings her passion for making events and activities accessible to all as she joins the Board.

Nannette continues her long-time membership at Westminster Presbyterian in San Jose, singing in the choir and serving on committees of her congregation. She also serves on committees of the Presbytery of San Jose, and the Synod of the Pacific.  Nannette loves time spent in her garden, whether weeding, pruning or planting. Her newest hobby is weaving, and though clearly a novice, she enjoys the challenge of learning a new skill.

Mark Frey is a retired Presbyterian minister who served congregations in Oregon and California, and then, for over twenty years as a Church Consultant with the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church. In that capacity, he enjoyed numerous visits to Zephyr Point for presbytery meetings and leadership support of educational events and pastors’ conferences. He is credentialed as a Certified Benefits Specialist and Retirement Plans Associate. He joined the Zephyr Point Board in January 2022, chairs the Personnel Committee, and serves on Nominations. Mark recently served as a Vice-Moderator in the Presbytery of the Cascades, and as a faculty consultant for Presbyterian CREDO, which supports pastors and church workers in areas of wholeness and financial wellbeing. He and his wife, Christie, make their home in Portland where they attend the Lake Grove Presbyterian Church. Mark is a baseball and college football fan, musician, enjoys cooking, and delights in exploring the natural beauty of Oregon. He feels especially blessed by his three grown children and their families, including eight grandchildren. Mark is grateful to be a part of this chapter in the life of Zephyr Point.

Paul Nibarger joined the Zephyr Point board in 2023 and currently serves on the Administrative Committee, Presbytery of the Pacific (PoP), is the Treasurer of PoP, and serves on the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Finance Committee.  He is a long-time member of St. Peter’s by the Sea PC and has served there as an Elder and Treasurer.

He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

Retired from the world of corporate banking and investment banking, he has served on numerous corporate boards, currently as Chairman of the Investment Committee of Volunteers of America Los Angeles.  He also serves with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide (TA) program as a Tax Counselor, the Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Region, and is a member of the National Leadership Team, a 15 member board that serves the TA program nationwide.

N’Yisrela Watts-Afriyie is a minister of the Word and Sacrament, a member of the Presbytery of San Gabriel (So. California) and  has connected with ZP programs and activities for over 30 years. She served on the Board from 2010 – 2016.  Currently, she serves on the Development and Program Committees.  \”Ministry Mosaic\” describes N\’Yisrela\’s life: pastoring, preaching and serving at all levels of the denomination. N\’Yisrela has a B.A. in Theater Arts and a minor degree in music. Her passions:  creative worship and retreats with a contemplative flavor; finding theological messages in films; writing skits; using music at every opportunity.  She enjoys classical,  spirituals, gospel, country western and jazz. Voice is her instrument.  She is \”Mom\” to son Deondre.  She loves animals and other critters.  She enjoys travel (five continents and several Caribbean countries) and camping in Yosemite. N\’Yisrela and terrier, Yolanda, live in Inglewood, California. Yet, wherever she is, she strives to answer God\’s call with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. \”The eternal God, my strength, has made my feet like a deer\’s feet  and lets me walk on high places.\”  (from Habakkuk 3:19)

Jim Upshaw has served on the Zephyr Point Guest Services Committee since 2020, and currently chairs that committee. He is also a member of the Personnel committee, Class of 2026. Jim was ordained and served as an elder at Presbyterian Church of the Roses in Santa Rosa, CA, before moving north to Port Townsend, WA with his wife Cyndy, to be near to his son and daughter in the Pacific Northwest. Jim has recently retired as founder and President of Upshaw Performance Systems, a leadership coaching and consulting company, specializing in people and performance management.

Jim’s love affair with Zephyr Point began in 1956 when his father, Rev. Jim Upshaw, signed a lease to begin building Cabin 79 at the end of Lookout Trail. Having introduced four generations of Upshaws, in-laws, and family members to God’s Zephyr creation, Jim hopes to continue building the love and legacy of Zephyr Point through his work on the Board.

Jim enjoys travel, bicycling, kayaking and golf, while spending time with his family.

Rev. Irvin Porter has been pastor at Church of the Indian Fellowship in Tacoma, WA since 2001 and an Associate for Native American Intercultural Congregational Support for the Racial Equity and Women’s Intercultural Ministries of the PCUSA. He works with the 97 Native American Presbyterian Churches throughout the country on Leadership Development, training, youth and conducts workshops in the PCUSA on Native American issues. His first visit to Zephyr Point was in 1999 for a conference.

Irvin is descended from the Pima, T’hono O’odham and Nez Perce tribes, grew up in Phoenix AZ and is a former banker. He has been in involved with mid-councils in the Tacoma, WA area before beginning work for the PCUSA. Irvin has been married to Rev. Anne-Cecile, originally from France, since 2001 and they have two-cocker spaniels, Denali and Kenai. They live in Puyallup, WA.

Sarah Reyes-Gibbs is retired from her first call after serving 18 years at Bethel Community Presbyterian Church, San Leandro. During this time, she received her DMin in Parish Revitalization. Sarah is still figuring out what retirement means. So in the meantime she is keeping busy with transitional/bridge, consulting and pulpit supply opportunities which have included Trinity, Stockton; New Bridges, Hayward; Davis Community Church, Davis;  Clayton Valley, Clayton; and Christ United, SF. Sarah and her spouse, Joel Gibbs live in Walnut Creek and spend their time with their children and grandchildren. They love being a Lola and Lolo (Tagalog grandmother and grandfather). Sarah’s perspective on life, faith and justice is shaped by her trust in God in Christ, family and life experiences as a Filipina-American.

Sandy Thoits joined the Zephyr Point Board in 2024 and serves on the Program Committee and Nominating Committee.  Sandy is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has been serving as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Santa Barbara since 2018.  At the Synod level, Sandy chairs the Polity and Records Committee for the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. Sandy has a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara and a J.D. from Berkeley Law.  Sandy lives in Santa Barbara and enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with her family.  She is an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Joanna Dunn is a Minister of Word and Sacrament/Teaching Elder and member of Cascades Presbytery.  She has served congregations in Michigan (two times), Idaho, and currently serves at Bethany Presbyterian Church – Portland, Oregon. She originally hails from San Francisco’s Chinatown. Joanna served on the board from 2011-2014 while in Boise Presbytery and rejoined the board in 2024.  She serves on the Personnel Committee and the Facilities and Grounds Committee.

She has been active in various PCUSA entities from local churches to Presbyteries, to synod commissioner, Triennium delegation leader, to National Asian Presbyterian Caucus, to General Assembly commissioner, as well as other areas of the church. She currently is on the General Assembly Administrative Commission for Mid-Council. Joanna also serves on the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon board.

Joanna enjoys bringing people together ~ celebrating God’s paintbrush of diversity, loves all things Disney, cherishes her time with family, and finds travel energizing!

Fred Harrell is a longtime pastor, spiritual director, and community leader who has spent nearly three decades building thoughtful, justice-oriented Christian communities in the Bay Area. Originally from Central Florida, he moved to San Francisco in 1996 to found City Church San Francisco, which grew into a vibrant, multi-site congregation known for its commitment to inclusion, compassionate care, and theological depth. 

Fred’s ministry has been defined by a steady commitment to widening the circle of belonging. In 2015, he guided City Church into becoming fully open and affirming of LGBTQ people, a decision that, while costly, reshaped the congregation into a more welcoming and courageous spiritual home. After transitioning out of his senior pastor role, he completed certification in spiritual direction, founded Cultivate—a coaching and spiritual formation nonprofit for pastors—and now serves as the Transitional Pastor of Stone Church of Willow Glen (PCUSA).

He and his wife, Terely, have been married since 1986 and have four adult children. Fred is an avid sports fan, food lover, and enthusiastic story-collector who believes that listening well is one of the holiest acts a person can offer.

Rev. Dr. Bob Stebe is retired from Hillsboro Presbyterian Church in 2022 after 39 years of ordained ministry. He spent many of those years in youth and camping ministry, including 13 runs as a small group leader at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. He recently served Presbytery of The Cascades as a synod commissioner and was moderator for the Synod of the Pacific. Bob and Lisa have been married for 46 years and have three grown daughters; one married; two granddaughters; a dog and a cat. Bob is one of the scorekeepers for the Hillsboro Hops (minor league baseball team for the Arizona Diamondbacks) and Lisa handles the guest service table. He does some substitute teaching and often has a guitar with him. He and Lisa are big fans of baseball, Disneyland and the outdoors, especially Yosemite.

Steve Ogg has served on the Zephyr Point Board since 2025. He is also a member of the Personnel and Nominating committees. Steve was ordained and served as an elder at Ojai Presbyterian Church, in Ojai CA, before moving to Truckee, CA with his wife Debi, to be nearer their daughter and her family in Northern California. Steve retired in after 37 years with Raytheon, where he was responsible for Operations, Supply Chain Management and Mission Assurance over the course of his career.

Steve was also the lead singer in a 50’/60’s rock and roll band for over 40 years, performing across the US, internationally and featured on cruise ships.

Steve and Debi enjoy international travel, and spending time with their three children and three grandchildren.

Peter Gernold’s connection to the Presbyterian Church began at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in Orchard Park, NY where he was confirmed. He graduated with a BS from Hiram College, a MS from Canisius College and he has his CPCU Degree in insurance.

Over the years, Peter became engaged in many areas of congregational life. He spent nine years as an advisor to the Senior High Fellowship. He later served four separate terms as an Elder. Peter devoted much of his time and energy to stewardship and financial leadership. Among his most meaningful experiences was serving on the steering committee for the 2006 Capital Gifts Campaign at the invitation of Dick Young. That connection with Dick brought him to Zephyr Point.

Along with his church life, Peter has a son and daughter – one living in Houston, TX and the other in Rochester, NY with their families of all granddaughters! He had a 45 year insurance career helping companies own and develop captive insurance risk management programs to fund their property and casualty programs.

Upon his retirement, Peter relocated to San Diego to join his husband, Brian McGoldrick, an ordained minister. Together they remain actively connected to church and their families.

Peter’s faith journey continues to be shaped by gratitude for the relationships, ministries, and communities that have defined his life values that he brings with enthusiasm to the Board of the Zephyr Conference Center.