Board of Directors
President & Acting Treasurer
Rachel McDonnell is a dedicated advocate for the transformative power of literacy. A former social science educator with the Fontana Unified School District, Rachel has been volunteering at the Claremont Forum since 2008. With a background in educational psychology and a history of board service for the Claremont Educational Foundation and Crossroads Women, she now focuses on marketing and fundraising to provide vital educational resources to incarcerated adults.
Rachel McDonnell
Sergio Perez
Vice President
As Vice President of the Claremont Forum, Sergio now focuses his leadership on the growth and vitality of the Farmers Market. He works closely with the city and local merchants to supervise market operations and enhance its role as a community hub. As a founding member of the nonprofit Public Communities, Sergio is dedicated to expanding the market’s impact by developing a "Kid Zone" and curated family activities, ensuring the space remains a vibrant resource for residents of all ages.
Lynn Burrows
Secretary
A lifelong cellist and educator, Lynn has spent decades sharing the power of music and literacy with the Claremont community. Her extensive teaching career includes roles at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and California State University, as well as founding several regional Suzuki and music programs. A dedicated library advocate since childhood, Lynn serves on the board of the Friends of the Claremont Library and oversees musical performances at the Claremont Forum Bookshop, bridging the gap between the arts and the written word.
Mary A. Eddy, RN, MSN
Board Member
A long-time supporter of the Claremont Forum, Mary’s journey began as a donor and shopper after reading about the Prison Library Project in the LA Times. Driven by the belief that books are life-changing, she transitioned from a dedicated volunteer to a board member in 2023. Mary brings deep literary expertise to the shop, including her work with the Penguin Random House Readers’ Insight Panel and the Center for Fiction. Professionally, she serves as a Physician Peer Review specialist at a Los Angeles hospital and lives in Pasadena with her husband and fellow volunteer, Blanton.
Dirk E. Silva, Esq.
Board Member
A board member since 2024, Dirk brings over 35 years of legal and mediation expertise to the Claremont Forum. Currently a mediator with the RCBA Dispute Resolution Service, his career spans private practice, corporate law, and over 15 years as a law professor. Dirk is deeply invested in the Claremont community, serving as a City Commissioner and a board member for Connection Club, a group providing social support for disabled adults. An active volunteer at the Claremont Farmers Market and a musician with the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, Dirk’s background is rooted in service and local engagement.
Ronald E. Riggio, PhD
Board Member
A Claremont resident since 1998, Ron is the Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology at Claremont McKenna College. An internationally recognized scholar, he has authored over two dozen books and 250 articles on leadership and communication. Beyond his academic work, Ron is a pillar of the local community; he co-founded the Leadership Claremont program and serves on the boards of the Southern California Service Corps and the Inland Valley Volunteer Resource Center. As a Board Member of the Claremont Forum, he applies his deep expertise in organizational psychology to support the Forum’s growth.