Special Olympics Northern California Expands Board of Directors, Adding Community Leaders to Drive Strategic Impact

Five new board members bring deep expertise in finance, law, corporate leadership, community engagement, and athlete advocacy to drive organizational growth and inclusion.

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) is proud to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, Colleen Atkinson, Kevin Brown, Richard Rahm, Brian Wentzel, and long-time athlete leader Devon Yoshimine. The new Board members join SONC as the organization sharpens its focus on elevating every aspect of the athlete experience while building a sustainable financial foundation to power inclusive programs for generations to come.

"Our board is gaining five remarkable champions whose collective expertise directly supports where SONC is headed," said David Solo, President and CEO of Special Olympics Northern California. "From corporate finance and professional sports execution to grassroots coaching and lived athlete perspective, this cohort brings the exact insight required to help us realize our goals."

The newly appointed board members include:

Devon Yoshimine, SONC Athlete Leader, who brings nearly three decades of lived experience as a competitor, Athlete Leadership Council member, and advocate for inclusive education.

"Special Olympics Northern California broke the chains of isolation for me when I was seven years old, giving me a lifelong community and a sense of belonging," said Yoshimine. "SONC proves that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not defined by our challenges, but by how we overcome them and shine. Joining the board allows me to represent my fellow athletes directly and push for expanded unified sports in schools—ensuring the next generation grows up with an unwavering mindset of inclusion."

Colleen Atkinson, Senior Vice President at Fifth Third Commercial Bank, brings extensive corporate finance acumen and a passion for transformative community leadership.

"Every interaction I've had with SONC athletes and leadership leaves me inspired and full of joy," said Atkinson. "Having watched athlete leaders step up to lead meetings and address large audiences with incredible grace and confidence, I am honored to join the board. I look forward to combining our best practices to transform lives and ensure the organization's long-term strength through the power of sport."

Kevin Brown, Head of Community Impact for Sharks Sports & Entertainment and Executive Director of the Sharks Foundation, brings decades of executive leadership at the intersection of professional sports and social impact.

"Special Olympics Northern California has a unique ability to bring communities together through sport while creating environments where athletes truly thrive," said Brown. "My career has been dedicated to sports-driven community impact, and I am thrilled to support the continued growth and reach of an organization whose mission aligns so closely with my life's work."

Brian Wentzel, Vice President and Global Partner Leader at Cargill, Inc., and longtime SONC Swim Coach, brings 16 years of grassroots volunteering and program execution experience.

"Over 16 years of coaching swimming, I've watched a Sunday practice evolve into a second family for our athletes and high school volunteers alike," said Wentzel. "I am excited to bring a coach's perspective to the board to help elevate our athlete programming and ensure these life-changing experiences continue to thrive for the next quarter-century and beyond."

Richard Rahm, Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins and former SONC Board Chair, returns to the Board of Directors for a second tenure, bringing extensive governance experience and executive leadership.

"Having previously served as Board Chair, it is a privilege to return to the Board at such a pivotal moment in SONC's journey," stated Rahm. "As we focus on elevating the experience for every athlete and securing the organization's long-term financial future, I look forward to working alongside this talented group of leaders to ensure SONC continues to thrive and transform lives across Northern California."

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California or to get involved, please visit www.sonc.org.

Media inquiries, please contact Kimberly Angell, Founder, Wish PR at (415) 471-7272 or [email protected].

About Special Olympics Northern California

Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) provides free, year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. SONC creates inclusive communities through health, education, and leadership programs, empowering athletes to discover new strengths, abilities, and success both on and off the playing field.

SOURCE Special Olympics Northern California