2025 AHIA Board of Directors Nominations

The Alamitos Heights Improvement Association (AHIA) was founded in 1923 when a group of neighbors came together to advocate for their community. What began as a grassroots effort to enhance the quality of life in Alamitos Heights has grown into a long-standing tradition of civic engagement, beautification, local advocacy and creating community.

Now, 100+ years later, AHIA is still powered by dedicated neighbors who volunteer their time to support and improve our community. As we prepare to elect our 2025 Board of Directors, we invite you to learn more about the nominees who will continue this legacy.

Lee Ostendorf -- A Long Beach native and 30-year Alamitos Heights resident. Lee resides on 8th & Terraine Avenue with her partner Pat Brown & their dog Buddy. She is the producer and manager of five Farmers Markets and owns a Specialty Gift Store. She loves living in Alamitos Heights and being a part of AHIA. 

Dan Ornelas - Dan has been a resident of Alamitos Heights for 22 years. He and his wife Cary have four children aged 15-25. Dan is retired from law enforcement having worked for the LAPD for 34  years, seven of those assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Dan also worked as the Chief of Safety and Security for the ABC Unified School District.  

Barbara Geortner - A resident of Alamitos Heights for 34 years, she lives on Ultimo with husband Jack and two cats. Volunteer and AHIA Board member since retirement in 2021; Barbara has acted as Community Liaison, Membership Co-Chair and newsletter contributor.  

Melissa Mihalik-Sipowicz- 12-year Alamitos Heights resident. Resides on Winslow Ave with her husband Matt, one-year old daughter Mazie and fur babies. CSULB Alumni. She has her dream job making dreams come true as a realtor and loves being active in the community. 

Catherine Grace has resided with her husband John and two kids in Alamitos Heights for 17 years. She owns and operates Urban Green Landscape Design Studio.  Catherine has led the neighborhood tree planting events since joining the board in 2023.

Jeannine Saucedo – Alamitos Heights resident since 2001. Jeannine lives with her husband, Mike, and has two children. Her children are proud graduates of Wilson High School and are now in college. She works as the Director of Philanthropy at the MTF Educational Foundation and has been an active community volunteer for many years.

Craig Wallace- A resident of Alamitos Heights for 29 years, Craig and his wife Amy value this close-knit community as the place they raised their son Cole, a recent graduate from TCU. Craig is a certified appraiser and realtor specializing in the area. Craig's commitment to Alamitos Heights includes a focus on neighborhood safety and beautification.  

Maria Kisska- 22-year Alamitos Heights resident. Maria resides on Orlena Ave with her husband Mike and daughters Annie and Eva. She works in sustainability and regulatory compliance for a global consumer electronics company.  A board member since 2022, Maria specializes in grant applications.

Charlie Nicholas— 23-year Alamitos Heights resident. Charlie resides on Windward Ave. with his wife Rennee. Charlie retired from a 37-year career in Aerospace and now works as a realtor.  Charlie has 2 daughters and 4, soon to be 5, grandchildren. AHIA Board member and Santa at the Tree Lighting Ceremony since 2023.

Naomi Hyland - Resident of Alamitos Heights for almost 4 years, Naomi resides on Ultimo Ave with her husband Eric, son Daniel, daughter Anneka, and Mother Jennie. She is an RN working in Bone Marrow Transplant at USC Norris. Naomi previously served on the AHIA Special Events Committee.

Lori Hess- Alamitos Heights resident since 2000.  Lori is a CPA and has been working in corporate taxes in the LA/OC area since 1994.  She is currently a Tax Director with Baker Tilly Advisory Group LP.  You may have seen her walking the neighborhood with her big Bernese Mountain Dog, Rosie.

Janine Ransom- A Long Beach native and 38-year resident of Alamitos Heights, in the 900 block of Terraine. She is an empty nester after raising 4 children with her late husband. She has retired from her position as the Director of Advancement for a private school in Orange County. Janine joined the board in 2024 to plan the Wine Down Friday events.

Annette Dhein- A resident of Alamitos Heights for over 25 years, Annette resides on Santiago Avenue with her husband Jim, golden retriever Rusty and son Jack when he’s home on college breaks. Annette works in tourism and has contributed to the AHIA board since 2023 focused on project management and event planning.