We believe impactful work starts with a committed team. Through prevention and intervention efforts, creativity and promotion, LVCHO staff work collaboratively to fulfil the organization’s mission. The LVCHO Board of Directors brings decades of expertise as professionals in the medical field and social sector. Every Board member is a resident of the Lompoc Valley and jointly serves as the governing body for the agency.
Executive Director
Part of the Team Since 2013
A proud Lompoc native, Ashley Costa has dedicated her career to fostering community resilience, health equity, and systems change in her hometown. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from UCLA in 2009 and has since become a leader in public-private partnerships, organizational leadership, and strategic thinking.
As the Executive Director of LVCHO, Ashley plays a pivotal role in advancing health-focused initiatives, building partnerships, and ensuring the organization remains a trusted community resource. LVCHO is one of the few Lompoc-based and Lompoc-serving nonprofits, and it has been making an impact for 25 years. Ashley is proud to be part of that legacy, contributing to improved health outcomes while embracing innovation and collaboration. Her work allows her to give back to the community that raised her and create lasting change. She is passionate about the social determinants of health, local government, and developing sustainable, long-term solutions that benefit Lompoc residents.
Beyond LVCHO, Ashley serves as a Board Member for Leading From Within, where she supports leadership development across sectors. Since joining LVCHO in July 2013, she has been instrumental in strengthening the organization's reputation as a trusted partner to the community, philanthropy, and local agencies. She takes pride in being a tireless advocate for Lompoc, ensuring that the voices and needs of the community are heard and addressed. She is especially grateful to be raising her two-year-old daughter, Olive, in Lompoc alongside her husband, Jimmy.
Ashley’s guiding philosophy is “Live long and prosper,” reflecting her forward-thinking and resilient approach to leadership. She was elected to public office at just 23 years old, marking the beginning of her lifelong dedication to service and community impact.
Director of Community Programs
Part of the Team Since 2023
A passionate advocate for health equity, education, and community empowerment, bringing a wealth of experience in community engagement, leadership development, and governance. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Political Science from Allan Hancock College in 2017 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Spanish from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2020.
As the Director of Community Programs at the LVCHO, Brenda leads initiatives that advance wellness, equity, and resilience in underserved communities. She also serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the American Association of University Women, Lompoc-Vandenberg Branch, and is a Board Member for the Lompoc Unified School District, where she advocates for accessible education and community-driven solutions.
Brenda’s work at LVCHO reflects her deep commitment to collaboration and advocacy. She has had the privilege of partnering with remarkable community leaders to drive impactful programs and policy initiatives. A highlight of her work is the launch of Cafecito Comunitario, a program that builds trust, fosters connection, and promotes resource-sharing within the Latino community.
Guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," Brenda is dedicated to amplifying community voices, creating lasting change, and ensuring that Lompoc continues to grow as an equitable and inclusive community.
Administration & Development Manager
Part of the Team Since 2024
A Lompoc native, Alexander Murkison is deeply committed to social justice, mental health, health equity, and youth development. He graduated from Lompoc High School in 2019 and earned a degree in Business Administration from Allan Hancock College in 2021. With expertise in strategic development, fundraising, organizational growth, administration, donor relations, and community engagement, Alexander plays a key role in advancing local nonprofit initiatives.
Currently serving as Administration & Development Manager at LVCHO, he is also actively involved with Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara, C4 Lompoc, FUTURE for Lompoc Youth, Savie Health, and Voces Sin Fronteras Lompoc. His motivation to serve at LVCHO stems from his passion for ensuring health for all—recognizing that health extends beyond physical well-being to include mental, emotional, and social factors.
Since joining LVCHO in March 2024, Alexander has already made a significant impact by launching LVCHO’s first-ever fundraising campaign & event and raising over $100,000. His dedication to strengthening the Lompoc community is guided by the words: "Don't forget when you leave here why you came.
BOP Healthcare Account Manager
Part of the Team Since 2012
A proud Lompoc native, Brianne White graduated from Lompoc High School in 2005 and has dedicated her career to improving healthcare accessibility. She has been a valued member of LVCHO since March 2012 and is now in her 13th year with the organization. In 2022, she was appointed as the BOP Healthcare Account Manager, overseeing healthcare contracts and ensuring the effective delivery of medical services.
Committed to continuous learning, Brianne has a certification in Strategic Healthcare Leadership from eCornell. This program is helping her enhance her leadership skills while gaining deeper insights into the challenges and solutions within healthcare management.
Passionate about mental health advocacy and community well-being, Brianne takes pride in seeing the impact of LVCHO’s initiatives and how they positively shape lives in Lompoc. She believes in the importance of self-advocacy and is guided by the quote: "You are allowed to make a big deal about things that are important to you."
Beyond her professional life, Brianne has a deep passion for all things festive. The holiday spirit isn’t just seasonal for her—it’s a year-round celebration! Whether she’s watching Halloween and Christmas movies no matter the time of year or finding ways to spread joy in every season, her love for festivities shines through. This same warmth and enthusiasm extend to her personal life, where family always comes first. You’ll often find her cheering on her kids at their games, enjoying a family camping trip, or making memories on vacation.
Program Coordinator
Part of the Team Since 2024
Originally from San Salvador, El Salvador, Sonia Sandoval has called Lompoc home for many years. She has dedicated her career to community engagement and advocacy, using her voice to uplift diverse communities and promote cultural equity. As a Program Coordinator at LVCHO since March 2024, she has worked to build connections between individuals and resources, ensuring that Lompoc’s growing and diverse population is represented and supported.
Sonia also serves on the Lompoc Concert Association Board, where she helps foster arts and cultural enrichment in the community. Passionate about social causes, mental health, and cultural equity, she is a strong advocate for representation and inclusion in all aspects of community life.
A member of LVCHO for over 10 years, Sonia is proud to witness the organization’s growth in embracing cultural diversity and expanding its outreach to meet the evolving needs of the community. She believes in the power of collective action and finds motivation in advocating for those whose voices need to be heard.
Sonia’s work is guided by the simple but powerful words: "Mi Familia - My family." A fun fact? Although she doesn’t know how to swim, she successfully taught her children how to!
Chair
Member of the Board Since 2003
Dr. Carl Schlosser, who grew up in Santa Barbara, earned his medical degree from UC San Diego in 1984, followed by an internship at the University of Colorado and a residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. With decades of experience in the medical field, he has served the Lompoc community as a physician at LVMC and North H Center. His passion for health equity, social justice, and expanding healthcare access has been a driving force behind his work.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Schlosser has been a dedicated member of the LVCHO board, playing a key role in shaping community-based healthcare initiatives. He has helped support numerous programs, including Savie Health, that provide vital medical resources to underserved populations. His commitment to making quality healthcare accessible for all has had a lasting impact on the region.
Dr. Schlosser lives by the words, "Don't judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes," a philosophy that reflects his deep empathy and patient-centered approach to medicine. Outside of his professional life, he has a love for the ocean and enjoys surfing—a hobby that keeps him grounded and connected to nature.
Board Treasurer
Member of the Board Since 2018
Originally from Whittier, CA, Steve Popkin has dedicated his career to healthcare management, finance, and business development. With more than 39 years of senior management experience in the healthcare industry, he has spent 24 years as CEO of various for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals across California.
Steve retired as Chief Executive Officer of Lompoc Valley Medical Center in September 2024, a position he had held since February 2019. Throughout his career, he has been a committed advocate for improving healthcare access, operational efficiency, and patient-centered care. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Hospital Association of Southern California, District Hospital Leadership Forum, Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board, Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local and regional community organizations.
A proud graduate of California State University, Fullerton (B.A. in Business Administration) and California State University, Los Angeles (MBA), Steve continues to leverage his expertise to support mental health initiatives and equitable healthcare solutions in Lompoc. Since joining the LVCHO board in 2019, he has been instrumental in coordinating medical services for the BOP and the incarcerated individuals for whom they are responsible.
Steve’s dedication to community healthcare and social impact is guided by the words: "Courage does not always roar, sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow." His leadership and advocacy ensure that Lompoc residents—especially those lacking financial or other resources—have access to quality healthcare services and community support.
Board Secretary
Member of the Board Since 2021
Originally from Eastchester, New York, Dr. Christopher Taglia pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami before earning his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2012. His extensive training in general surgery and metabolic health led him to become the Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Director of the Lompoc Health Weight Loss Program. A dedicated advocate for public health, health equity, and mental health awareness, Dr. Taglia has been instrumental in bringing innovative healthcare solutions to the Lompoc community.
Since joining LVCHO in 2021, he has played a role in collaborative efforts to expand access to quality medical care, particularly for underserved populations. His work focuses on improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities through education and surgical advancements.
Dr. Taglia lives by the words, "The surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others," a philosophy that reflects his dedication to service and patient care. Outside of his medical career, he has a passion for sports and played semi-professional rugby before starting medical school!
Board Member
Member of the Board Since 1999
Dr. Rollin Bailey is a Lompoc local with a long-standing commitment to healthcare in the region. He earned his medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1971, followed by an internship at York Hospital in Pennsylvania (1972) and residency training at St. Mary Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, CA (1973–1974).
A highly respected physician at Lompoc Health, Dr. Bailey has dedicated his career to ensuring accessible, high-quality medical care for the Lompoc community. His areas of expertise include community engagement and healthcare accessibility, and his primary mission is to maintain strong, local healthcare services for the people of Lompoc.
Dr. Bailey has been part of LVCHO since its inception, playing an integral role in shaping its mission and impact. One of his proudest accomplishments is helping to maintain and improve medical care for the United States Penitentiary (USP) in Lompoc through the BOP Healthcare Contract, ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive the healthcare they need.
Guided by the simple but profound philosophy, "Do the best you can," Dr. Bailey approaches his work with dedication and integrity. He finds great fulfillment in his service to LVCHO and remains committed to strengthening healthcare access for future generations.
A fun fact? He is happiest when serving LVCHO, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the organization and the community.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Member of the Board Since 2024
Maribel Landeros made Lompoc her home eight years ago after moving from Santa Bárbara. She serves as the Community Engagement Specialist at the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, where she focuses on mental health advocacy, community education, and outreach. With a deep passion for equity, youth empowerment, and public safety, Maribel is committed to ensuring that behavioral health services are accessible and responsive to community needs.
Since joining LVCHO, Maribel has contributed to numerous initiatives that promote community resilience and well-being. She also serves on the SAVIE Community Advisory Board, helping to shape programs that address critical health and safety issues in the region.
Maribel lives by the words, "I am who I serve," a reflection of her dedication to uplifting others. Outside of her work, she finds joy in music that carries a message—whether loud, soothing, or uniquely expressive—because it resonates with her commitment to storytelling and advocacy.
Board Member
Member of the Board Since 2020
A longtime Lompoc resident, Roger McConnell brings decades of expertise in finance and investment management. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1977 and currently serves as an Investment Advisor with Wealth Enhancement Group. His financial acumen and strategic thinking have made him a valuable asset to several local organizations.
Roger has served on the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO) Board since 2016, playing a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission of improving health outcomes across the region. He is especially proud to have supported LVCHO’s leadership development efforts and to have contributed to the early seed funding of Savie Health, Lompoc’s only free clinic.
Deeply committed to health care access and equity, Roger also serves on the board of Lompoc Valley Medical Center. He is motivated by a passion for community healthcare and guided by the belief, “Don’t complain unless you want to do something about the complaint.” Beyond his professional and board work, Roger once had a brief brush with pop culture—he was featured in Sixteen Magazine during his younger years.
Board Member
Member of the Board Since 2020
Originally from Ahmedabad, India, Dr. Abhishek Mehta earned his medical degree in 2004 before pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He went on to complete his pediatric residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center and now serves as a Pediatrician and Adolescent Physician, as well as the Pediatric Chair at Lompoc Valley Medical Center.
A passionate advocate for child health, mental health, and health equity, Dr. Mehta is deeply committed to improving community well-being through prevention, education, and early intervention. His work centers on addressing health disparities, promoting vaccinations, and supporting child development from the prenatal stage through adolescence.
Since joining the LVCHO Board in 2020, Dr. Mehta has played a key role in initiatives that enhance access to quality care and empower families with sustainable health solutions. He believes that a child’s health journey begins long before birth and is shaped by the care, environment, and opportunities they receive early in life.
Dr. Mehta lives by the words: “A child’s health begins long before birth and lasts a lifetime—through prevention, education, and compassionate care, we build a healthier future, one child at a time.”
He is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and, outside of his professional life, enjoys spending quality time with his children—often in the role of their personal jungle gym, making pediatrics not just his profession, but his way of life.
