Board and Staff
Board of Directors
Leslie Kerns - President
Leslie works as the Registry Manager for the In Home Supportive Services Program at Connecting Point where she has worked for over 15 years. Before moving to Nevada City, Leslie worked at a non-profit children's agency in Pasadena. While working in the development department there, she honed her grants, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment skills. These skills have been put to good use in her role at Connecting Point where she oversees recruitment, enrollment and payroll for caregivers in the program. Inspired by the impactful work at Sierra Commons, Leslie aims to contribute her development experience to support the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community.
Kim Sayre- Secretary
As a passionate advocate for economic resiliency and small business development, she has over 20 years of experience in business ownership, including graphic design, web design, and portrait photography. Her extensive volunteer work includes photography for local organizations like Sierra Harvest, the League of Women Voters, and The Center for the Arts, active involvement with Nevada County Pride, and The Bizmiss Ladies networking group. With prior leadership roles on the boards of the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area and the Golden Gate School of Photography, as well as fundraising and grant-writing expertise through Alta Sierra School's PTC, she brings proven skills in budget management, marketing, and community engagement. A long-time supporter of fostering entrepreneurial skills, she is eager to contribute to Sierra Commons’ mission of empowering rural entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy.
Lakshmi Prasad- Treasurer
I am committed to promoting health and gender equity in underserved communities by improving access to resources and opportunities. My experience spans nonprofits, academia, health services, and philanthropy, where I’ve led programs, teams, and projects to drive meaningful impact. I specialize in program management, strategic planning, evaluation, grantmaking, and budget oversight, strongly focusing on collaboration and community engagement.
Coryon Redd - Director
Coryon’s background includes being an executive, entrepreneur, consultant, teacher, speaker, and the CEO of both Batteries4less.com and Coryon.com Internet Marketing. As a Solar Design Consultant at SunPower by Alternative Energy Systems, Coryon is currently focused on changing how people get their power.
Jim Williams - Director
Jim has lived and worked in Nevada County for 16 years, bringing a diverse background in business management, finance, and creative problem-solving. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in multiple industries, including commercial and residential construction, a biomass energy startup, and a utility support services company. With expertise in accounting, brand development, marketing, and strategic planning, Jim has served as CFO, CCO, and Marketing Director, developing budgets, business proposals, and financial strategies. He is also a professional photographer and graphic designer, with experience lecturing at Sierra College and Consumnes River College. Passionate about fostering ethical and sustainable business growth, Jim is excited to contribute his skills to Sierra Commons, supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional economy.
Tom Larsen - Board Advisor
Over a diverse career, Tom has a developed skill at connecting dots and finding continually improving clarity in communications and systems. He lives by a principal that change is everywhere and success comes to those most adept at recognizing and embracing it. He has created 4 businesses and built multiple consumer product brands, in which he sold assorted products to many of the largest and smallest retailers in the U.S., as well as developing and nurturing global product distribution systems.
STAFF
Robert X Trent - Sierra Commons Founder and Executive Director
Robert has been consulting with rural small businesses for over 25 years, bringing extensive expertise in planning, marketing, and public relations. As a business advisor with the Sierra Small Business Development Center and a business educator, he has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs in launching, growing, and selling their businesses. In recognition of his contributions, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce honored Robert as the 2024 Business Person of the Year. He also received the Sierra SBDC Center Star Award for positively impacting business development across a five-county region. A seasoned entrepreneur, grant writer, and course facilitator, he holds an M.A. in Instructional Technologies from San Francisco State University and is committed to fostering thriving, sustainable economies in rural communities throughout the West.
Laika - Intern
Laika (they/them) brings a strong background in technology and management to their role, with a commitment to applying their skills to support and grow local businesses. Passionate about fostering inclusive and resilient communities, Laika combines technical expertise with a dedication to collaboration and innovation. As a queer and disabled professional, they bring a unique perspective and a deep commitment to equity in all aspects of their work.
Do you want to see local businesses thrive in Nevada County? Sierra Commons is seeking new members to join our Board of Directors. If you would like to attend a board meeting, please email us and we will send you the details.