MIKE BRATTON - President
Mike and his wife Robin have been married and lived in Nevada County for the past 44 years. The Bratton's love Nevada County and are an integral part of our community. While raising 4 children they were continually involved with the local schools and community service clubs with the goal of making our community a better place and a thriving environment for youth. Even now, after their children were grown with their own families, they are still involved with the local high schools and community service clubs. Mike has owned the local State Farm Insurance Agency for the last 37 years and has earned many of the top achiever awards given by the State Farm Company. He is also an active Rotarian and involved with Twin Cities Church. The family survived a tragic loss when their son, Michael Jr., took his life in 2006. The family had no warning signs of Michael’s intent to end his life, and they are left with questions that perhaps will never be answered (See Mike's story here -Link to Home page video). The MB2 Foundation was started as a way to bring suicide awareness to other people who are suffering from depression and thoughts of suicide. Each year they host the “Turkey Trot”, a 5 and 10K run to raise money to support other non-profits in the area with the same goal. Mike became involved with Anew Day because he felt God leading him here to help others.
STEVE JOHNSON - Vice President
Steve Johnson is Deputy Chief of the Grass Valley Police Department. In this role, he is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and supervising the administrative activities of the Police Department including marketing, training, community relations, crime prevention, and risk management. He is also responsible for coordinating Police Department activities with other divisions and departments and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Chief of Police. He has direct operational control of the Strategic Response Unit that is tasked with investigation of major crimes, narcotics enforcement, and problem oriented-policing activities. Steve began his law enforcement career with the Sacramento Police Department before joining the Grass Valley Police Department in 1995. He has served the department as a patrol officer, training officer, SWAT operator, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and now Deputy Chief. He is also a certified Weaponless Defense Instructor, Taser Instructor, and Physical Fitness Coordinator. Prior to joining the Grass Valley Police Department, Steve grew up in Nevada County and attended Nevada Union High School where he played football as a Miner. He attended the University of California San Diego and Sacramento State University majoring in Criminal Justice. After college, Steve attended the Police Academy at Butte College and graduated first in his class. In 2008, he enhanced his education with a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice Management from the Union Institute and University. Steve lives in Nevada County with his wife Tricia. They have three sons - Calvin, Trevor, and Samuel. Steve has a deep love for Nevada County and values playing a strategic role in reducing crime and improving the quality of life in our community. He is a part-time faculty member at Sierra College and enjoys visiting various community groups and meetings to speak and address issues and challenges that we face in the 21st century.
SUAZANNE CHAPEL - Treasurer
Suzanne has lived in Nevada County since 1986 after growing up in the Bay Area. She has been married to her husband, Mike, for 32 years and has two grown sons, Chris and Darren. Suzanne has been with Robertson, Woodford and Summers for 11 years. She specializes in individual and corporate tax returns, and assists clients with accounting issues and special projects. She is also a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. Suzanne graduated with her BA from California State University, Fresno and finished her accounting classes at California State University, Sacramento when she received her CPA license. In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys fishing with her husband Mike, yard sale shopping with her girlfriends, following the San Francisco Giants, and spending time with her sons Chris and Darren and dogs Spencer and Shadow. She volunteers at her church and local schools as a way of giving back and being involved with the youth of Nevada County.
MIKE BELLO - Director
Mike and his wife Janene have been married for 25 years. They have three grown kids, Ashley, Jamie, & Alex. They also enjoy the love and pleasure of being grandparents to five grandchildren. Mike has lived in Nevada County since 1967 when his family relocated from Southern California. Having retired from Safeway Stores Inc. after 36 years, Mike determined that giving back to the community was indeed a priority for continued fulfillment. As a member of Twin Cities Church for over 25 years, Mike has been able to be involved in jail ministry, is a member of the Chaplain service, and takes pleasure in helping wherever needed. Mike and Janene enjoy outdoor activities, biking, hiking, taking in all our beautiful county has to offer. Mike takes pleasure in all the smaller events in life, appreciating those around him and trying to offer a life that is pleasing to our Lord.
CATHY WAYMAN, LMFT - Director
Cathy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including 10 years as a licensed clinician. She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and brings a deep passion for healing and restoration to both her clinical work and her role on the board. Cathy specializes in working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. She considers it a calling a privilege to work with people through their pain, helping them heal and become all that God has created them to be. Her work is grounded in both clinical excellence and genuine compassion, making her a strong advocate for the mission and values of the organization.