Our Leadership Team

Rob Izzo, Ph.D. is a seasoned executive leader and passionate changemaker with 20 years of experience driving organizations toward social good and environmental responsibility. Guided by an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity, Rob has consistently strengthened organizations by aligning missions, structures, processes, and people to achieve lasting success. With an extensive background in education as well as leading wine businesses, Rob excels at identifying and nurturing human potential, fostering cultures of empowerment and excellence. Known for a relationship-driven leadership style and a strategic mindset, Rob has a proven track record of tackling complex challenges and uncovering innovative solutions that deliver remarkable and lasting results in organizations. Rob is humbled and proud to be leading Circuit Rider as its Chief Executive Officer, stewarding the organization in its mission of helping members of the community from all backgrounds to improve their lives and a shared environment.

Juan Avila-Perez has been our Probation Programs Manager since he came to the agency in 2008.  Juan was one of the founding staff of The Vista Academy Program, Sonoma County Juvenile Probation’s evening reporting center, and has worked in every program at Circuit Rider since he came to the organization.  Juan immigrated to the United States in 1991, and has lived in Sonoma County since.  In his free time Juan enjoys hiking and camping, as well as a passion for photography in the great outdoors.

Favian Flores is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a passion for environmental impact. Favian is pursuing licenses and certifications in contracting and arboriculture to contribute to sustainability efforts. Joining Circuit Rider Community Services, Favian brought a fresh perspective and eagerness to learn. Favian's journey at Circuit Rider Community Services started as a Crew Member in 2020, where he quickly excelled and was promoted to a Crew Leader position. His commitment and skills were further recognized, leading to another promotion into the Ecological Programs Coordinator role. His love for nature has fueled his professional journey, where he skillfully uses a chainsaw to nurture green spaces. Outside of work, Favian finds inspiration in nature, spending time at the beach and hiking. With his dedication and skills, Favian strives to make a positive difference in the world.

Karina Zappa is a Sonoma County native with a BA from Hampshire College in Massachusetts. Karina worked at Circuit Rider (when it was The Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship) as the SonomaWORKS Employment Specialist from 2018-2021 and has also previously coordinated the Windsor Wheels Senior Volunteer Driving Program.

Karina’s career has largely been in human services, working with people from many walks of life- from adults and seniors with severe and persistent mental illness to youth with autism. Karina enjoys listening to audiobooks, watercolor painting, and spending time at home with her husband and two dogs.

Dave has over 30 years’ experience as CFO for non-profit social service agencies in Sonoma and Santa Cruz Counties, and has a BS in Business Management. Dave’s objective is to demystify accounting concepts and make financial reports easy to understand.  He is into yoga and likes to hike, garden, and kayak on calm water.