2026-2027 Board of Directors
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John Buchanan, Chair (Ukiah/Mendocino)
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Janelle Rau, Secretary (Ukiah/Potter Valley)
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Kerri Vau, Director (Ukiah/Mendocino)
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Julie Golden, Director (Ukiah)
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Richard Selzer, Director (Ukiah)
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John Strangio, Director (Ukiah)
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Ginny Richards, Director (Ukiah)
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Paul Clark, Director (Mendocino Coast)
Meet the Board of Directors
2026-2027
John Buchanan
Chair / Ukiah & Mendocino
John Buchanan joined the Mendo Matters Board of Directors in 2025, bringing a distinguished background in military service, education, engineering, entrepreneurship, and global business development. Raised on a farm in eastern Kansas, John graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served for eight years as an Air Force pilot and instructor. During his military career, he earned master’s degrees from Stanford University in Aeronautics and Astronautics and from University of Southern California in Systems Management. He later returned to the Air Force Academy to teach aeronautics, thermodynamics, and conceptual aircraft design, including instructing some of the academy’s first classes of women cadets.
Following his military service, John built a successful career in the technology sector, holding leadership roles in marketing and business development with companies including Xerox, Autodesk, and several emerging software firms. While working at Data General in Colorado, he also completed coursework in the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver.
An entrepreneur at heart, John and his wife, Joanne, co-founded two successful Zagat-rated wine bar restaurants in Colorado before returning to California to be closer to family. Since relocating to Mendocino County in 2014, John has remained deeply committed to community service, including serving as Board Chairman for the Waldorf School of Mendocino County.
Now retired, John and Joanne split their time between the Ukiah Valley and the Mendocino Coast, where they enjoy gardening, collecting wine, and supporting the continued growth and vitality of Mendocino County communities.
Janelle Rau
Secretary / Ukiah & Potter Valley
Janelle Rau is a lifelong Mendocino County resident and brings more than 40 years of experience in management and public policy, including 25 years in executive leadership within local government. She most recently served as General Services Agency Director for the County of Mendocino and previously as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, where she oversaw key county functions including procurement, information services, capital projects, facilities, and legislative Board operations. Throughout her career, Janelle has partnered closely with elected officials and senior leaders to implement policy, strengthen organizational performance, and navigate complex regulatory environments. She also offers extensive experience in emergency management, having played a leadership role in disaster response and recovery efforts for over two decades.
With a background spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Janelle brings strategic perspective in governance, operations, and technology. Her expertise in policy development, project oversight, and organizational planning supports effective decision-making and strong board leadership.
Outside of her professional work, Janelle enjoys spending time with her family,
supporting her cattle and farming operations, and exploring the outdoors through paddleboarding and hiking, reflecting her deep appreciation for her local community, sustainability, and rural living.
Kerri Vau
Director / Ukiah & Mendocino
Kerri Vau was born and raised in Ukiah where her family has been rooted in the community for over eight generations. She became a licensed real estate agent in 1986 and was the previous co-owner of the Coldwell Banker offices in both Ukiah and Willits. After a long career in real estate, she’s proud to give back to the community by volunteering her time with Mendo Matters. Serving as the inaugural Chair to the newly-reinstated organization, formerly the Employers Council of Mendocino County, Kerri continues to be tenacious in her efforts to make Mendocino County a better place to live and work long-term. She has proven she has both the passion and the integrity to help lead the charge on key issues affecting citizens and business owners. Kerri is also currently serving as an appointed member of the Measure B Citizens Advisory Committee (Mental Health).
Kerri has three daughters and her husband Chuck is a long-time wine grape grower. When she’s not advocating for the community, or working on her personal business operations, she enjoys the opportunity to travel or spend time on the Mendocino Coast. She has a keen eye for landscape and interior design, loves an antique, and absolutely adores her grandchildren plus her dogs and cats.
Julie Golden
Director / Ukiah
Julie Golden born and raised in Mendocino County and currently a dedicated business owner and community leader. She employs a team of 40 individuals across several ventures, including The Golden Pig Restaurant (est. 2017), Golden Vineyards (est. 1997), and Golden Restorations (est. 2021).
Julie currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Mendocino County Employers Council, doing business as Mendo Matters, and brings extensive governance experience through her long-standing involvement with local organizations. She has contributed 15 years of service to Destination Hopland and 20 years to Coro Mendocino.
With deep roots in Mendocino Count, shaped by generations of family involvement in agriculture, construction, and local business, Julie is committed to supporting and strengthening Ukiah’s business community and local economy.
Richard Selzer
Director / Ukiah
Richard P. Selzer brings over 48 years of experience as a real estate broker and franchise owner in Ukiah, California. Since founding Selzer Realty in 1976, he has supported the success of his agents, fostered stable employment, and contributed to the community through civic involvement and charitable work.
A seasoned leader in the real estate industry, Richard has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors for the California Association of REALTORS® and held leadership roles including past president of the Mendocino County Board of REALTORS® (twice), the North Bay Association of REALTORS®, and the Employers Council of Mendocino County. He has also served as District Chair for the Yokayo District Boy Scouts and Treasurer for the California Mortgage Association.
Richard currently serves as Chair of the Mendocino County Assessment Appeals Board and acts as a qualified expert witness for both California Superior Courts and the Federal Court in the San Francisco District. He remains actively engaged with professional and community organizations, including the Mendocino County Board of REALTORS®, Ukiah Rotary, and the California Mortgage Association.
A lifelong Ukiah resident, Richard is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Business Administration, emphasizing Real Estate and Finance, and has maintained his real estate license since 1975.
Ginny Richards
Director / Ukiah
Ginny Richards has over 35 years of experience guiding clients through the home purchase and refinancing process with clarity, precision, and integrity. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach, she has developed a strong track record of building trust-based relationships across clients, REALTORS®, lenders, and other industry professionals.
Ginny’s expertise spans a wide range of loan products, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans, allowing her to deliver tailored solutions while maintaining high standards of service and ethical responsibility. Her collaborative approach, industry knowledge, debt service coverage ratio loans (DSCR), bank statement loans, profit and loss loans for self-employed and commitment to client success make her a valued advisor and strategic contributor.
Outside of her professional work, Ginny enjoys glamping and paddleboarding across Blue Lakes, reflecting her appreciation for community and the outdoors.
Paul Clark
Director / Mendocino
Paul Clark has been a longstanding leader in the Mendocino Coast business community since relocating from Portland, Oregon, in 1976 to begin his career with Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Shortly thereafter, he earned his real estate license and has remained actively engaged in the industry for nearly five decades.
In 1978, Paul married Barbara Clark, and together they built Fort Bragg Realty into a well-respected and successful firm, now encompassing two Century 21 offices and Mendocino Coast Property Management. Their shared commitment to professionalism and community service helped shape the organization’s enduring success.
Paul has demonstrated consistent leadership throughout his career, serving multiple terms as President of the Coastal Mendocino Association of Realtors and contributing to local governance through his service on the Fort Bragg Planning Commission in the early 1980s. He has also been actively involved in service organizations, including Rotary and Mendocino Masonic Lodge No. 179, where he served as Past Master.
A dedicated pilot until 2024, Paul has long valued connection, discipline, and service, qualities reflected in both his professional and civic life. He and Barbara raised their family on the Mendocino Coast and are now proud grandparents to a growing family across the country.
Following Barbara’s passing in 2016, Paul has remained deeply committed to his community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Employers Council, now doing business as Mendo Matters, where he brings extensive business expertise, institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to the region’s economic vitality.
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John Strangio
Director / Ukiah
John Strangio is a retired Fire Captain, entrepreneur, and longtime community advocate with deep roots in Mendocino County. He served more than 20 years in the fire service with the Ukiah Valley Fire District, City of Ukiah Fire Department, and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, building a career grounded in leadership, public service, and a commitment to helping others.
In addition to his career in public safety, John has successfully built and operated multiple businesses throughout Mendocino County, creating local jobs and investing in the community he calls home. His experience as a business owner has given him firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing local employers and entrepreneurs.
John is a longtime supporter of youth sports, schools, nonprofit organizations, first responders, community events, and local initiatives. He values collaboration and practical, common-sense solutions that strengthen the local economy, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for Mendocino County residents.
Through public service, business leadership, and community involvement, John remains committed to giving back and helping build a stronger future for Mendocino County.