Board of Directors

1973 Developed all trade processing software for CBOE Options Exchange. 1983 Co-founded GMI Software in Chicago to develop the premier global system for financial instrument accounting. 1997 Co-founded Credentials Solutions providing web-based services for colleges and universities. 2021 Inducted into the Futures Industry Association Hall of Fame. Part-year La Quinta resident since 1998.

 Sean Webb is a dedicated education professional with a rich history of service in the academic and community realms. With over two decades of experience in the field, Sean’s journey began as a Teacher at various schools in the Coachella Valley, where he demonstrated a passion for both classroom instruction and extracurricular engagement.

Transitioning into administrative roles, Sean served as Assistant Principal at Palm Desert High School, La Quinta High School, and Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School, overseeing diverse educational programs and fostering community partnerships. Notably, his tenure as Director of Community Engagement and Educational Foundation at Desert Sands Unified School District showcased his adeptness in securing funding and organizing impactful events.

Currently serving as Director I, Literacy Outreach at Riverside County Office of Education, Sean continues to champion literacy initiatives through his role as Executive Director for Read With Me Volunteer Programs. His commitment extends beyond education, as evidenced by his active involvement in various volunteer organizations, including Leadership Coachella Valley and Old Town Artisan Studios.

Sean resides in the city of La Quinta with his wife Tara, daughter Brooklyn, and two dogs, Piper and Penny. His multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication make him a driving force in enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement.

Deborah Tryon currently serves as the Secretary of the Board at OTAS. She is a Financial Planning Specialist and Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Deborah has raised three children in La Quinta, California. Previously, she served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and is past president of the Woman Leaders Forum. She remains committed to supporting her community.

Leslie Locken is the Sr. Real Estate Lease Manager for Lamar Outdoor Advertising and is responsible for negotiating new real estate leases for billboard structures as a revenue stream for landowners. In addition, Leslie is a Licensed Real Estate Agent practicing in the Coachella Valley and also serves as a Committee Member for the Bermuda Dunes Community Council.

Growing up in a family of artists, Millie has been drawing and painting since childhood, selling her first painting at age 13 and commissioned at age 14 to do her first public piece: a hand painted 14’x 48’ billboard in downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

Sarah Schmolke is a Sales and Marketing Professional with over ten years of experience in the luxury golf industry. Currently working as the Membership & Marketing Director at Tamarisk Country Club. Sarah has lived in the desert for the past 18 years and has cultivated a deep understanding of the unique market and lifestyle associated with the Coachella Valley.

Passions of Sarah’s are connecting with people and consistently finding ways to creatively engage, creating a sense of community.

Sarah is a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Portland and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.


An adventuress at heart, Sarah loves to travel and immerse herself in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and camping with the family. Her love for adventure and new experiences continually fuels her professional and personal growth.

Ken Harth brings a wealth of experience garnered from a distinguished 30-year tenure at AT&T, where he held various senior leadership positions. A dedicated leader driven by results, Ken has a proven track record in sales management, business development, and strategic planning. His commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his professional career into his charitable work. Ken has been actively involved with numerous organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Houston Fine Arts Museum, the San Diego Future Foundation, and National 9-1-1 for Kids Foundation. His exceptional dedication to volunteerism was recognized in 2012 when he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from Barack Obama. Ken and his wife, Jacqueline, reside in the Coachella Valley full-time and enjoy spending time with family, boating, traveling, and engaging in all sports. Currently, Ken serves as Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Network Data Systems, where he continues to excel in fostering strategic partnerships and driving business growth.

Abby (Sturgeon) Miller is a lifelong Coachella Valley resident whose professional background is rooted in community engagement, education, and supporting local business. Her career reflects a genuine love for connecting people, place, and purpose…especially in the desert she proudly calls home.

She began her professional journey in hospitality with the Marriott brand at the Renaissance Esmeralda, where she developed a strong foundation in service and relationship-building. Abby later joined Renova Energy during a period of rapid growth, helping scale a small local company into one of the region’s leading renewable-energy businesses. Her work with the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce further deepened her involvement in regional partnerships and local economic development.

Abby later transitioned into education as Director of Admissions at Palm Valley School, where she experienced firsthand the lasting impact of mentorship, creativity, and community engagement. She currently works alongside her husband in real estate as part of the on-site team at Trilogy La Quinta, helping individuals and families find not just homes, but a true sense of belonging in the Coachella Valley.

From 2018 to 2024, Abby served on the board of Leadership Coachella Valley and has supported several local nonprofit organizations. A self-described desert and mountain enthusiast, she spends as much time outdoors as possible and is especially drawn to spaces that blend creativity, education, and community. This is what makes the Old Town Artisan Studios campus so meaningful to her as its open-air setting thoughtfully brings together her background in education, love of the arts, and passion for supporting local artists and businesses.