Pasadena Village welcomes five new members to its Board of Directors for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Each brings a distinctive combination of professional experience, personal interests, and commitment to the Village. Together, they add new perspectives and valuable experience to a Board dedicated to strengthening our community and preparing Pasadena Village for the future.

We are pleased to introduce Jeannie Brown, Jeff Gustadt, Gina Frierman-Hunt, Patrick Mathews, and Michael Tajima.

Jeannie Brown

Jeannie Brown was born in Burbank and grew up in Tarzana and Woodland Hills. She attended UCLA, where she studied International Relations and French and later earned a teaching credential with additional coursework in economics and business.

After beginning her career as a high school teacher and working for several years in marketing and advertising, Jeannie turned to international nonprofit work. For about 25 years, she served as a program director, including 12 years living and working in Africa. Her work focused on improving health care and systems - particularly for women and children - in Africa, the Middle East, Papua New Guinea, and Haiti.

Jeannie has traveled extensively and is fascinated by the ways culture shapes behavior and beliefs. She also enjoys tennis, skiing, reading, movies, and spending time with her young grandson.

Jeannie currently chairs the Pasadena Village Communications Team, which works on the Village website and other internal and external communications. She sees Board service as a way to give back and help make Pasadena Village as strong as possible for the future.

Welcome, Jeannie!

Jeff Gutstadt

Jeff Gutstadt grew up in Marin County and San Francisco. He attended UC Santa Cruz and the University of Chicago Medical School and went on to a career of approximately 25 years as a forensic pathologist.

Jeff has been an active member of Pasadena Village since joining in 2017 with his partner, Wayne April. The two were married recently, giving Pasadena Village the distinction of being the first couple to marry as Villagers. Jeff currently co-chairs the Villager Engagement Team and has participated in many Village activities and volunteer roles.

Jeff has a strong interest in history, geography, and classical music and regularly attends musical events with other Villagers and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He is also very familiar with Pasadena Village Board operations because Wayne has been an active Board member for the past six years.

Jeff says the social connection and sense of community are among the things he values most about the Village. As a Board member, he hopes particularly to strengthen communication between the Board and Villagers so members better understand the Board’s work and know how to ask questions and share their views.

Welcome, Jeff!

Gina Frierman-Hunt

Gina Frierman-Hunt is a lifelong Angeleno. She grew up in Los Angeles, attended Los Angeles High School, and later lived in Santa Monica before moving to Pasadena. She earned a degree in Conservation of Natural Resources from UC Berkeley and has also studied art at Santa Monica College, ArtCenter, and elsewhere.

Gina spent much of her career working with nonprofit organizations, including Women at Work in Pasadena, the East Los Angeles Women’s Center, and the Center for the Partially Sighted. Her work included programs, research, writing, and fundraising. She also served for 21 years on an Institutional Review Board reviewing medical research involving human subjects.

Gina enjoys painting in watercolor, acrylic, and on her iPad, as well as traveling, especially to visit her sister in England. At Pasadena Village, she particularly enjoys the Painting and Sketching group and meeting new people.

Gina is currently co-chair of the Leadership Team, which focuses on improving leadership within the organization. She sees Board service as another opportunity to contribute her experience to the continuing development of Pasadena Village.

Welcome, Gina!

Patrick Mathews

Patrick Mathews grew up on Long Island and later lived in New Jersey before moving to California nearly 20 years ago. A graduate of Colgate University with a degree in English, Patrick spent his career in computer software, moving from insurance-related technology to consulting, enterprise software development and sales, and eventually genetics.

Music is a particular passion. Patrick describes himself as an amateur student of music, despite having no formal musical training. He learned about Pasadena Village from other Villagers and was drawn to its mission and the enthusiasm members have for connecting with one another. He currently leads the Pasadena Village Music Study Group and recently created guidelines and conducted training for Village volunteer organizers.

Patrick says the friendships among Villagers and the opportunity to share his interests have been especially rewarding. On the Board, he hopes first to deepen his understanding of how Pasadena Village works and then contribute his experience wherever it can be useful.

Welcome, Patrick!

Michael Tajima

Michael Tajima is Senior Counsel at Lagerlof, LLP, where his practice includes advanced estate planning, trust administration, tax controversy, international tax and estate planning, and mergers and acquisitions. His professional experience includes representing clients before the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board and advising on international assets and regulatory compliance.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree in Comparative Political Science from UC San Diego, his law degree from Loyola Law School, and an LL.M. in International Taxation from Boston University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in California and is also a member of the Japanese and Korean Bar Associations.

Michael has contributed to the legal profession through his published work on small-business trusts. Outside his legal practice, he enjoys judo, golf, and deep-sea fishing.

As a non-member community director on the Pasadena Village Board, Michael brings an important perspective from beyond the Village itself and strengthens Pasadena Village's involvement and connections within the broader Pasadena community.

Welcome, Michael!

A Warm Welcome

Please join us in welcoming Jeannie, Jeff, Gina, Patrick, and Michael to the Pasadena Village Board for 2026–27. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and for the experience, energy, curiosity, and commitment they bring to our community.

We look forward to getting to know them in their new roles—and to the contributions they will make as Pasadena Village continues to grow and evolve.

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