Our Team

Prior to founding REDi, Himelstein developed and led two research centers at the University of San Diego. In 2007, the Center for Education Policy and Law (CEPAL) was founded with a gift from the William D. Lynch Foundation as a joint center between the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and the School of Law. In 2011, with funding from Dr. Irwin and Joan Jacobs, the Mobile Technology Learning Center (MTLC) was established to collaborate with school districts to effectively integrate technology into today’s digital learning environments. Currently, the work of the centers is part of the Institute for Entrepreneurship in Education (IEE) which Himelstein formed in 2014 as the umbrella organization for CEPAL and MTLC. Himelstein has held two state-level executive leadership roles. He was the former Deputy Secretary of Education/ Chief of Staff and later Acting Secretary of Education for the State of California. In that capacity, he served as chief policy advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on K–12 and higher education. In 2008, Himelstein was appointed by the Governor to the California Community College Board of Governors which oversees 114 colleges, the largest system of higher education in the world. He served as its president from 2011 to 2013. Prior to his appointments by Governor Schwarzenegger, Himelstein served as Chairman and CEO of the National Even Start Association, Chairman and CEO of San Diego Reads, and Executive Director of California Reading Recovery Council. In addition to his work with REDi, Mr. Himelstein is the President of the William D. Lynch Foundation for Children, a position he has held since its formation in 1989. He is also a board member for the City Heights Prep Charter School in San Diego. Past service includes work with the Museum of Photographic Arts, California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, San Diego State University Literacy Center Advisory Board, and the San Diego Workforce Investment Board.

While serving as district superintendent, Lovely spearheaded numerous efforts in San Diego County to engage external stakeholders in the work of public education including implementation of a $13 million regional Career Pathways Grant; conception of an eportal to allow employers and industry partners to collaborate directly with schools; facilitation of workforce readiness meetings with superintendents, school board members, community college presidents, mayors, city managers, and economic development coordinators; and participation in collective impact endeavors with non-profits such as the United Way. Lovely was also invited to participate on a focus group with California’s Governor to discuss the State’s new accountability system. Following her undergraduate work at University of California, Irvine, Lovely earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from National University and a Doctorate Degree from Cal State University, Fullerton. Her research provides unique insight into the generational perspectives of Millennial teachers and their long-term commitment to the profession. Lovely is the author of three books and numerous journal articles on school leadership, governance and developing capacity from within. She has been a featured speaker at local, state and national conferences. Dr. Lovely has been recognized for her visionary leadership and educational contributions by California Senator Patricia Bates, the California PTA, Hi-Noon Rotary, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the Master Teacher Publication, and the San Diego County Art Education Association.

Otero brings years of school board governance experience. As a community leader, her involvement and outreach supported shifts and changes in the school systems. She has been involved in school bonds, school design, curriculum and budgets.  She has the led the charge for technology-infused classrooms, blended learning, and presentation literacy for all students in her district and beyond. She is a confident, articulate speaker and has testified on behalf of refugee students in the U.S. Congress. She is the co-organizer of TEDx Kids, represented her district at Digital Promise, League of Innovative Schools, and is the current Vice President of San Diego California School Board Association. Otero co-authored the book, From the Boardroom to the Classroom, and brings a unique perspective with an entrepreneurial background and a hands-on approach to change in education. She was recently named School Board Member of the Year in her region. In recognition for her community leadership, Otero received the Continuing Service Award from CA PTA, and continues to serve on local PTA Boards. She has spent many years as a volunteer in the system and understands the intricacies of revision and transition in the education system, and is the bridge between community and school districts. Follow Tamara on twitter: @oterotamara

Thome began his career as a classroom teacher, eventually teaching at all levels of K–12 education: elementary, middle and secondary. Moving into district leadership roles, he served as a school superintendent in two school districts over a span of eight years, an assistant superintendent of technology, research and human resources at the county level in San Diego for 5 years, and led 29 elementary schools in Capistrano Unified for 7 years. He also served as the director of the Educational Leadership Development Academy and the director of leadership development for the Institute for Entrepreneurship in Education at the University of San Diego. Rich brings to the REDi team the expertise and lessons learned from conducting 79 superintendent and executive searches and 118 school board workshops. Mr. Thome is co-author of the book, From the Boardroom to the Classroom. Following his undergraduate degree in Spanish at Cal State Los Angeles, Thome earned his master’s degree in School Management and Administration from Pepperdine University. He holds a K–12 Bilingual, Cross Cultural certificate and a Standard Secondary, K–12 Specialist and Administrative Services credential from the State of California. He is fluently bilingual in Spanish. In addition to his work with the REDi team, Thome is a partner with Leadership Associates, one of California’s premiere school superintendent search firms.