Board of Directors

CATHY GOTT, PRESIDENT
Cathy is President of Education Spectrum, Inc., a center-based educational and social skills training center for children with autism serving nearly 400 families. She holds her Master’s Degree in Public Administration, specializing in Non-profit Organization Management from the University of San Francisco. Recognizing the growing need for employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, she created Danny’s Farm. Opened in November 2007, Danny’s Farm employs and serves persons with special needs. Named for her fifteen-year-old son, Danny, who has autism, the Farm is a labor of love. She serves on California’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Autism, is a Board member of Autism Speaks Los Angeles, and recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Los Angeles Universal Preschool to represent the 5th District of Los Angeles County. She has been recognized as “Woman of the Year” by Senator Jack Scott and Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

JIM GOTT, VICE PRESIDENT
Jim sustained a professional baseball career for 19 years. He pitched in the Major Leagues from 1982 through 1995 for the Torronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. His post baseball career included hosting KABC’s “Sports Talk”, announcing at Dodger Stadium, and Pitching Instructor for Dennis Quaid in preparation for “The Rookie.” He currently serves on the Los Angeles Dodgers Speakers Bureau, making numerous community appearances throughout the year. Each day Jim can be found facilitating recreational programs at Education Spectrum, or mucking stalls at Danny’s Farm. Jim’s 20-year-old son, CJ, is affected with autism, along with Danny. Jim enjoys a variety of martial arts training and holds his 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hapkido.

JAMES BARGER, SECRETARY
James Barger is a General Engineering Contractor specializing in pools, spas, and water features. His business operates in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and especially Nevada, where he has designed and built for several Las Vegas hotels, including Mandalay Bay, Caesars, the Luxor, Hardrock Hotel, and the Sahara. Mr. Barger has extensive knowledge of private industry as well as firsthand experience establishing and sustaining profitable businesses. Fifth District Supervisor Michael Antonovich appointed him to serve on the Business Commission where he has served for over 7 years. In addition, he serves as a Scout Master, Eagle Scout Coordinator and serves on the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Barger holds a B.S from Ohio Wesleyan University, and is father of a eighteen-year-old son. James donated his time to oversee the construction of Danny’s Farm and continues to coordinate ongoing Eagle Scout projects at the Farm.

DENNIS MURPHY, C.P.A., TRUASURER
Dennis Murphy, CPA, 1967-present, is an accounting and management-consulting firm providing tax, auditing, strategic planning, forensic analysis, business management, financial planning, and litigation support services. Mr. Murphy is an appointed Federal Receiver, as well as an appointed Chapter 11 Trustee. Dennis Murphy oversees the financial management at Danny’s Farm. His firm prepares monthly cash flow statements, and provides all tax preparation services. Dennis is involved with numerous civic and community organizations including the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center.