Board of Directors

Courtney Farrell, M.S. | President

Courtney has over 20 years’ experience in economic and community development. She has coordinated development efforts between cities, counties, government agencies, private companies and nonprofits. Her expertise is in grant writing, donor development, fundraising, partnership development, and marketing. Courtney holds master's and bachelor's degrees from CSU, Chico. Additionally, Courtney is a lecturer in CSU, Chico’s College of Business. Courtney has volunteered for many community organizations but was most excited to be a board member for Youth for Change. In her down time, she enjoys running with her friends and spending quality time with her husband, Brenton.

Mark Chrisco | Secretary

Mark moved to the north state from Southern California to attend CSU Chico in 1983. Shortly after graduating Mark entered the real estate profession and has since been a Broker/Owner of the RE/MAX of Chico sales office. He specializes in the sale or purchase of residential and income producing properties. Outside of real estate Mark has worked with various community organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Chico Aqua Jets, and the Chico Creek Nature Center. Mark lives in Chico with his wife and two daughters.

Michele Carter, CRM, CIC

Michele Carter is a Vice President at InterWest Insurance Services, LLC, and the Executive Director of Commercial Insurance Operations. She is a member of InterWest’s senior leadership team with responsibilities and involvement across brokerage & client services, human resources, information technology, professional development, long-term planning, strategy and performance of business development, and a member of the mergers & acquisitions team.

Giving back to the communities in which she lives and works is one of Michele’s personal passions. Michele has been a board member with Youth for Change for over 15 years, and enjoys volunteering with local charities, nonprofit organizations and her daughters’ school. Michele appreciates the time she gets to spend with her husband, daughter and son. They enjoy camping, spending time on the Oregon coast, exploring the US and other countries, and weekends spent traveling to soccer competitions.

Joe Sweeney, B.S.

Joe has been a board member of Youth 4 Change for over 5 years, and is a partner at the local Financial Planning firm Sweeney & Michel, LLC. He was born and raised in Chico, then earned his B.S. in Finance from Azusa Pacific University. In 2009 he married his high school sweetheart, Britney, and moved back to Chico. They have three children together.

Joe is an active member of the community, involved with the Butte County Farm Bureau, Youth For Change, the Chico Children’s Museum, and Enloe's Hospital’s golf committee. He enjoys softball, golf, basketball, skiing and spending time with friends and family.