Chamber Luncheon at Mary Agatha Furth June 2023

Description

"In Conversation With" Mike Raasch of Windsor Police and Margaret Sluyk of Reach for Home
Moderated by Joe Chavez of Walmart

Join us as our Co-Featured Guests Mike Raasch and Margaret Sluyk speak about their work towards homeless and housing services and answer questions people have about enforcement.

We will be presenting the check from a portion of the proceeds to Madeleine Keegan O'Connell, CEO of YWCA Sonoma County.

Our Member of the Month is A Plus Locksmith. They are a full-service mobile locksmith business that has been serving Northern California for more than 40 years.

Lunch will be a taco bar catered by El Gallo Negro.

Meet Mike Raasch:
Hello, my name is Michael Raasch, and I am the Chief of Police for the Town of Windsor. My law enforcement career began over 33 years ago, when I was sworn-in as a police officer with the Sausalito Police Department. During my tenure with the Sausalito Police Department, I held collateral assignments as the Juvenile Officer and the D.A.R.E. Officer.
 
In January of 1996, I lateraled to the Sonoma County Sheriff?s Office. Over the past 27 plus years, I have held a variety of assignments such as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Community Oriented Policing Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer, Alternate Tactical Flight Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant (assigned to the Guerneville Substation) and Detective Sergeant. In addition, I was the Administrative Sergeant at the Windsor Police Department for two and half years, where I had a chance to work very closely within the community of Windsor. I just fell in love with the Town of Windsor because of the small-town family atmosphere where everyone seems to know everyone and the community support of their police department is exceptional.
 
In January of 2019, I left the Windsor Police Department right after being promoted to Lieutenant, where I was reassigned as a Patrol Lieutenant. In my role as a Patrol Lieutenant, I managed the Patrol Vehicle Fleet, the Helicopter Unit, the Crisis Intervention Training, and Field Training Officer Program. I also oversaw the Valley and Guerneville Substations.
 I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Sonoma State University and a Master?s Degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. I have completed my P.O.S.T. Basic, Intermediate, Advance, Supervisor, Management, and Executive Certificates.
My entire law enforcement career has been focused on Community Oriented Policing and Community Engagement. My experience is when you build relationships within the community you police, the community gets to know you and you establish public trust. This is such a vital component of effectively policing our community. I have been honored to serve the Town of Windsor as YOUR Chief of Police.

Margaret Sluyk Bio:
Margaret Sluyk is dedicated to partnering with people who are struggling with or at risk of losing housing. Her philosophy is individualizing solutions so each person is met where they are and receives the assistance they need to gain greater independence. She has a strong financial background and an enthusiasm for problem solving, change management and employee engagement as well as program development.
Margaret leads the organization in its programming, vision, and fundraising efforts, where she teams with our local community partners to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients. In her role, Margaret works diligently with other agencies to provide housing for all. Margaret also serves on the Continuum of Care Board of Directors, Center for Volunteer and Non-Profit Leadership Board of Directors, Junior League of Napa-Sonoma Board of Directors and is a member of the Leadership Santa Rosa Steering Committee. She also holds her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credentials.
Prior to her role at Reach for Home, Margaret was the Executive Director of Canine Companions for Independence of Santa Rosa. She has over 20 years of business development and management experience. She holds a BA in English from the University of Arizona and a MA in Management from the University of Phoenix.