Ellie Strauss, President of the FOR and Executive Director of the STRPT

Mrs. Strauss has a long history of civic commitment, including: Chair, American Heart Association West Contra Costa Chapter; member, Economic Development Commission for the City of Richmond; member; Richmond Police Commission; and Our Lady of Mercy Parish Council member, to name a few. Mrs. Strauss retired as Program Manager for Elder Abuse Prevention, a Consortium serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in 2002. Mrs. Strauss resided in Richmond for 26 years. Though she and her husband have recently moved to Sonoma County, she remains an active and passionate advocate of saving the Plunge. Mrs. Strauss also continues to serve as Executive Director of the Save the Richmond Plunge Trust.

Mayor Irma L. Anderson, President of the STRPT

Irma Anderson grew up in Boston, and attended Cornell University where she received her training as a nurse.  After earning a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of California she served Contra Costa as the Director of Public Health Nursing until retirement.  She then served on the Richmond City Council for eight years before being elected the first black female Mayor in 2001.  Her interest in the Plunge began when her sons learned to swim there, and has continued as she appreciates its contribution to the health and welfare of the Richmond community.

Judith Morgan, Vice President of FOR

Judy Morgan grew up in Richmond and was the owner of a successful travel agency until she was tapped to be the first woman CEO of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to Richmond is exemplified by her membership in many City and community boards and commissions such as: YMCA, Early Childhood Mental Health, Richmond Art Center, Contra Costa College Foundation, Workforce Investment Board and the Richmond Historic Preservation Committee. She is the past chair of Richmond's Economic Development Commission. As with other long-time residents of Richmond, the Plunge holds a spceial place in her heart.

Rosemary M Corbin, Vice President of the STRPT

The Plunge in Santa Cruz, CA, where Rosemary learned to swim, was destroyed, so she is determined to save the Richmond Plunge. As a librarian she worked at Cal, Stanford, SF Public and Richmond Public Libraries. Sje served as a member of the Richmond City Council from 1985 until 1993 when she was elected Mayor, and served in that capacity until term limits sent her into retirement in 2001. In addition to her work for the Plunge, she continues to serve her community through membership on the boards of Ujima Family Services, Institute for Local Government, Rosie the Riveter Trust, and the Richmond Historical Preservation Committee.

Frances Smith, Secretary of FOR and STRPT

Ms. Smith is the Administrative Assistant to the director of the IHSS Public Authority for the County of Contra Costa. As a long time parent advocate for individuals with disabilities, she has a personal stake in seeing the Plunge re-open to benefit this population.

Robert Strauss, Treasurer of FOR and STRPT

Robert Strauss is retired from the Bank of America Corporation. He was appointed to the Richmond Planning Commission in 1997, where he served until January 2004. Also, Mr. Strauss is a board member emeritus of the Early Childhood Mental Health Program and is past chair of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee for the City of Richmond. After residing in Richmond for over 30 years, Mr. Strauss has moved to Sonoma County, but, like his wife, continues his activities for the Friends/Save the Plunge Trust from their new home.