SMHA Leadership

Our unique neighborhood is recognized by the City of Oceanside not only for its agricultural and rural qualities but also for the contributions of our members with their active participation on City commissions and committees. Our members have actively contributed to the community through service on numerous commissions and committees, including the Economic Development, Housing, Integrated Waste, Planning, and Utilities Commissions, as well as the committees for the Redevelopment Design Review, Rehabilitation Loan Review, Oceanside Bicycle & Pedestrian, San Luis Rey Trails, Transportation, and Harbor and Beaches Advisory Committees of the City of Oceanside. Notably, they have held leadership roles as the President of the Society of American Florists & Floriculturists, Co-Chair of Agritourism with the City of Oceanside, and board memberships with the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, California Farm Bureau, and California Strawberry Commission. Additionally, they are Associate Board Members of Visit Oceanside, furthering our connection and contribution to the local community.

2023 - 2024 SMHA Board of Directors

  • Larry Balma

    President

  • Laura Flinn

    Vice President

  • Faye Pokletar

    Secretary

  • Mark Ochs

    Treasurer

  • Michelle Castellano Keeler

    Director

  • Mike Cobas

    Director

  • Karen Green

    Director

  • Phil Johnston

    Director

  • Eric Skjarstad

    Director

Member Community Service

  • Louise Balma

    City of Oceanside Planning Commission
    Associate Board Member of Visit Oceanside
    Co-Chair of Agritourism with the City of Oceanside

  • Michelle Castellano Keeler

    President of Society of American Florists & Floriculturists

  • Kim Murray

    Co-Chair of Agritourism with the City of Oceanside
    Associate Board Member of Visit Oceanside
    Board Member of Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce

  • Neal Nagata

    Board Member of CA Farm Bureau
    Board Member of CA Strawberry Commission

SMHA PAST PRESIDENTS

1977-1978   Don Rodee

1979-1980 Gene Lindberg

1980-1981 Chuck Seitz

1981-1982 Herb Lewis

1982-1983 Norm Buehling

1983-1984 Jack Buehler

1984-1985 Clarence Wilson

1985-1986 Phil Gilligan

1986-1987 George Clayton

1987-1988 Wendall Van Atta

1988-1989 Dick Price/Don Brust

1989-1990 Jim Boyce

1990-1991 Bob Music

1991-1992 Leo Unger

1992-1993 Karen Green

1993-1994 Don Dietz

1994-1995 JoAnne Watson

1995-1996 John Fischer

1996-1997 Gene Mitchell

1997-1998 Byrn Watson

1998-1999 Doris Schaffer

1999-2000 Jane Gilligan

2000-2003 Larry Balma

2003-2005 Craig Thompson

2005-2007 Jerry Church

2007-2008 Suzy Martinek

2008-2011 George Murray

2011-2012 John Rutherford

2012-2013 Karen Green

2013-2014 James Heczko

2014-2016 Kimberly Murray

2016-2024 Larry Balma