North Bay Business Journal

Zack Darling, 36

Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, Zack Darling Creative Associates, Santa Rosa

Zack Darling has been called “a Zack of all trades” for founding a number of enterprises, including the Mystic Beat Lounge, Decadance, MashStep.com and Greefield Graphics, in addition to Zack Darling Creative Associates.

ZDCA provides a wide range of services, such as creative graphics, web development, branding, marketing, programming, e-commerce and product development.

He also works as a concert, nightclub and festival producer and DJ.

Greatest Professional Achievement: “The widespread positive reputation of our company and goodwill within the community.”

Single most important recent event: “We recently developed the www.tintin.com website to coincide with the premier of the Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson animated film, The Adventures of TinTin. The project was brought to us by Euro RSCG, the largest advertising agency in the world.”

Jennielynn Holmes-Davis, 26

Manager of Shelter and Housing Programs, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

Managing shelter operations serving the homeless, career employment readiness programs, affordable housing, credit and foreclosure counseling — along with after school and summer programs for young people — keeps Jennielynn Holmes-Davis engaged.

“I work to provide new opportunities for those in need and offer innovative ways to build safety and security for the vulnerable in our community.”

Greatest professional achievement: The creation of the Coach 2 Career employment readiness program.  

Greatest professional challenge: Providing leadership and effective solutions for those in need while experiencing reduced and uncertain funding.

Mentor/admired businessperson: Chuck Fernandez, executive director of Catholic Charities.

Favorite book: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, by Anne Fadiman.

Steve Distler, 33

Owner and Wine Director, Carpe Diem Wine Bar, Napa

Having the courage to open his own wine bar, keep it open and maintaining it, was the greatest achievement for Steve Distler. His next challenge was successfully making it past the one-year mark for the restaurant.

“I emphasize listening and responding whole-heartedly to customer feedback, while engaging in frequent staff communications and planning outings to other wineries and restaurants to learn how to be the absolute best.”

Next professional goal: To expand Carpe Diem Wine Bar and have his own wine label.

Mentor/admired businesspersons: August Cardona, CEO, Epicurian Management, and Tim Martin, partner with Tusk Estates.

Hobbies: Wine, food and travel — and running to work off the wine and food.

Favorite after-work drink: A glass of Keever Sauvignon Blanc or Azur Cabernet Blend. 

Aleisha Dobbins, Ph.D., 39

Senior Manager, Clinical Training and Quality, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato

Dr. Dobbins ensures compliance with regulations, quality controls, technical requirements and good clinical practices for pharmaceuticals intended for human use.

She is also responsible for providing leadership, oversight and supervision of the direct and functional reporting staff, in addition to the clinical development training needs of internal and external partners.

Single most important recent event: Earning an MBA from Sonoma State University in 2011.

Greatest professional achievement: Mentoring over 10 fellows (locally and abroad) and seeing them transition from doctoral students to pharma-biotech, healthcare and various other industry professionals.

Best advice received: Never doubt yourself, your talents, your strengths or your ability to succeed.

Favorite book: In the Spirit by Susan L. Taylor.

Roger Farrell, 34

Director of Operations, Integrity Construction Maintenance, Inc., Sebastopol

As second in command in charge of day-to-day operations, Roger Farrell’s personal job description includes doing what is necessary to achieve the company’s goals, while serving in a manner that reflects the Integrity name.

He provides division managers with the support and encouragement to be successful as he becomes familiar with each client’s needs and the firm’s network of resources to meet them.

Greatest professional challenge: “Improving myself so I am always able to help my team improve.”

Single most important recent event: Helping a valued employee overcome a problem impeding his professional and personal development.

Favorite book: The New Testament Book of Romans.

Community and non-profit activities: Teaching in the Children’s Ministries division at Calvary The Rock Church, and mentoring men at the Redwood Gospel Mission.