Kevin Sauerwein serves as the Pasadena Jaycees’ 97th President. He got hooked on the Jaycees through Program Sales in 2022 and has been involved with the chapter ever since. As a transplant to Pasadena, Kevin was eager to build new roots and community connections – something he discovered in abundance through the Jaycees. After chairing Program Sales in 2023-2024, he contributed to nearly every chapter project and served as Fundraising Director in 2025. As President, Kevin is passionate about inspiring volunteerism in young professionals and fostering a fun and inclusive space where young community leaders can connect and grow together.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Kevin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s from Virginia Tech. He is a Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineering Manager at The Aerospace Corporation, leading space-focused research and development projects. Outside work and volunteering, you’ll find him skiing laps under Chair 9 at Mammoth Mountain, cheering on the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers, or tackling new DIY home improvement projects.
Matthew joined the Jaycees in 2023 and immediately became involved, chairing our Operation Gobbler project that year. Matthew joined the board in 2024, spent 2 years as Treasurer and is now serving as our Executive Vice President of Strategy. In this time, he has started and chaired a new project, Jaycee Field Day, in order to foster fun and collaboration amongst Jaycee members. Most recently, he has participated in our sister chapter exchange program to visit Kasukabe, Japan and has chaired our Rose Bowl program sales project. Matthew works as an Associate Financial Advisor at a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial here in Pasadena. Growing up in LA, he is a fan of all things LA sports, with a passion for Dodger baseball! In his free time, you can find him catching a game, running at the Rose Bowl or trying out his latest hobby.
Shawn Sauerwein serves as the 2026 Executive Vice President of Execution. Since joining in 2021, she has been an active leader across signature programs, previously chairing Operation Santa (2022) and the 40th Anniversary Kasukabe Exchange Program (2025), and is now leading the inaugural Great Altadena Poppy Festival Project supporting fire-impacted communities. Originally from Oklahoma, Shawn holds degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech. She is the Deputy Program Manager for Lockheed Martin’s StarDrive Portfolio, leading complex technology initiatives to deliver critical missions at the renouned Skunk Works ©.She is also a member of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts and the Tournament of Roses; outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys reading and walking her poodle, Murphy, around the Rose Bowl.
Claire served as the 96th President of the Pasadena Jaycees in 2025 and is the 2026 Chair of the Board. She has been a member since 2022, has chaired the Awards & Installation Gala and Operation Gobbler projects, and previously served on the board as the VP of Marketing and Director of Community. When she’s not at Jaycees events, you can find her working professionally at a major streaming service, sewing her latest cosplay, or racing in triathlons.
Brady’s passion for the Jaycees was ignited during his participation in the 2023 Kasukabe Homestay Exchange Program with our sister chapter in Kasukabe, Japan. As Vice President of Community, he is committed to upholding the legacy of the chapter’s longstanding initiatives—such as Operation Gobbler, Operation Santa, and the Five Acres Summer Party—while expanding our community impact through partnerships with organizations like the Bad Weather Shelter and Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. Professionally, Brady serves as a district manager overseeing catering and event operations at zoos and aquariums across the western United States. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing with his cats, Daisy and Bandit, and cheering on his hometown football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Derek is the Senior Accounting Manager for a digital marketing company, holds an active CPA license, and has been a proud member of the Pasadena Jaycees since March 2024. He’s participated in various committees and volunteer opportunities with the Jaycees, from the Kasukabe Exchange, to Jaycee Olympics, to Masters of Taste and Op Gobbler, and was Chairperson of the Rose Bowl Program Sales committee during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
Outside of the Jaycees, Derek is an avid baseball fan. During the offseason, he enjoys hiking, running, and live music and is passionate about helping preserve all of Los Angeles’ architecturally and historically significant buildings and spaces.
Kyle joined the Jaycees as a member in April 2025. He quickly got involved soon after joining by being part of the Five Acres committee and then serving as the chair for Field Day. He joins the board as the Membership Director for 2026. He’s also a massive LA sports fan – most notably he’s been a life long fan of the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers! In his free time, he loves surfing, getting outdoors, and hanging out with his dog Roscoe.
Manny Ochoa serves as Treasurer for the Pasadena Jaycees, where he focuses on strengthening financial systems and supporting sustainable growth through structured, scalable processes. He joined the Jaycees in 2025 and quickly became involved in multiple community projects, including serving as Chair of Operation Gobbler 2025.
By day, Manny is an Engineering Manager at Motivo Engineering. He specializes in systems engineering with applications in robotic automation and software development, and is passionate about turning emerging technologies into real-world products. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the INCOSE Los Angeles Chapter. Manny brings a practical, systems-thinking mindset to both his work and volunteer efforts, with a focus on making things run smoother, more efficient, and more impactful.
Outside of work and volunteering, he enjoys exploring local food spots, experimenting with coffee and cooking, and visiting small towns and seasonal festivals around Southern California.
Elizabeth joined the Pasadena Jaycees in 2024 and jumped in feet-first, chairing her first project, 5 Acres. Passionate about community service, she loves participating in OP Gobbler and Op Santa each year. She now serves as Director of Marketing, focused on growing our digital presence and building stronger media relationships.
By day, Elizabeth specializes in Organizational Engagement, connecting corporate and deskless employees and helping bring company culture to life.
Outside of work and Jaycees, she’s usually planning her next international trip, hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains, or logging miles with local run clubs. She’ll also probably convince you to join her Survivor bracket (yes, that show’s still on).
Ashley joined the Pasadena Jaycees in late 2024 and has since participated in several projects including Operation Santa, Kasukabe Homestay Exchange, and 5 Acres. She chaired Operation Santa in 2025 and continues to fuel her passion for community service in 2026 as the Director of Community. In her professional life, she specializes in digital advertising and has worked across several brands over her career. Ashley is a food lover – whether it’s trying a new bakery, giving unsolicited restaurant recommendations to friends, or spending hours in the kitchen on her latest cooking project.
Jonathan holds degrees in Business Administration and Marketing from California State University Channel Islands. He is currently a racecar driver racing Audi’s in Endurance Challenge Mexico and has previously raced Porsche’s and KTM’s in the World Racing League. When he is not racing, Jonathan is an auto and RV mechanic at VJ’s Auto and RV Service in Arcadia. Jonathan joined the Jaycees in 2013 as a student on the Kasukabe Homestay Program and officially joined as a member in 2018.
