Building Futures Since 1980

Russell Degnan

Executive Director

Russell has led Operation New Hope since 2010, following in the footsteps of his father and founder Bill Degnan. His vision has transformed ONH into a key community institution serving thousands of youth annually.

Mario Jacobs

Program Manager, Youth Violence Intervention & Prevention

Mario Jacobs serves as the Program Manager for Operation New Hope's Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, bringing a powerful blend of leadership, innovation, and deep community commitment to his role. Raised in a gang impacted neighborhood in Cajon, California, Mario grew up surrounded by family members and peers who often viewed street and gang life as the most attainable path to success.

Melody Ridoloso

Program Manager, Youth Workforce Development (WIOA)

Melody Ridoloso serves as the Program Manager for Operation New Hope's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program, where she has the privilege of helping youth and young adults discover their strengths, build confidence, and create pathways toward their goals. Born in the Inland Empire and raised in San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga, Melody has a deep connection to the community she serves and a passion for giving back to the place she calls home.

Charles Short

Adult Reentry Program Manager

Charles Short has served with Operation New Hope (ONH) for the past four years and currently leads as the Adult Reentry Program Manager while also supporting the organization's Human Resources functions. He joined ONH after extensive experience in the faith based nonprofit sector, where he managed men's discipleship homes and rehabilitation centers.

Tony Urbina

Youth Advisory Board Program Manager

Tony Urbina serves as a Reentry Case Manager with Operation New Hope, bringing deep personal insight, resilience, and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals returning home from incarceration. His passion for reentry work is rooted in his own lived experience and the transformative journey that reshaped his life.

Stachia Drain

Cal-AIM / ECM Program Manager

Stachia Drain serves as the CalAIM Program Manager at Operation New Hope, where she leads Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services and oversees programs designed to improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, housing instability, and other complex social needs. She is passionate about advancing health equity through compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.

Dr. Lisa Lares Castro

Program Evaluator & Grants Management

Dr. Lisa Lares Castro serves as the Program Evaluator and Grants Management lead for Operation New Hope, bringing more than a decade of specialized experience in applied research, evaluation, and data-driven strategy.