Building Futures Since 1980

Bill Degnan

Founder

Bill founded Operation New Hope in 1980 after witnessing firsthand the lack of support for youth in the California Youth Authority. His lifelong advocacy for at-risk youth laid the foundation for everything ONH has become.Operation New Hope (ONH), an evidence-based youth development and rehabilitation program dedicated to helping at-risk youth build productive, successful futures. In the mid-1960s, Bill played professional football for the Boston Patriots in the American Football League (AFL). During that time, he struggled with addiction and the challenges that often accompanied the professional sports lifestyle of that era. Seeking a new direction, Bill returned to his Irish Catholic roots and enrolled at the Franciscan School of Theology in San Luis Rey, California. During his final year of study, he met a nursing student from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Three months later, he proposed, beginning a lifelong partnership that would help shape his future mission and ministry. In 1978, Bill made the life-changing decision to confront his addictions to drugs and alcohol. His personal recovery journey became the foundation for what would eventually become Operation New Hope. Driven by a desire to help others avoid the struggles he had experienced, Bill began volunteering and facilitating Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups at the California Youth Authority's El Paso de Robles facility, commonly known as the "Boy School." Recognizing both the need and Bill's unique ability to connect with vulnerable youth, Warden Skip Hodesen offered him a position in 1980 to develop a specialized living unit for young people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Over the next thirteen years, Bill worked alongside former Major League Baseball player Dock Ellis and renowned researcher Dr. Dale Sechrest to develop what would become the Operation New Hope model. Their pioneering work focused on helping severely at-risk youth identify the underlying causes of their behaviors, develop personal accountability, and build the life skills necessary to succeed outside institutional settings. The program achieved remarkable outcomes, including a reported 13% recidivism rate, and was recognized nationally as an exemplary model for juvenile rehabilitation. In 1996, the program's success was published and highlighted by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and recognized as a model program. In 1993, Bill expanded the vision beyond correctional facilities and officially established Operation New Hope as a community-based learning center. His goal was simple but powerful: reach young people before they become incarcerated. By applying the same proven, holistic methods used within the California Youth Authority to young people in the community, Bill created a program focused on self-awareness, positive decision-making, healthy relationships, personal responsibility, and self-trust. Research conducted by California State University, San Bernardino and the University of California, Irvine further validated the effectiveness of Operation New Hope's approach, ultimately recognizing the organization as an exemplary youth program and evidence-based success story. Today, Bill's legacy continues through Operation New Hope's ongoing work with at-risk youth throughout Southern California. His philosophy remains at the heart of the organization: behavior is often the result of unrecognized and unresolved problems. By helping young people identify those challenges and providing them with tools, guidance, and hope, lives can be transformed and futures can be changed. Bill's journey from addiction and personal struggle to recovery, service, and leadership stands as a powerful testament to the belief that no young person is beyond hope, and that lasting change is possible when individuals are given the opportunity to believe in themselves.

Provides strategic oversight and supports organizational governance, bringing expertise in nonprofit leadership and community development to the board.Michael McCormick is a dedicated champion for educational equity and innovation, driven by a belief that every student—regardless of zip code, background, or starting point—deserves a pathway to a future filled with possibility. As the inaugural Superintendent in Residence for AVID and former superintendent of Val Verde Unified School District, Michael has spent over 34 years in public education leading transformative initiatives that close opportunity gaps and expand access to higher education.  Throughout his career, Michael has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and adjunct professor, consistently focusing on building future-ready systems. His leadership is marked by a commitment to integrating AI, STEAM, and the 4Cs—communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—into every aspect of learning. Under his guidance, Val Verde USD achieved the highest FAFSA/California Dream Act completion rates in California, earned recognition as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse District, and became a statewide model for innovation, technology integration, and student success.  Michael’s influence extends beyond district boundaries. He partners with superintendents, boards, educational organizations, principals, and thought leaders nationwide to foster cultures where students and educators lead with purpose, curiosity, and courage. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant on topics including educational transformation, AI in learning, college access, and professional learning. His mission is to support leaders in building schools designed for the world students will graduate into—not the one we grew up in. In addition to his leadership roles, Michael is a Google GSV Fellow, Forbes contributor, and host of The Superintendent Hot Seat podcast, where he amplifies the voices of superintendents and thought leaders across the education landscape. His work centers on equipping leaders to meet the challenges and opportunities of building better systems for students, educators, and communities. Whether in the boardroom, classroom, or on stage, Michael brings heart, humor, and a deep commitment to transformational leadership. He is passionate about connecting with others who share his vision for future-focused learning and bold leadership.

Kareem Gongora is a seasoned executive in communications and public affairs, whose career is distinguished by a deep commitment to public service, community empowerment, and institutional leadership. As Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Operation New Hope, Kareem brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications, policy advocacy, and outreach to historically underserved populations. Throughout his career, Kareem has demonstrated a passion for making complex public programs accessible and actionable. He began his professional journey working directly with hard-to-reach communities, where he coordinated after-school programs for at-risk youth, developed asset-building and tax credit awareness campaigns, and managed self-sufficiency grants to support working families. These early experiences shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and fueled his dedication to bridging gaps in public service delivery. Kareem’s expertise expanded in his tenure as a senior communications leader for the County of Riverside Treasurer-Tax Collector. In this role, he led department-wide communications, public education campaigns, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Notably, Kareem played a pivotal role in designing and launching the County’s financial literacy initiative, which broadened access to financial education resources and strengthened public trust in county financial services. His leadership and impact have earned widespread recognition. In 2014, Kareem was named “Young Leader of the Year” by the Inland Empire Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was honored as a “30 Under 30” recipient in 2017 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, and in 2018, he was appointed by the Speaker of the California Assembly to the California State Bar Committee of Bar Examiners. In this capacity, Kareem helps oversee the administration of the California Bar Examination, the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, and regulatory oversight of the state’s accredited, registered, and unaccredited law schools. Kareem’s academic credentials reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master of Arts in Management from the University of Redlands. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration at California Baptist University. In addition to his role with Operation New Hope, Kareem serves as Director of Communications and Public Information for the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. He is also an appointed member of the San Bernardino County Planning Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Environmental Justice Advisory Group. Kareem Gongora’s leadership is defined by his ability to connect, inform, and inspire. His work continues to advance equity, access, and opportunity for communities across Southern California, making him a vital asset to Operation New Hope and the broader public sector.

Manages board records and communications, contributing expertise in organizational administration and community outreach.

Gracie Torres is a dedicated public servant, water quality expert, and lifelong Riverside resident. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry and an M.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from CSUSB, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration at California Baptist University. Gracie serves as an environmental planner for the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and made history as the youngest and first immigrant Latina elected Vice-President of the Western Municipal Water District's Board of Directors. A co-founder of IEWORKS and board member of Inland SoCal United Way, Hispanic Coalition for Small Businesses, and the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, she is also the benefactor of Beca Angelita, a STEM scholarship for high school students of color. Her leadership has earned her the IMPACT Award for Civic Impact (2019), recognition as one of the "35 under 35" by the Young Elected Officials Network (2020), and Women of the Year by the County of Riverside (2022).

Contributes specialized knowledge in workforce development and youth services, helping guide ONH's program strategy and community partnerships.Brings community perspective and professional expertise to board deliberations, supporting ONH's strategic growth and program development.