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Meet our Board

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Doug Barr

Board Chair

DOUG moved to St. Helena from Los Angeles in 1997. He is a vintner, actor, screenwriter, director and producer. Doug believes that the Saint Helena Forum will be a first step in making Saint Helena a cultural destination for the North Bay and an invaluable resource for the people of our community.

Peggy Loar

Board Member

Peggy is a museum professional with global experience in museum planning and program development, museum architecture and design, and museum leadership. She currently serves as President of International Museum Planning Consultants, a boutique advisory services firm.

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Tom Ferrell

 Secretary

Tom has been a resident of Saint Helena and involved in the Napa Valley wine industry since graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis in 1970. While recognized for its contribution to the art of wine, as well as a mecca to the culinary arts, Tom believes the Napa Valley can also lead in the exploration of other forms of expression, innovation and creativity.

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Bob Leighton

Treasurer

Bob hails from Iowa City, Iowa by way of Lodi CA. He has an accounting services firm in Saint Helena catering primarily to the wine industry. In his prior career, Bob served in the Navy, FBI, a family nursery business and as controller for a construction firm. Bob is married to Charlotte Kewell, has one son, two daughters and two step sons. Active in our community, Bob is a member of the St. Helena Presbyterian Church, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Trout Unlimited and the board of the St. Helena Community Garden.

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Michael Merriman

Board Member

On the California food and beverage scene since the early 1970’s, Michael Merriman ran the California Cafe Restaurant Group’s 32 wine, spirits, micro-brewing, and beverage programs. Since 2000, he has assisted many wineries in their marketing quest toward understanding the key defining features of their winery’s personality, brand image, and strategy.

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