What is Freedom?
freedom noun
free·â€‹dom
the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action (Merriam-Webster)
Why Are We Free?
We all know that “Freedom Isn’t Free”. It’s earned through the action and sacrifice of previous, current and future generations to defend our democracy ahead of their own self-interest because freedom is everybody’s interest. We call these people patriots. Among our greatest patriots are the members of the US Military, men and women who endure hardship at home and abroad so that we can enjoy safety, security and freedom. The greatest act of patriotism is to sacrifice one’s life defending our freedom, and our debt of gratitude for these patriots has no end.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are instrumental in the success of the Rowland Freedom Center, embodying our mission statement through and through.
Herm Rowland
Chair Emeritus
Herman G. Rowland Sr., Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus of the Rowland Freedom Center. He is the great-grandson of Gustav Goelitz, who began a candy business in 1869. Herman started working in the family’s Oakland-based confection company at age 13 and rose through the ranks becoming president in 1975. He was instrumental in creating the Jelly Belly jelly bean in 1976, which gained worldwide fame when President Ronald Reagan brought them to the White House.
After over 65 years of dedication, Herman and his family sold Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2023. Now enjoying life with his large family, Herman continues to champion the values of hard work, perseverance, and American freedom—principles that also inspire the mission of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Sandy Person
Vice Chair
Sandy Person brings over 35 years of economic development
experience to the countywide economic development organization. Sandy has worked for Solano EDC for over 20 years and served as its President and CEO from 2011-2018. She
transitioned into her current role as Executive Director for the Travis Community Consortium in 2018 to focus on Travis AFB advocacy and Defense Industry Initiatives for
Travis AFB and the Air Force.
John Evalle
Secretary
John Evalle is the Military Affairs Officer for Travis Credit Union (TCU) in Northern California. As the TCU Travis Air Force Base Liaison, he is responsible for the TCU Community Relations Department’s out-reach and support of military, veterans, and family members on base and in our twelve-county service region. He serves as the TCU focal point to coordinate support for military and veteran programs and events, as well as serve as the lead promoting TCU’s Community Impact of financial education and wellness to military, veterans, and their families. Mr. Evalle is the former District Director for United States Congressman John Garamendi representing California’s 3rd Congressional District where he served for four years upon his retirement from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years of service, which culminated in the position of Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, CA.
Jim Dunbar
Board Member
James Dunbar is the General Manager for Lystek International in Fairfield, California. Jim is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Civil & Environmental Engineering) and St. Xavier University (MBA) and a Professional Engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in the management of solid waste and treatment of liquid wastes in the United States and Europe. Jim’s responsibilities include overall site operations, engineering, and business development for Lystek in the US market. He developed the first commercial-scale, regional biosolids facility in California. Jim also serves as the current Board President for the Northwest Biosolids Association and Secretary/Treasurer of the Scholarship Fund for the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.
Len Augustine
Chair
Len Augustine is a well-known civic leader, serving the area as an elected official and a military commander. As mayor of Vacaville, he worked closely with the City Council and city management to develop policy in all areas of local government, including the city budget, public safety, and community development. Len served as vice mayor, city councilmember, and city planning commissioner. He also chaired the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee and the Travis Community Consortium and has led the effort to retain Travis Air Force Base within Solano County. He helped develop a strategic plan for the city, which included the renewal of Downtown Vacaville. Len retired as a colonel in the Air Force and was the commander for the 89th Military Airlift Wing Command, responsible for all operations, maintenance, and transportation of the Presidential Wing of the U.S. Air Force, including the safe, reliable operation of Air Force One. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University. Len was on the Board of Directors of Travis Credit Union for 14 years and serves as the Chairman of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Keith Hitzeman
Treasurer
Keith Hitzeman was born in Chicago, graduated the United States Air Force Academy in 1973 and became a navigator in the C-141 and C-5's. He went on to work in Tax, Accounting and Financial Planning for 40 years before retiring. He has been active in his local community, taking part in the School Board Bond Measure Committee, the Vacaville C.O.C. Board, President of the Vacaville Noon Rotary and President of Bethany Lutheran Church.
Kelly Nice
Board Member
Kelly Nice is a Founding Partner at Nice & Company, a leading Bay Area ad agency. His involvement with the Rowland Freedom Center began in 2010 when he joined the Board of what was then the Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum. Inspired by all things related to aviation, Kelly earned his pilot's wings in 1992. His logbook includes Pilot in Command time in airplanes large and small, from the Piper J-3 Cub, Pitts S2C, and P-51 Mustang to the DC-3, Beech 18 and B-25.
Scott Pederson
Board Member
Scott Pederson is a seasoned financial and operations leader with over 40 years of experience driving accounting, finance, and operational excellence across the manufacturing, construction, and senior living industries. He has a proven track record in financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and HR leadership for multi-site organizations. In addition to his corporate experience, Scott served as the City Treasurer for Dixon and held elected office with the City of Dixon for eight years, demonstrating his commitment to fiscal responsibility and community service. Scott is the Managing Partner of Simply CPR, a CPR and First Aid training company serving Northern California. He also serves as the President and CEO of the Solano County Organization for Public Enhancement (SCOPE), where he continues to advocate for business growth and community development throughout Solano County
Staff
Our staff are instrumental in the success of the Rowland Freedom Center, embodying our mission statement through and through.
Bob Hampton
CEO
Bob spent 23 years in the Vacaville Unified School District as a teacher, central office administrator, and founding high school principal of Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy (Elsie P. Buckingham Charter Academy). He went on to become a School Superintendent in San Diego. His distinguished career led to many local, state, and national recognitions. After retirement, he returned to the community where he raised his family and engaged in community service. Bob holds a B.A. degree in History and Behavioral Science from California Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's College of Moraga. He has spoken statewide and nationally on educational reform, appointed to various state and local Boards and Commissions, co-founded Kairos Public Schools, and has authored a non-fiction book, "The Millennials' Dilemma."
Shaina Whaley
Museum Curator
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Shaina Whaley was born and raised in Vacaville, CA, where she graduated from Will C. Wood High School. She is a graduate of Solano Community College and UC Davis with a BA in Design and a BA in Art History. She started volunteering at Rowland Freedom Center to gain experience in the museum field; however was hired as a full-time employee shortly thereafter. She holds the position of Museum Curator.
Paul Mirich
General Manager
Paul Mirich was born and raised in the Youngstown, Ohio area. He graduated in 1975 and enlisted in the Air Force, spending 10 years in Security Police and Radio and TV Broadcasting. In 1986, he began to work with the California Department of Corrections, retiring in 2013 as a Correctional Lieutenant. During that time, he also worked as the Community Resources Manager for the California Medical Facility. In 2014, he began working at the Rowland Freedom Center as a volunteer, then took positions as the Volunteer Coordinator, the Store Manager, and Facility Manager. He is now the General Manager of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Diego Rodriguez
Operation Specialist
Diego Rodriguez was born and raised in Vacaville, California, and currently attends Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy. From a young age, Diego has been passionate about aviation and military history; a legacy inspired by his great-grandfather, a Pearl Harbor survivor and combat aviator in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Deeply committed to serving his country, Diego aspires to attend the United States Air Force Academy and become an Air Force aviator. In pursuit of this goal, he began volunteering at the Rowland Freedom Center in 2021, where his dedication and leadership have earned him the position of Operation Specialist.
Defenders of Freedom
Our speaker series, Faces of Freedom, recognizes our Defenders of Freedom who went above and beyond in face of danger to themselves for the benefit of others
Nick Sanza
United States Army Vietnam 'Tunnel Rat' and Special Operator
James Warren
United States Army Air Forces Colonel Fighter Pilot One of the Original Tuskegee Airmen
Tom Brames
United States Navy crewman and nuclear engineer on the USS Nautilus, the first Nuclear submarine
