Leadership

David has called Rowland Heights home since 1975, but his connection to the area began even earlier. In the mid-1960s, he spent summers here as part of a Mother’s Day Care Center Summer Camp, exploring a local ranch, riding horses, feeding chickens—even drying rattlesnake skins. “What a cool place,” he remembers thinking—and he’s been involved in the community ever since.

Over the years, David has made a lasting impact through his volunteer spirit and leadership:

• Little League coach and Cub Scout leader

• Videographer for the Rowland Raider All-American and Hacienda Heights Cougar football teams

• Supporter of the Rowland Water Polo Team

• Co-founder of Rowland’s first Adopt-A-Highway program in partnership with Southern California Edison

• Organizer and participant in countless local efforts

His community roots run deep—his Boy Scout troop marched in the Buckboard Days Parade back in 1978. Today, he continues to lead by example, proudly serving as Chair of the Buckboard Days Parade for the 6th year in a row.

David’s story reflects the heart of Buckboard Days: a lifelong commitment to community, tradition, and bringing people together.

Joel Wynne is a dedicated member of the Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council (RHCCC) and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Buckboard Days Parade Committee. Having been a part of the Rowland Heights community for many years, Joel has seen firsthand the passion and effort that goes into making the Buckboard Days Parade a cherished tradition.

Joel regularly attends RHCCC meetings, where he contributes to discussions and works to ensure that the community remains vibrant and connected. His goal is to actively participate in solving challenges while fostering progress within the area.

This year marks Joel’s first year on the parade committee, and he is eager to bring his dedication and leadership to help ensure the continued success of the parade. He is excited to work alongside a passionate team and looks forward to many more years of celebrating the Rowland Heights community through this iconic event.

Brittnie Gildea has been a dedicated member of the Rowland Water District team since 2012. Her passion for water began during her college years, where she set her sights on a career in the water industry. Brittnie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of La Verne and currently serves as the District’s Marketing & Social Media Coordinator.

In her role, Brittnie oversees all Community Outreach and Education efforts and finds great joy in connecting with students and teachers across local schools. In addition to outreach, she has expanded her creative role by diving into graphic design and video editing, producing much of the District’s outreach materials and digital content.

One of her proudest achievements is the launch of the Mini Solar Challenge in 2019. What started as a small program with just 30 students has now grown into a regional initiative reaching over 500 students annually. Last year, the program expanded beyond Rowland’s boundaries through a collaboration with the Conservation Education Team (CET)—a regional group focused on water education and public engagement. Brittnie was instrumental in CET’s creation, serving as its inaugural Chair in 2021. She currently is a member of the Administrative Committee and holds the role of Secretary and is a program lead on several student-centered programs.

New in 2024, Brittnie also co-hosts the H2KnowItAlls podcast alongside a representative from Valley County Water District—adding a fun and informative layer to water education outreach.

A lifelong resident of Rowland Heights, Jennifer Martinez Hammond has proudly called this community home since the 1970s. From a young age, she was a familiar face in the Buckboard Days Parade—marching with local teams and groups like youth soccer, the Rincon Drill Team, and the Rowland Raiders Cheerleaders (Pop Warner). Her connection to the community runs deep—and continues to grow.

Jennifer is a devoted parent, grandparent, experienced volunteer, and passionate supporter of youth and education. She served as a team mom at Rowland High School and played an active role on several school boards, including:

• Walnut Elementary Community Club

• Walnut Coordinating Council

In these roles, she has worn many hats—Vice President, Donations Coordinator, and Fundraising Coordinator—always stepping up to support students, families, and schools.

Now that her children are grown, Jennifer is excited to give back in new ways. As Recording Secretary of the Buckboard Days Parade Committee, she brings energy, heart, and a lifelong love for the tradition. Her goal? To help the parade not only continue—but thrive—for generations to come.

Bibi Leung has been a proud resident of Rowland Heights since 1995 and is the current President of Marketing Promotion Image, Inc. With a strong dedication to her community, Bibi has previously served as Treasurer for the Rowland Council PTA and Vice President of Scholarships, as well as President of the Alvarado Intermediate School PTA during the 2013-2014 school year.

Bibi became involved with the Buckboard Days Parade Committee in 2015, and served as Co-Chair from 2016 to 2021. She is passionate about giving back to her community and works hard to ensure the parade continues to be a successful and meaningful tradition.

In addition to her work with the parade, Bibi and her family actively volunteer with Priceless Pet Rescue in Chino Hills, helping support animals in need. They are also heavily involved in their Home Owners Association, working to maintain a safe and pleasant neighborhood environment.

When she’s not volunteering, Bibi enjoys traveling, scuba diving, snowboarding, and spending quality time with her family and their rescued puppies.

Lynne Ebenkamp moved to Rowland Heights in 1970 and is a retired registered nurse and physician assistant. She has dedicated several years to volunteering on the Buckboard Days Parade Committee, including serving as Treasurer from 2017 to 2019 and as a Past Co-Chair.

Lynne’s commitment to her community extended beyond the parade. She served on the Rowland Unified School District Board of Education from 2013 to 2020 and was a past officer of the Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council. Alongside her husband, Ted, she has been actively involved in volunteering within Rowland Heights, and both have been honored as Rowland Heights Community Heroes and served as Grand Marshals of the Buckboard Days Parade.

Although Lynne has recently moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to enjoy her retirement, she continues to reflect fondly on her years of service. This year marks her final year volunteering for the parade, and she has loved watching the event grow and flourish over the years.