Chair Director Kurt Grundel

Kurt was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years in the communities he lived in and in some others for training and education purposes. This included time served on the Penn Valley Fire Protection District where he completed the rank of EMT and Engineer.

After becoming a permanent resident, he received an appointment to the Board of PVFPD by the County Supervisors. Within the first two years of serving the Board, the District became a Special District with open elections. Continuing with the PVFPD for three elections, Kurt has been the Chairman for the last three years. Kurt has represented the District on the Nevada County Fire Agency for 12 years and recently was elected to LAFCO by the Special Districts represented on LAFCO.

Achievements of the District during Kurt Grundel's seat on the PVFPD include becoming a Special District, achieving local control and management contracting and the opening and staffing of the station located on Spenceville Road. Kurt participated with the Fireman's Association whenever possible. The Fire District has many community based fund raisers and Kurt encourages the community to respond by attending the breakfasts and patronize the Thrift Store. These functions help purchase equipment and train our firefighters.

Vice Chair Director Bill Neville

Bill Neville was elected to the Board of Directors in November of 2006. Although new to the Penn Valley FPD governing Board, Bill and his wife Barbara Brown-Neville have lived in Penn Valley since 1991.

Bill has been in the fire service his entire adult life. His fire service career started with the Los Angeles City Fire Department where he advanced through the ranks from Firefighter to Assistant Chief. Bill retired from LAFD to serve as the Fire Chief for the City of Hayward, California.

Bill has been involved in various fire-related organizations at the local, state and national level. Bill has also consulted for fire agencies throughout the country.

Director David Farrell

David Farrell moved to Penn Valley in 1999. He retired last year after a 40-year career in higher education administration and teaching, including positions at CSU Northridge, Sonoma State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and most recently, serving as Dean of Student Development at Yuba College. He has a BA and MA in psychology, and a Doctorate in higher education administration/organizational development. He is currently an adjunct psychology professor at Brandman University. He brings to the Board experience in budgeting, project planning, staffing, supervision, and contract negotiation.

David and his wife, Paula, will be celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary this fall. He has three children and four grandchildren.

David was seeking an opportunity to contribute to the Penn Valley community when he became aware of the opening on the Board. After an interview process a subcommittee recommended that he be appointed, and the full Board did so at their August meeting. David’s focus will be on maintaining the best possible work environment to retain staff.

Director Rick Nolle

Rick Nolle was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He received a B.S. degree in Biology from Mount Union College. After college he moved to Chicago. He received an MBA from DePaul University. He met and married his wife, Suzie, and they have been married for 25 years. They have one grown daughter. His business career has been one of ever increasing management responsibility. His last two positions were as Vice President for Global sales at an optical networking company and Vice President of Global Operations for a business process management company. He is currently a Broker-Associate with Network Real Estate. Rick is a regular volunteer for theFire Fighter's Association breakfasts. He is also a Director and Treasurer for The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County. He is an avid, but not particularly good golfer.

Director Bob Webster

Bob Webster was elected to the Board of Directors in November of 2004. Bob and his wife Carole made Penn Valley their permanent home in 1999.

Bob retired from the City of Santa Clara Fire Department after 20 years of service. Since moving to Penn Valley, Bob has been active in various community groups and organizations.

Bob's goals include a desire to help continue to improve the emergency fire and medical response to the citizen of Penn Valley. It is also very important to Bob to help create an environment conducive to keeping our firefighters here in Penn Valley.