Meet Our Team
Our Leadership Team
Erin Earlywine
Executive Director
Erin oversees strategy, operations, and partnerships to scale Merge’s impact. She aligns programs, fundraising, and employer engagement to open quality jobs for people with barriers to employment. Known for crisp execution and collaborative leadership, she focuses on measurable outcomes and community trust.
David Ginsberg
Director of Development
At Merge, David leads high-value partnerships and executes complex campaigns that expand our reach and resources. He turns vision into executable roadmaps—blending creativity, strategy, and relationship-building to open new funding and employer channels. His work aligns programs, marketing, and development so more job seekers move into quality, long-term roles.
Sally Hill
Employment Support Specialist
Sally partners one-on-one with candidates to build confidence, sharpen skills, and step into careers with long-term growth. With experience in event management, sales support, and project leadership, she’s known for connecting people with opportunities and creating clear, actionable pathways to success. She brings a calm, encouraging presence and a knack for making next steps feel doable.
Kevin Somo
Marketing Associate
Kevin earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing) from CSUF—magna cum laude, Dean’s List all four years. At Merge, he designs multi-channel campaigns that connect job seekers to meaningful careers, strengthen employer partnerships, and spotlight participant success. He’s driven by community impact and brings a clear, data-informed approach to marketing.
Haben Berhe
Program Director
Haben leads Merge’s Apprenticeship Program, creating paid pathways in high-demand trades like electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and solar. Her equity-focused, community-driven approach ensures participants gain technical skills, confidence, and industry connections. She builds programs that move people into lifelong careers while meeting employers’ real workforce needs.
Abilene Robles
Career Navigator
Abilene helps individuals overcome barriers and pursue meaningful employment, drawing on years in education. At Merge, she guides clients through resumes, job readiness, interviews, and career exploration—building confidence and momentum toward long-term stability. She believes in lifelong learning and meets people where they are with empathy and practical tools.
Board of Directors
Quentin Roberts
Director of Sales & Marketing, Queen Mary
About
Quentin brings more than 35 years of hospitality sales experience and currently serves as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Queen Mary in Long Beach. He’s known for building strong teams and lasting industry relationships. He calls Long Beach home with his wife, Wendy, and their two dachshunds—and still finds time for classic cars, motorcycles, and triathlons.
Barry Vince
President, Motive Workforce Solutions
About
Barry founded Motive Workforce and has spent 30+ years connecting high-tech talent with employers nationwide. His recovery journey led to launching Merge Opportunities to transform lives through meaningful work. He gives back through community service and gets many of his best ideas on long coastal runs.
Sarah Cameron
Vice President, Motive Workforce Solutions
About
Born and raised in Long Beach, Sarah holds a BA in Economics (UC Berkeley) and an MBA (Chapman). As a partner at MWS, she oversees daily and financial operations and is passionate about matching people to their next great opportunity. She recharges through sports, the outdoors, and hands-on community work.
Shehab Mohammad
President, NWF Advisory Group
About
Shehab leads NWF Advisory Group in West LA and has 30 years advising business owners and high-net-worth clients. A UCLA grad and former Mentor of the Year at Optimist Youth Homes, he balances work with an active lifestyle, sports fandom, and travel—while raising his daughter in Long Beach.
Michael K. Nelson
President, Advanced Charging Technologies
About
Michael leads ACT, a category leader in eMHE/eGSE charging. Past roles include CEO/President of Power Designers USA and VP of Business Development at Motive Companies. Early U.S. Coast Guard service shaped his discipline and integrity. He values family time and a great conversation over a well-made whiskey.
Lamarr C. Banks
Certified Residential Appraiser & Operations Leader
About
Lamarr is a people-first leader with 20+ years across hospitality, operations, and community work—former Disney Stage Manager and “Lead of the Year,” founder of the Black Business Network of Orange County, and advisor at Higher Ground. He unwinds by fishing local lakes and helping others chart their path forward.
Bob Istwan
CEO, Motive Companies — Executive Advisor
About
Bob is the CEO of Motive Companies with 25+ years of industry leadership, unifying a multi-company energy and infrastructure portfolio. A relationship-driven entrepreneur, he has sourced and integrated a dozen acquisitions. He enjoys golf, tennis, and time on the water, and supports nonprofits including Dream Street, Orangewood, and Music Movement.
Discover The Merge Mission
At Merge Opportunities, our mission is to create careers, not just openings. We connect people with the training, support, and partnerships to thrive. We value each person’s potential, meet them where they are, and help them build the future they envision. From job placement and skills training to long-term career pathways, we empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Get in touch.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.