HOME START'S EXECUTIVE TEAM

 

Meet Home Start's executive team dedicated to Home Start's success!

Joe Buehrle
Chief Executive Officer

Joe Buehrle is an accomplished nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience leading systems-change initiatives across child abuse prevention, social justice, and community health. As a mission-driven leader, Joe brings deep expertise in strategic planning, multi-sector collaboration, and sustainable organizational growth, with a proven track record of advancing equity, resilience, and impact at scale.

As Home Start's new Chief Executive Officer, Joe brings a widely recognized reputation for an authentic, inclusive leadership style and visionary approach to nonprofit management. Prior to his CEO appointment, he served as Vice President of Strategy and Development at SAY San Diego, where he championed  organizational strategy, sustainable growth, guided agency-wide equity and inclusion initiatives, and consistently helped annually secure millions in new multi-year government contracts and private philanthropy.

Joe is the founding Board Chair of Zero8hundred, a regional military transition support network, and previously chaired the San Diego Nonprofit Association. He has also held numerous leadership and advisory roles with statewide and national organizations focused on family support, prevention, and social equity.

Joe earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in Community Organization, Social Systems, and Management.

In his free time, Joe enjoys Saturday morning Mission Trails hikes with his family and their dog Roxy, checking out new restaurants with friends, and volunteering for the kids’ elementary school dads’ group.

Erica Asbury
Chief Financial Officer

Ms. Asbury brings over 15 years of expertise in financial management and a deep passion for working with children and families. With a Masters Degree in Accounting and a Bachelors in Business Management, Erica’s career spans both non-profits and the private sector, including healthcare, alternative fuels, and education.

As a dedicated advocate for children’s well-being, Erica founded a microschool in San Diego to improve alternative education options. Her entrepreneurial background and experience in managing financial operations position her as a strategic leader at Home Start, where she is focused on furthering the organization’s mission to strengthen families and protect children from abuse.

Outside of her professional life, Erica enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading, cooking, and introducing her two children to the joys of travel and new experiences.

Mark Lagace
Director of Philanthropy

Mr. Lagace enjoys using his 20+ years of experience in Philanthropy to further strengthen families and protect children from abuse. Mark considers himself an ambassador and advocates for the more than 15,000 families and children served by Home Start annually.  His goal is that every San Diegan will be aware of our life-changing services and know how to get involved.

Mark is also an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Diego Chapter.  He has served on their Board for 8 years, including the 2019 President. Hobbies include hiking, going to the beach, participating in community events, and seeing movies.  Contact Mark today to see how you can become a Home Start partner!

Esteban Ojeda
Senior Human Resources Manager

Esteban Ojeda brings over a decade of leadership experience in human resources, learning and development, and organizational culture. At Home Start, he leads initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, improve performance, and promote a positive and inclusive workplace. With a background in nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, Esteban has a proven track record in employee relations, performance management, coaching, and change leadership.

Prior to joining Home Start, he held progressive HR leadership roles at the San Diego Blood Bank, where he launched employee recognition programs, modernized training systems, and built strong cross-functional partnerships. Known for his thoughtful communication and results-driven approach, Esteban is a trusted advisor to both staff and leadership.

In his free time, he enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, spending time outdoors, attending Padres games, and sharing quality time with friends and family.