Barco’s Nightingales Foundation depends upon a diverse group of dedicated professionals who serve on our Advisory Board. These individuals share their guidance and life experiences enabling us to remain focused on our mission. We would like to introduce you to the newest members of the esteemed group.

Mike Dowling, senior vice president manager at City National Trust & Estate has overall responsibility for personal trust fiduciary activities, including trust account administration for clients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County and San Diego, as well as Nevada, New York and Delaware. He has more than 33 years’ banking experience. He received his bachelor’s from the University of Arkansas and graduated with distinction from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking, majoring in Trust Administration.

Robert Fast, general manager at Regal Trading Company is a proven driver and developer of business—a leader whose entrepreneurial, organizational, and managerial instincts have been repeatedly utilized to propel multiple companies and ventures through rapid and continuous growth. Currently he administers a budget of several tens of millions of dollars while overseeing distribution of the company’s products to thousands of clients spread across the western United States.  Robert began his career at Harding University, where he graduated with degrees in both business and psychology.  As the chief of staff to the Dean of the school of nursing, he facilitated with the senior administration to manage the school’s daily operations.  He became particularly adept at advancing fundraising and entrepreneurial initiatives, even in the midst of economic recession and unprecedented state budget cuts.  Robert is a published author and consultant who, operates two health and fitness e-commerce sites and serves on the advisory board for Help the Children. 

Christopher Kim has been running a global supply chain business since 2002. Since the start of his global venture, he has used his international network and resources to support children around the world. He has supported children in impoverished areas with basic essentials – food, water, education, clothing, and medical care. His latest project involves supporting a medical professional team that produces nutritional bars for severely malnourished children in North Korea. Christopher has supported Barco’s Nightingales Foundation since its inception in 2008, and supports other organizations that assist the homeless and disabled senior citizens in the greater Los Angeles area. He has a bachelor’s from the University of Southern California, and a law degree from Loyola Law School.

George Kontogouris received his bachelor of science in accounting from California State University, Long Beach in 1988. Prior to forming RKE in 2006, George spent seven years in public accounting at a large regional accounting firm. He then worked in the private sector as chief financial officer for various sized manufacturing and distribution companies, and has served as acting chief financial officer for a large boutique retailer with over 170 stores. George also represented the creditors’ committee in the bankruptcy of a large manufacturing company. He later became the chief financial officer of the company, led the workout team, ensured that pre-petition debt was paid, and remained with the company for ten years. He manages RKE’s consulting services department, and is recognized for his ability to identify areas that can help clients enhance or improve their operations.
We are honored that these professionals have agreed to join our Community of Compassion and to lend their experience and expertise to our work. We  look forward to working with them.
Michael and Frida Donner