Leadership
Dr. Donna Gallup, Ed.D., MSW
Executive Director
In January 2024, Donna Gallup, Ed.D., MSW, stepped into the role of Executive Director, bringing with her a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and a proven record of transformative leadership. With a background in transitioning nonprofits, Donna has already set in motion several key initiatives aimed at broadening our impact and effectiveness.
Notably, her departure from the position of full-time CEO at American Family Housing in 2017 followed the successful completion of the award-winning Potter’s Lane shipping container project for homeless veterans. She was appointed as CEO of American Family Housing to facilitate the transition from the founder, who was retiring, and oversaw the completion of the pioneering shipping container project for homeless individuals in the country.
First Day marks the third nonprofit organization in Southern California that Dr. Gallup has transitioned. Previously, in 2010, she assumed leadership at Lamp Community following incidents of violence and steered the agency's growth from $4.3 million to over $10 million by 2014.
Randall Trice, MSW, ASW
Chief Program Officer
Randall Trice, MSW, ASW, joined Whittier First Day in August 2023. Randall brought with him a wealth of clinical expertise, lived experience, and strong leadership skills, which have significantly shaped the future of the organization's programs. He holds both a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Azusa Pacific University.
Since taking on the role of Director of Interim Housing at First Day, Randall has developed procedures to help team members identify areas for improvement within the interim housing programs, enhancing their overall performance. He has also restructured and developed First Day’s Interim Housing programs, providing training and development for the teams involved. Randall ensures that client services uphold the highest standards of trauma-informed care, client safety, harm reduction interventions, and a client-centered approach. His ability to form and maintain collaborative partnerships with community organizations, county, and non-county partners has ensured that participants have access to a comprehensive array of wrap-around services. Randall’s contributions have significantly impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of Whittier First Day’s Interim Housing programs, reflecting his commitment to excellence and client-centered care.
Dhaval Jani, MBA, MSA
CFO
Dhaval Jani, the Director of Finance at Whittier First Day, joined the senior team in 2024. Prior to 2024, all finance and accounting functions at Whittier First Day were outsourced, except for one in-house accounts payable clerk. Since his arrival, Dhaval has made a significant impact on the organization's financial position, reporting, and relationships with funders. With an in-house team of two other full-time staff, Dhaval has continued to strengthen the financial health of the agency.
Dhaval brings over 13 years of experience in finance and management, with expertise spanning private and public entities across various industries, including distribution, sales, construction, e-commerce, and clean energy. His background includes roles as a controller, director, planner, and analyst, with significant experience in private equity due diligence. Dhaval is known for his ability to drive business growth and optimize financial performance through continuous improvement and cross-functional partnerships.
As the Director of Finance at Whittier First Day, Dhaval develops and implements financial strategies to support the organization’s mission and programs. He oversees the budgeting process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding requirements, and ensures proper management of grants, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements. Dhaval monitors grant expenditures to ensure they align with approved budgets and donor restrictions, maintains transparency and accuracy in financial reporting, and manages cash flow to meet financial obligations. He also identifies and mitigates financial risks, manages financial forecasting and reporting, and supports decision-making by senior management and the board of directors.