CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Timothy Hawkins
As the son of missionaries, Tim spent his teen years living in East Africa, where he attended boarding school at the Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe, Kenya.
After returning to the United States, Tim spent the first ten years of his career in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator and Rescue Swimmer stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. During that time, he flew 2,500 hours in the Seahawk helicopter, including 38 combat missions, and rescued 24 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tim was awarded three Air Medals for combat operations in Kosovo and rescue operations in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Tim received his Bachelor's Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
After leaving military service, Tim moved to Ojai, California, where he became the Family and Community Services Manager of Community Action of Ventura County. Three years later, he was promoted to Director of Operations. Tim was certified in 2015 by the National Community Action Partnership as a Certified Community Action Professional. Tim moved to Butte County with his wife and three kids in 2016 to become the Chief Programs Officer at the Community Action Agency of Butte County. Tim was certified as a Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Trainer in 2017 and a ROMA Implementer in 2021. Tim became the Chief Executive Officer of CAA Butte in early 2022.
Tim is a servant leader who has spent his entire career in service of his community. He looks forward to collaborating across the community to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
KATE STEFAN
Kate joined Community Action Agency of Butte County in October 2023 as the Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 15 years of senior financial experience in the non-profit sector supporting organizations in helping those with disabilities, and promoting health, well-being, and quality of life.
She previously held leadership positions at Community Action Marin, Pacific Vision Foundation, United Way of the Wine Country, and the Earle Baum Center of the Blind where she dedicated her time to helping those with vision loss and eye health, promoting education, family financial stability, and supporting the community through many disaster reliefs.
Kate focused her attention on solving multiple complex issues while upholding standards to build, lead, and motivate teams that drive organizational success. She is a hands-on leader that assists in achieving the organization’s mission, goals, and success.
Being a recipient of Community Action 19 years ago, she is devoted to giving back to the organization that helped her family during a time of need.
Kate holds an MBA in Business Administration with a focus in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Walden University where positive social change is promoted. She was born and raised in the North Bay area of California. She has two sons in college; one being on the Autism Spectrum, where she is the advocate for all his programs and services. She is a volunteer and participant of Best Buddies of the North Bay and the Special Olympics of Northern California. She received the Daughters of the American Revolution award, and her hobbies include walking, hiking, painting, camping, dancing, writing, and movies.
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
THOMAS DEARMORE
Tom spent the 1960's and early 1970's growing up in Southern California and San José, CA. Most of Tom's work history involves cooking and large kitchen administration. From 2001 through 2011, Tom held an Executive Chef Certification through the American Culinary Federation and taught Culinary Arts in Central Utah.
Tom came to CAA Butte in 2016 from a Program Coordinator position with Goodwill of Silicon Valley in San José, CA, where he managed the New Opportunity Work Program; a work-training program for recently returned citizens from county jail and prison. Tom managed our Esplanade House Transitional Housing for Homeless Families, Rapid Rehousing Program, Homeless Prevention Program, and North State Food Bank before being promoted to Director of Community Services in early 2022.
Tom holds a Master of Business Administration from California Coast University and, in 2021, was certified by the National Community Action Partnership as a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP). Tom holds certifications from the National Restaurant Association as a ManageFirst Professional and a ServSafe Food Safety Instructor.
Tom and his wife have a small farm in Oroville where they grow Owari Satsuma Mandarins and beef cattle. Tom's volunteer activities include serving on the Palermo Community Council and supporting Silicon Valley De-Bug, a community organizing, advocacy, and multimedia storytelling organization based out of San José, CA.
DIRECTOR OF ENERGY & BUILDING PERFORMANCE
CLINTON BRUHN
Clint Bruhn was born and raised in Butte County. He left for a short time but was drawn back home because of the great atmosphere Butte County provides.
Clint began his career doing drafting and construction until the recession in 2009, when most construction activities halted due to the economy. The Community Action Agency was one of the few places hiring at the time, as they were actively engaged in fighting the effects of the recession. Having a background in construction, Clint started at the Community Action Agency in 2009 as a crew member installing energy efficiency measures in Butte County homes. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the agency's General Contractor and Director of Energy and Building Performance. Clint enjoys the intricacies of building science and helping the local community understand what they can do to be more energy efficient and healthy in their homes.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
hilary crosby
Hilary Crosby is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in social services, housing, disaster response, and health equity across rural Northern California. A longtime resident of Hamilton City in Glenn County and an enrolled member of the Susanville Indian Rancheria, Hilary brings deep roots and a strong sense of community to all her work.
Throughout her career, she has focused on equity-centered service delivery, culturally competent outreach, and building sustainable community support systems. Her work is grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and a commitment to addressing systemic barriers through advocacy and collaboration. Hilary has led multi-county programs, managed complex grants, and built diverse teams focused on inclusion, respect, and results.
Outside of work, Hilary enjoys spending time with her large extended family, including her nieces and nephews. She and her husband—married since 2001—share their home with three beloved hound dogs: Thelma and Louise, the basset hounds, and Bruno, their feisty dachshund.