Sonny horses 4 kids board of directors

Founder & President

Russell E. Libby is a native Californian who has proudly called Ventura County home for more than 35 years. A lifelong entrepreneur, he started his first business selling candy on the schoolyard at the age of seven. Throughout his career, he has built and operated successful businesses ranging from clothing stores and automotive dealerships to creating metal artwork that has been purchased by collectors throughout the United States.

Raised on old-school values, Russell was taught by his father that your word is your bond. Honor and trust are freely given, but once lost, they are difficult to earn back. Those principles continue to guide both his personal life and his commitment to serving others.

Russell believes that while life doesn't always go as planned, we always have a choice in how we respond. That philosophy ultimately inspired him and his wife, Laura, to found Sonny Horses 4 Kids in 2022, a public children's 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive, memorable interactions between children and the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who serve their communities. Today, the organization touches the lives of thousands of children each year throughout Ventura County.

Having shared nearly two decades with his trusted partner, Sonny Boy, Russell remains committed to creating opportunities that bring smiles, build trust, and strengthen communities. He believes that if you can make a positive difference in a child's life, that is a life well lived.

Co-Founder & CFO

Laura Bachrack Libby is a native Californian who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and has proudly called Ventura County home for more than 25 years. Throughout her career, she has built an extensive background in business development, human resources, staffing, management, leadership coaching, and professional training. Her passion for helping people grow personally and professionally has led her to contribute her leadership, experience, and dedication to nonprofit organizations and charitable causes throughout her career.

Laura believes that genuine kindness, compassion, and service can change a child's life. 

As Co-Founder Laura oversees many of the organization's day-to-day operations, including volunteer coordination, event planning, community outreach, and organizational development. Her leadership, compassion, and attention to detail help ensure that every Sonny Horses 4 Kids event reflects the organization's commitment to making every child feel welcomed, valued, and inspired.

Together with Russell, Laura remains dedicated to strengthening communities, building trust between children and first responders, and creating opportunities that bring hope and smiles to children. She believes that every child matters, and that every child deserves encouragement, compassion, and the opportunity to build trust with the heroes who protect our communities.

Board Member

Board Member

Battalion Chief Michael Weisenberg is a dedicated fire service professional with more than 28 years of experience in emergency response, leadership, emergency management, dispatch operations, and incident command. Throughout his career, he has led complex emergency incidents, coordinated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities, and supported strategic planning and disaster preparedness efforts to help keep communities safe.

Michael believes that strong leadership, preparation, and teamwork are the foundation of effective public service. His commitment to protecting others and mentoring future leaders has guided his career and continues to shape his dedication to serving the community.

Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Management, Michael is passionate about advancing public safety, emergency management, and organizational readiness through leadership, education, and innovation. His experience and commitment to service bring valuable insight and perspective to the Board of Directors of Sonny Horses 4 Kids, where he supports the organization's mission of creating positive, memorable interactions between children and the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who serve their communities.

Michael lives in Moorpark, California, with his wife, Evie, and together they have two children, Emily and Peter. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he values family, mentorship, and giving back to the community. He believes that investing in the next generation and building strong community relationships helps create a safer, brighter future for everyone.

Board Member

David M. Brodsky is the founder of The Brodsky Group and Senior Vice President of Investments with the Raymond James office in Westlake Village. A respected financial professional with more than 37 years of experience in the financial services industry, David has successfully guided individuals, families, and businesses through changing markets while helping them achieve their long-term financial goals.

David believes that trust, integrity, and lasting relationships are the foundation of exceptional service. Throughout his career, he has earned the confidence of clients by providing thoughtful, pragmatic financial guidance that extends beyond investments to include many of life's important decisions. Many of those relationships have spanned more than three decades and continue today through multiple generations of families.

As a member of the Board of Directors of Sonny Horses 4 Kids, David brings valuable financial expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to strengthening the organization's mission of creating positive, memorable interactions between children and the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who serve their communities. His experience in leadership, planning, and long-term stewardship provides important guidance as the organization continues to grow and serve thousands of children throughout Ventura County.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, David has been married for more than 30 years and is the proud father of three children. He believes that strong families, trusted relationships, and giving back to the community are among life's greatest investments.

Board Secretary

Alma Medina serves as Board Secretary for Sonny Horses 4 Kids and brings more than 27 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry. As a Branch Manager with Ventura County Credit Union, she has built her career on serving others, developing strong teams, and helping individuals and families achieve financial well-being.

Alma believes that meaningful service begins with compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others. Those values have guided her professional career and her commitment to giving back to the community through volunteerism and service. She is passionate about building relationships that make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.

As Board Secretary, Alma provides valuable leadership and organizational support while helping advance the mission of Sonny Horses 4 Kids. She is honored to serve an organization dedicated to creating positive, memorable interactions between children and the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who serve their communities. Her dedication, professionalism, and heart for service make her an important part of the organization's continued growth and success.

Outside of work, Alma enjoys spending time with her family, baking sourdough bread, and continuing to grow in her faith. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors and remains committed to helping Sonny Horses 4 Kids continue making a meaningful impact throughout Ventura County.