The primary governing body of Boys Republic is a Board of Directors which, by tradition, is made up entirely of volunteer citizens from communities served by the agency. The Board is self-perpetuating, electing its members from the ranks of Southern California’s leaders in business, professional and civic life. Three recently elected Directors bring the panel’s membership to eighteen members.

Doug LaBelle comes to Boys Republic’s Board of Directors after a distinguished, 44-year career in municipal government. Now retired, Mr. LaBelle spent the last 13 years as City Manager of Chino Hills.

Doug LaBelle

Under his adept guidance and management, Chino Hills grew from 50,000 to 80,000 residents and the city’s sales tax revenue grew more than 350 percent.
Mr. LaBelle earned a Bachelor‘s degree from California State University at Fullerton. He and his wife, Bonnie, live in Costa Mesa.

Brigadier General David M. Brahms (Ret.) served in the Marine Corps from 1963-1988. Since retirement from military service, he has been in private practice in Carlsbad, California as a court martial lawyer.

David Brahms

Mr. Brahms graduated from Harvard University in 1959 and from Harvard Law School in 1962. In 1977, he was awarded a Master of Laws from George Washington University. He advanced to brigadier general in 1985 and assumed duty as Director, Judge Advocate Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.

Mella Brienza brings to Boys Republic her extensive background in business and in volunteer organizing. She developed a career in fashion while studying at State University of New York. She has owned and managed several retail businesses.

Ms. Mella Brienza

Ms. Brienza is a past district president of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs. She currently volunteers as president of the Pasadena Auxiliary of Boys Republic, focussing her efforts on increasing the Auxiliary’s membership.