MEET OUR TEAM
The Hands and Hearts of The River’s Edge Ranch
Many of us have once been where our ranchers are now, so we understand what it’s like to live through the highs and lows of recovery.
And just like them, we now give back in service to those walking a similar path.
Here’s the dedicated crew keeping things running and supporting our mission every single day.
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Doug Whiteman
Chief Executive Officer
Doug sets the strategic direction for the Ranch, ensuring our operations run smoothly while fostering key relationships with stakeholders. His leadership is instrumental in our ability to achieve our mission and create long-lasting change. Doug also serves on The River’s Edge Ranch Board of Directors as an ex officio advisor.
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Tyler Logan
Acting Ranch Director
Tyler plays a crucial role in running the Ranch’s daily operations. He’s responsible for all new intakes, helps to supervise the leadership team and watches over their personal growth. Tyler found his second chance here, graduating from the program in 2022, and is now committed to guiding others toward theirs.
2022 One-Year Program Graduate
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Brad Ladua
Operations Officer
Brad is integral to managing both on-site and off-site operations at the Ranch. In addition to overseeing daily activities, he handles the Ranch’s social media platforms and creates impactful media content to promote our mission. After attending the RER program in 2019, Brad has remained deeply connected to our organization. His passion lies in growing the Ranch’s brand to help more individuals discover the second chance he once received.
2020 One-Year Program Graduate -
Ron Schiebel
Foreman
Ron is the man making sure the Ranch runs like a well-oiled machine. He organizes the men into crews, manages all outdoor tasks and maintains the property. Ron is also a graduate of the one-year program, completing his recovery journey in 2013, and has been part of the Ranch ever since.
2013 One-Year Program Graduate
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Troy Shaw
Maintenance Manager
Troy makes sure that all of the equipment throughout our properties and facilities are properly cared for, to keep operations running smoothly.
2022 One-Year Program Graduate
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Sean Haroutunian
Culinary Program Manager
Sean manages the kitchen on the Ranch and is responsible for every meal served, every single day, both on the Ranch and from The River’s Edge Ranch Cookout Truck.
2023 One-Year Program Graduate
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Rick Martinez
Phase Three House Manager
Rick is responsible for helping men transitioning into Phase Three of the program. He assists them with budgeting, time management and the practical life skills needed to succeed in their sober lives outside of the Ranch. Rick’s own experience as a program graduate in 2016 gives him the insight needed to guide others toward their new beginning.
2016 One-Year Program Graduate
FRONT OFFICE TEAM MEMBERS
Suanna Wilson
Marketing & Donor Relations
Brad Ladua • 2020 One-Year Program Graduate
Videographer & Social Media Coordinator
Madison Annunziato
Administrative Assistant
Josh Candelaria
Governmental Affairs
Dan Hester
Resource Acquisition Manager
How It All Began
The River’s Edge Ranch was born from the vision of Alfonso "Big Al" Aceves, a former member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club who found faith during a prison sentence. After giving his life to Christ, Big Al embraced a new path and became instrumental in establishing the Ranch.
Initially a 20-acre lot in Lucerne Valley, the Ranch grew from a humble start, with Big Al living on-site and helping clear the land while building a program to support men recovering from addiction. With a focus on community, healing and purpose, the Ranch expanded into an animal-based operation, providing meaningful work for its residents.
Big Al’s story continues to inspire many, as he remains dedicated to helping others find redemption through faith. His legacy of transformation is a cornerstone of the Ranch’s mission today.
Meet Our Board Of Directors
Floyd Mixon | Board Chairman
Manager, Life Insurance Auto Club of Southern California
Chris Annunziato | Board Vice President
Owner and Buyer, Cerenzia Foods
Wayne Cunningham | Board Treasurer
CPA and Partner, Genske, Mulder & Company, LLP
Art Andres | Board Secretary
Former Fire Department Deputy Chief, Firefighter and Paramedic
Joshua Andrews | Board Member
Operations Manager, Professional Electrical Construction Services, Inc.
Jerry Willison | Board Member
Retired Law Enforcement Officer
Rick Martinez | Board Member
HVAC Technician, Food Services
One-Year Program Graduate
Shannon Baird | Board Member
Executive Director, High Desert Center
Devonne Martin | Board Member
Executive Director, The Joy Company
Ernesto Izquierdo | Board Member
Refrigeration Technician, Hussmann
One-Year Program Graduate
Donate To Our Mission
Become a Champion
of Second Chances
Our one-year recovery program costs $1,900 per month, per rancher, to operate. Your donation directly supports this life-changing program and provides critical resources for our ranchers.
With your generous support, we can continue to foster hope for these men on their way to healing.