Board Member

Former Santa Rosa mayor, councilman, and retired police lieutenant Ernesto Olivares-Martinez joined the Buckelew Board of Directors in 2023, driven by a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. As a Mexican immigrant who grew up in poverty as a migrant farmworker, he understands the stigma surrounding mental health. Ernesto lost his father to suicide, which he believes could have been prevented if his family had access to services like those offered by Buckelew.

As a Santa Rosa Police lieutenant, Ernesto led the department’s Crisis Response Team. He helped launch the city’s first community-wide violence prevention program, bringing together law enforcement, social services, and schools to create solutions beyond enforcement. Now a community safety consultant, Ernesto helps community partners develop comprehensive, public health-based violence prevention strategies that address root causes such as poverty, trauma, housing instability, and access to healthcare.

Ernesto has served on numerous nonprofit boards. He lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and enjoys spending time with their three daughters and grandchildren.