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Meet Our Team

Blue Zones Project is a community-wide, evidence-based approach to improving health and well-being that makes healthier choices easier for everyone living in Palm Springs.

Mihai Patru Image

Mihai Patru

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chris Ruetz Image

Chris Ruetz

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEAD

Franchesca Forrer Image

Franchesca Forrer

ORGANIZATION & WELL-BEING LEAD

Diane Morales Image

Diane Morales

PUBLIC POLICY LEAD

Steering Committee

Mona Babauta

CEO
SunLine Transit Agency

Lauren Bruggemens

Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement
Visit Greater Palm Springs

Debbie Espinosa

CEO
FIND Food Bank

Fausto Figueroa

Inland Empire Health Plan

Teresa Gallavan

Assistant City Manager
City of Palm Springs

Grace Garner

Senior Legislative Analyst for Supervisor Perez Riverside County, Supervisor Perez Office

Lex Ortega

Chief Programs Officer
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert

Liz Ostoich

Restaurateur
Business Owner

Naomi Soto

Mayor
City of Palm Springs

Kathy Weremiuk

Planning Commission Member
City of Palm Springs

Get Involved

Join the movement that will make healthy choices easier in the Palm Springs area.
Together, we can make our community a healthier, happier place to live, work, and play.
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