Board of Directors

Amy Forte, President is a lifelong peninsula resident. She has served in a variety of executive leadership roles in the automotive industry and in higher education. For 29 years, she helped Toyota manage its $5 billion service parts and accessories business by leading operations and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply chain. In 2020, she joined the California State University (CSU) as a Director in the Capital Planning Design and Construction division in the Office of the Chancellor, overseeing strategic planning, finance, organizational development, and legislative review for all matters involving physical infrastructure at CSU campuses. Outside of work, she chaired the Finance Advisory Committee for the city of Palos Verdes Estates, served as President of Las Amigas de Las Lomas supporting the Luskin Orthopedic Institute for Children and serves on the Board of Governors for the Jester and Pharley Phund supporting children in need.

Dan Drazan, Vice President relocated to the area from the east coast after a career as an environmental attorney with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to moving to Palos Verdes, Dan served as a Board member of the North Potomac Citizens Association, a non-profit group whose efforts led to the construction of a community/recreation center and a much-needed firehouse. Over the years Dan has hiked along the cliffs near the iconic Point Vicente Lighthouse and is looking forward to applying his environmental experience toward restoring the lighthouse. Dan currently works on energy and environmental policy issues, and enjoys photography, hiking, and traveling in his free time.

Nik Lachowicz, Corporate Secretary has a passion for history and preservation which began at St. Roberts Hall on the campus of Loyola Marymount University, where he majored in history. The interest in fact-finding led Mr. Lachowicz to the courtroom, where he has been practicing law since 1999. Mr. Lachowicz is a graduate of Pepperdine Law School. He also obtained a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center in International and Comparative Law while at the Executive Office of the President of the United States of America. Prior to founding Lachowicz Law P.C., Nik was a partner at Taylor Sethi Lachowicz LLP in Los Angeles, where he maintained a practice litigating and providing counsel for numerous businesses and individuals in business and personal injury matters. Nik Lachowicz is admitted to practice in all state courts in California and the United States District Court, and currently runs a busy litigation law firm in the Riviera Village in Redondo Beach, California.

Sylvie Knotek, Events Chair started her career in early childhood education and spent eight years as a preschool teacher in the Czech Republic. She then relocated to the United States in the early 2000s. Deeply committed to giving back, she's actively involved in numerous charitable and philanthropic initiatives, including her ongoing work with the Boys & Girls Club. She's recognized for her ability to organize and lead events and galas, bringing people together for meaningful causes. She currently serves in board roles and committee positions across several organizations, where her vision and dedication continue to make a lasting impact. At her core, Sylvie Knotek is passionate about family, community, and an active lifestyle. She enjoys socializing, traveling the world, and staying engaged in sports, health, and wellness. She leads with warmth, energy, and genuine commitment to those around her.