About Us : History and Leadership

Management Team

Roque J. Barros

Roque's career spans 25 years with roles in community organizing and community building. Prior to joining JCNI in 1997, Roque served as executive director of Los Niños, an international grassroots organization doing work in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His work with both organizations has focused on developing and directing sustainable programs that assist communities in addressing their needs and developing solutions.

In his role, he has created and led many of the innovative resident engagement programs for which the Center is known, including the Neighborhood Coordinators and Writerz Blok graffiti arts programs, and Project VOCAL (Voices of Community at All Levels). Barros is a sought-after trainer and expert in resident engagement and assists other communities and organizations in leading change where they live. He is also a resident of the Diamond Neighborhoods, which is the focus of the Jacobs Centerís work.

Roque has received awards and commendations from the San Diego Center for Mediation and the City of San Diego 4th District Councilman's office, and he was honored as an Hispanic leader by President Bill Clinton.

He has served on the board of directors of the National Community Building Network, the Boys and Girls Club of Chula Vista, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Roque is a founding member of "Friends of The Good Samaritan"Retirement Center and served on the San Diego Citizens Revenue Review and Economic Competitiveness Commission.

Mr. Barros holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Redlands.

Susan Halliday

As the director of finance for JCNI, Susan manages all areas of finance, accounting, and administration, including developing budgeting and cash flow management tools to guide JCNI toward both short- and long-term financial goals.

Prior to joining JCNI, she served as vice president and controller for a high-tech product manufacturer, guiding their financial, information technology, human resources, and administrative functions from a loss position to a 700 percent growth in revenues. She also worked with a world-wide manufacturing company as its general accounting manager, helping guide the company through its initial public offering.

Susan is a past chair of the American Electronics Association CFO Roundtable, and in 2008 was named San Diegoís CFO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal. She serves on the Finance Committees for San Diego Grantmakers, Elementary Institute of Science, the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and Make A Difference Fund. Susan has participated as a moderator and speaker for the Council on Foundations and Salk Institute, and is a 2011 participant of Leadership California.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from California State University, Northridge.