Four new trustees have been selected to serve on the board of the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that studies social issues specific to the region.

"The 2009 board of trustees brings an even wider diversity of backgrounds and experience to this vital local group, including education, business, community service and the arts," said Executive Director Karen Malatesta in a statement to the Thousand Oaks Acorn.

Fran Brough, the foundation's executive director for 13 years, was one of the four new members named to the board of trustees. A former teacher, Brough said she looks forward to helping lead the organization as it "tackles new challenges."

Annemarie H. Flaherty brings a wealth of community service experience to the board, Malatesta said. The executive director of the Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center Joint Powers Authority, Flaherty also serves as chair of the Community Services and Public Relations committee for the Rotary Club.

New trustee Laureen Morick is director of the Calabasas Arts Council and serves on the Calabasas Parks and Recreation Commission, Malatesta said. She developed the Women's Care Cottage, a Valley-based shelter, and hosts "Eye on the Arts" on Calabasas Television.

Steve Schulz came to the foundation as a local business owner. He operates a bookkeeping and tax practice, and a commercial realty corporation. A former football player for University of California, Berkeley, Schulz serves on the board of directors of the Triunfo YMCA.

"This has always been a wonderful place to live and work," Schulz said. "I hope I can contribute to ensuring that the special character of our community endures for future generations."

Audrey Brown, assistant city manager of Westlake Village, has been named chair of the Future Foundation; Margaret Travers, executive director of the Ventura County Arts Council, will serve as vice-chair, Malatesta said.

Joan Yacovone was installed as the 2009 secretary, Tony Kourounis as treasurer and Carl Herman as past chair to round out the five-member governing committee.

Malatesta said upcoming events sponsored by the foundation are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to join the organization.

For more information, call the foundation office at (818) 880-1054.

—Stephanie Bertholdo