Our People
Juan Barba
Warehouse Material Handler/Truck Driver
With over 17 years of hands-on experience in warehouse operations, Juan ensures that every donated piece of furniture finds its perfect new home. Whether it’s organizing a full warehouse of inventory or delivering furniture to our clients, Juan brings positive energy and a can-do attitude to work each day. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym and spending the day outdoors while hiking.
Melody Criner
Senior Program Manager
Born and raised in San Jose with her beautiful family and supportive friends, Melody is blessed beyond words. Having spent more than 22 years in the financial industry educating, promoting, and helping people in need of financial assistance and guidance, she realized her biggest passion is working with those in need and making a difference in peoples’ lives. Now venturing into the nonprofit world, Melody is excited to work with organizations that support families facing food insecurity and furniture poverty. Her philosophy is: “Together we can make a difference, people helping people.”
Mario Garate
Warehouse Material Handler
Mario enjoys starting his workday early to ensure the warehouse is organized, ready to receive inventory, and that the truck is loaded with furniture to deliver for families throughout the Bay Area. He finds the most joy in assisting families as they settle into their new home, which includes selecting items that meet their needs and ensuring a clean and comfortable space for them. In his spare time, Mario enjoys cruising in his beautifully restored Chevrolet Silverado, bike riding, attending local festivals, and spending time with family and friends.
Carla Jazo
Logistics Coordinator
Carla has been the logistics coordinator at the Bay Area Furniture Bank since 2022. Her role involves overseeing the logistics of the organization’s operations, as well as furniture deliveries. Prior to her work with the Bay Area Furniture Bank, she was responsible for developing and implementing programs that have had a positive impact on the lives of many individuals and families in need. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking in the beautiful Bay Area hills, visiting local beaches, and spending time with friends and family.
Josue Landa
Warehouse Material Handler
Josue is currently pursuing a major in psychology at De Anza College, with aspirations to further his academic journey at San Jose State University. It is with great honor that he engages in the facilitation of family support, and he relishes the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at the Bay Area Furniture Bank in practical fieldwork. Josue’s enthusiasm for outdoor exploration is matched by a fervent desire to discover novel experiences, consistently endeavoring to enrich familial bonds and contribute positively to our communal habitat.
Richard McGrath
Truck Driver
Towering at 6 feet 4 inches tall, Richard is an owner-operator who drove nearly two million miles as a three-way van-lines specialist in high-tech trade shows and computer systems. Richard’s greatest joy now is watching the faces of the young children we assist when they get a second chance after we deliver furniture to their new living quarters. When not on the road, you can find Richard on a golf course, a sport he picked up in high school.
Robert Robicheaux
Warehouse Material Handler/Truck Driver
Robert has more than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial moving. He has devoted himself to the moving industry. In addition, he co-owned multiple companies by a very young age. Now in his mid-30s, he has found purpose at the Bay Area Furniture Bank. He is professional, dedicated, and passionate about giving back to his community. Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He also pursues passions such as dirt biking, fishing, and RC car collecting. Ready for new challenges, Robert strives for excellence and aims to help the Bay Area Furniture Bank thrive.
Honoring our Founder
We honor the amazing work our founder, Ray Piontek, did to create and build this wonderful organization that has helped so many across our community. Ray passed away in October 2022 and he will be dearly missed.
Ray Piontek
Founder/Executive Director
Prior to founding Bay Area Furniture Bank, Ray held key leadership roles as a Senior Sales Executive with international experience. He led sales operations and marketing functions for small and large technology companies including Xerox, Apple, Autodesk and Hilti. Ray also served 27 years in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator, while holding positions of senior command. Ray holds a BS from Boston College. He’s originally from New Haven, CT, but has been living in our local community since 1969.