Kurt Madden
CEO of Career Nexus and
CFO of the Fresno Business Council

Prior to serving as CEO of Career Nexus, Kurt was the Chief Technology Officer for Fresno Unified School District for 14 years. He has also held several leadership positions including CEO of One by One Leadership, a community leadership development organization, a Corporate VP for a Fortune 1000 technology firm and President and Founder of two local technology companies. He is the author of two books: Leadership Questions and Synergetic Follower. Kurt serves on several boards and councils including the Fresno Business Council Board, the Economic Development Board of Fresno County, Fresno State University Alumni Board and the Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Leadership Council. Kurt is a long-time adjunct professor at Fresno State University. His focus has been on increasing student growth and success by synthesizing learning, experience and technology.

LJay Ramirez
Director, Human Resources & Operations

LJay Ramirez, born in West Covina CA, and raised in Fresno, CA. As a foster youth, he grew up in Fresno, went to Roosevelt School of the Arts, Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree, in Human Resource Management, and then moved to the Bay area.

LJay has over a decade of HR experience and has held positions; HRBP/Director/Head/VP at multiple organizations including Microsoft and Bay Area Boys and Girls Clubs. He returned to Fresno two years ago, working remotely, and was looking for an organization like Career Nexus to work with. As our Director, Human Resources, LJay will support Career Nexus and our interns with all Human Resource needs.

Timothy Lowe
Director, Business Development

Timothy Lowe was born and raised in Southwest Fresno. An Edison High School graduate, Timothy has developed an extensive background in customer service and community relations, specifically for low-income areas. He was appointed to the Fresno Housing Authority by then Mayor Ashley Swearengin, where he served as the Resident Commissioner for three years, focusing on outreach, access and services to the disadvantaged. Timothy went on to work with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helping individuals in the community with PG&E Assistance. Now as the Internship Manager with Career Nexus, Timothy will be working with program interns – helping guide, encourage and coach them towards success.

Neil Fane
Intern Trainer

Born and raised in Fresno, CA, Neil Fane brings over 20 years of diverse experience to his role as Training Coordinator at Career Nexus. With a degree in Accounting and a professional background spanning finance, social work, and healthcare, Neil offers a unique blend of analytical thinking, compassion, and organizational expertise.

Throughout his career, Neil has served the community in a variety of impactful roles—including as an Intake Specialist at a halfway house, a Small Business Banker for a major national bank, and a Coordinator for two leading health insurance companies. Each role has deepened his understanding of people, systems, and the importance of access to opportunity.

Neil is passionate about personal growth and is an avid reader of books that encourage critical thinking and mental expansion. He also enjoys exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle, believing that physical wellness plays a key role in professional and personal success.

Neil is a great fit for Career Nexus because of his deep roots in the community, his commitment to helping others reach their potential, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His diverse background makes him especially skilled at guiding participants through their career development journeys with empathy, structure, and insight.

Elizabeth Myers
Coordinator, Human Resources & Operations

Elizabeth Myers was born and raised in Fresno, California, and is a proud graduate of Selma High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from California State University, Fresno, where she graduated in December 2024 while working full-time at Golden 1 Credit Union.

With a strong background in HR, technology, and business operations, Elizabeth is known for her people-first approach, integrity, and leadership. She values meaningful connections and believes networking and mentorship are essential to personal and professional growth.

Passionate about helping others succeed, Elizabeth thrives on improving systems, supporting career development, and inspiring others to reach their full potential through dedication and perseverance

Matthew Ramirez
Facilities Technician

Matthew Ramirez brings over a decade of hands-on maintenance experience, working across apartment complexes, commercial spaces, and school facilities. His expertise includes plumbing, remodeling, and comprehensive general maintenance. Known for his reliability and strong problem-solving skills, Matthew takes pride in delivering high-quality work and keeping every space running smoothly.

Jay Ybarra
Facilities Technician

Jay Ybarra brings years of hands-on experience to the team, having owned and operated his own flooring and remodeling company. Before joining the facilities field, he also worked in general cleaning, giving him a strong foundation in building care and maintenance. Jay is known for his craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to getting every job done right.