Board of Directors

RICHARD RIOS: PRESIDENT

Richard comes to us with an extensive background in non-profit corporation management.  He brings his experience and knowledge to the position of Vice President to advise us and guide us through the maze of government requirements. Richard started playing pickleball as a result of an invitation by a neighbor in October of 2019. He served as a member of our club leadership group prior to our incorporation and as a 7th Street Coordinator for a year.  He enjoys playing in pickleball tournaments. Richard managed a non-profit that specialized in working with and housing neglected, abandoned and abused children for 38 years and served on the Riverside County Foster Care Board for 12 years. He served as a Surrogate Parent for students qualifying for special education services for Yucaipa/Calimesa School District. Richard is a current Board member, Past President of Yucaipa Kiwanis Club and served as Co-chair of Kiwanis International Key Leadership program for Hawaii, California and Nevada. He serves as the current President for Yucaipa/Calimesa Family Assistance, Inc. Richard enjoys spending time with grandboys, reading, fly fishing and taco trucks. He is the father of three children, Richard, Rebeca and Veronica. He and wife Patty will be celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year.

DEBI HITTER: SECRETARY

Debi Hitter moved to Yucaipa in 1977 and has been involved with the community through various organizations. She was a swim coach for Yucaipa Swim Team for many years, was an active member of the Yucaipa Jr. Women’s Club, and is currently a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, a professional organization for women educators. Debi taught elementary school for 25 years in Yucaipa. She has been playing pickleball since 2018.  Debi is not only the secretary for the Board of Directors, she is a dedicated Coordinator at the Yucaipa Community Center gym, making sure that all pickleball play runs smoothly and that new players and visitors feel welcome and get into the games.

DIANE KUEHL: TREASURER & MEMBERSHIP

Diane comes to the YPI Board with a professional career in non-profit fundraising management, administration and technology.  Diane retired in 2020 (though she maintains a couple of part-time “gigs”) and currently serves on the board of two other local non-profits. Diane is active in Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Redlands.  Diane was a founding member of Yucaipa Pickleball Inc (2022) and enjoys both the sport and the community that surrounds it. A proud “farmer’s daughter” from Illinois, Diane moved to Southern California in 1977 and has resided in Redlands since 1991. She enjoys game nights with friends and “puttering” around her 1953 home, which she shares with her “fur-kid” Abby-Girl. 

DAN BAUTISTA; PROMOTIONS AND MASTER OF FOOD AND FUN

Dan Bautista was born in San Bernardino and has never lived more than 12 miles from his birthplace. He enjoyed a 37+ year career working for San Bernardino County Probation.  Dan retired in 2016 and discovered pickleball in 2019.  Dan helped to develop the East Highlands Ranch Pickleball Club and enjoys playing at a number of locations locally.  Dan is very supportive of local community programs, especially those who serve children.  Dan is married and has two adult sons.  Dan loves pickleball and enjoys introducing others to the “Sport of Kings and Queens”!!