Richard Carrico

Ericka Jordan

Tamara Merrill

Richard Carrico earned an M.A. in History from the University of San Diego. Richard taught history, anthropology, and Native American studies at San Diego State University for thirty years before retiring in 2024.

He is an Army veteran and an award-winning author of historical nonfiction. Richard focuses on eclectic topics that vary from Indigenous people, Spanish colonial history, archaeology, and most recently, true crime. He has authored more than twenty academic articles that have appeared in professional journals and at least twenty articles in popular magazines.

Richard has been serving on the Board since July 2025 through being appointed to fill a position vacated by a retiring Board member. He looks forward to continuing to serve on the Board.

Dr. Ericka Jordan, a seasoned and intuitive leader, brings over 17 years of proven excellence in managing complex programs—building on a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. With a sharp eye for strategic alignment and operational execution, Dr. J. is widely recognized for blending business acumen, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to mission success.

She brings a rare mix of interpersonal agility and analytical rigor to every role she takes on. Education plays a central role in her leadership philosophy. Holding a Doctor of Education, an MBA in Business Administration and Finance, and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies, Dr. Jordan. is a lifelong learner committed to continuous growth.

Fluent in both Italian and Spanish, Dr. Jordan. brings cultural fluency to international and joint operations.

Tamara Merrill is the published author of many short stories, seven novels, and multiple magazine articles. She writes mostly mainstream fiction and enjoys doing research for her historical work.

She holds both an MFA and a MBA and has served on multiple nonprofit boards. at both the local and national levels. In addition to writing, Tamara teaches both painting and writing skills for adults.

Since 2023, Tamara has served as the managing editor of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild Anthology, The Guilded Pen. In October 2025, the Guild presented Tamara with the Rhoda Riddell Builder Award for her exceptional leadership as managing editor of the anthology. In 2023, she also received a silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her efforts on behalf of the Guild.