Read This Week’s Executive Profile 

Program Director  |  Valley Crime Stoppers

Education: High school diploma with some college 

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University, Fresno, with a degree in criminology – forensic behavioral science. 

Age: 34 

Family: My parents are my ultimate inspiration for me wanting to get involved with helping law enforcement. My father Steve Magarian was the former sheriff of Fresno County and served in law enforcement for over 30 years, and my mother Joanne Magarian was also in law enforcement for 20 years serving both in the probation department and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office where she worked as a reserve deputy sheriff. 

What we do: 

Valley Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization with the mission to deter, reduce and solve crimes by paying cash rewards for anonymous tips leading to an arrest, through partnerships with our sponsors, local law enforcement and media throughout the Central Valley. 

Tell us a little about your career to your current position. 

I worked in the wine industry in Madera County for nine years prior to being hired as program director for Valley Crime Stoppers. During my time in the wine industry, as a manager for the wineries I worked for, I was involved in marketing, event planning, sales, employee management, accounting and distribution, to name a few. I was also the elected president of the Madera Vintners’ Association for four years. I am now using the skills I gained in the wine industry and putting them to use as the program director of Valley Crime Stoppers. 

How long have you been at your current position? 

I have been working for Valley Crime Stoppers since July of 2022. 

What is one goal you hope to accomplish in your new position and why? 

I would like to see Valley Crime Stoppers get more involved in schools and with students in our Valley. We are in the process of getting our tips software, P3, into the high schools in the Fresno and Central Unified School Districts and are looking forward to hopefully expand beyond Fresno in the future. 

What are your roots in the Valley? 

I was born and raised in Fresno and currently live in Clovis. 

What is your impression of the Fresno community? 

Fresno is a strong, ethnically and culturally diverse community that I have been proud to be part of for more than 30 years. It is home. Even though Fresno is becoming a large city in our state, the small-town feel is still ever-present in interactions of the many residents that live here. 

What cause/organization is close to your heart? 

The new Cancer Institute at Clovis Community Hospital is an organization very close to my heart. My mom is a two-time cancer survivor and without the help of doctors now part of this amazing institute, my mom wouldn’t be here today.  

What was the best advice you ever received? 

Try Hard. Do Your Best. Never Give Up. This was the slogan my elementary school principal, Dr. Janet Young, shared with the students. It’s a slogan that has resonated with me throughout my life and one that has been part of teaching me a strong work ethic as well as being a pillar of my moral and value characteristics.   

What was your very first job and what did you learn from it? 

I worked for a local convalescent home as their receptionist for a few years while going to school. I learned the value our elders have to our community and that the knowledge and experience they possess is invaluable to the next generation.  

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Having spare time is somewhat new to me as I would regularly work 60+ hours a week during my time in the wine industry. A few of my hobbies include spending time with my family/friends, helping small local businesses through my side business, Magarian Creative Solutions, traveling, reading, and watching TV/movies.