Board of Directors and Executive Advisors

Founder and CEO- 1904 Cadets

Nicholas Swift is the founder and driving force behind 1904 Cadets, a nonprofit dedicated to providing students across San Diego County with meaningful exposure to firefighting, EMS, and public service careers. With over 13 years of experience in K–12 education, Nicholas has combined his background as a Training Captain and Director of HSHMC Fire Rescue with his expertise as an educational consultant for Corwin to design programs that blend academic rigor, hands-on training, and mentorship.

Swift created 1904 Cadets to open doors for underrepresented and underexposed youth, ensuring they gain the skills, certifications, and confidence needed to pursue careers in fire and EMS. Guided by a vision of inclusive excellence, his work centers on building pathways that are not only educational, but life-changing—empowering students to see themselves as the future of public service.

Through his leadership, 1904 Cadets has become more than a training program—it is a movement designed to make a historic impact on young people’s lives and to strengthen the next generation of first responders. 

Board Chair - 1904 Cadets

Lorraine Hutchinson, Retired Deputy Chief with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Director of the Southwestern College Fire Science Program, leads the 1904 Cadets Board as Chair. A lifelong advocate for education and public service, she is passionate about opening doors for the next generation of firefighters and EMS professionals. Her leadership blends real-world fire service expertise with a deep commitment to mentorship, ensuring students have the skills, confidence, and support to succeed in their careers and communities.

Vice Chair - 1904 Cadets 

Chad Arberg, Firefighter with San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Task Force 8 and K9 Specialist, also serves in SDFD’s Recruitment Division. As Vice Chair of the 1904 Cadets Board and one of the program’s original supporters, Chad has played a key role since its inception—sharing his expertise, mentoring students, and helping shape hands-on training experiences that reflect the realities of the fire service. His dedication to recruitment and community engagement directly supports the program’s mission to inspire, prepare, and guide the next generation of first responders.

Treasurer - 1904 Cadets

Joel Ebstein brings over a decade of experience as a Firefighter Paramedic with San Diego Fire-Rescue. In addition to his public safety service, he is a successful business owner and entrepreneur with a strong background in sales and marketing. Joel combines a deep understanding of Fire and EMS operations with firsthand knowledge of the challenges involved in running and growing a business, making him a valuable asset to the organization’s leadership team.

Interim Secretary – 1904 Cadets

Angélica Hueso-García is the proud Principal of Central Elementary and a lifelong San Diegan who began her educational journey in the same community she now serves. With over two decades of experience in SDUSD, she is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships and a positive, achievement-focused school culture. As a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a passionate educator, she believes in empowering students at an early age—especially through exposure to career pathways like EMS and Fire—to help them envision a successful future. As the K-12 Education Advisor for 1904 Cadets she looks forward to bringing Lil Heroes to elementary students.

Board Member - 1904 Cadets

Mary Kjartanson serves as the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program Director and Instructor within the Health Science Department at San Diego Miramar College’s School of Public Safety. A trained nurse and dedicated educator, Mary brings a wealth of practical knowledge and academic guidance to the 1904 Cadets. Whether in the classroom or through hands-on training, she instills confidence and professionalism in students, preparing them for life-changing careers in EMS and public safety. Mary’s dual expertise—as a nurse and a passionate instructor—ensures every cadet receives both the compassionate care and evidence-based instruction they need to thrive.

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 Executive Advisor -1904 Cadets

Captain Alma Lowry of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department serves as an Executive Advisor for 1904 Cadets. A K9 Handler and Head of SDFD Recruitment, Alma brings a wealth of experience from across public safety—including her years as a lifeguard and her current role as an instructor at Miramar College. She is dedicated to connecting students with meaningful career pathways, fostering diversity in the fire service, and ensuring every aspiring first responder has access to the mentorship, training, and encouragement they need to succeed.

 Executive Advisor -1904 Cadets

Claudia Rempel brings more than 20 years of experience in emergency medical services and is recognized as an expert in board governance and nonprofit leadership. As the Regional Director for Premier Ambulance San Diego, Claudia oversees operations that ensure high-quality, compassionate emergency care across the region.

She also serves as Board President of the Ambulance Association of San Diego County and MANA de San Diego, where she leads efforts to strengthen community partnerships, advance equity, and elevate the EMS profession. Her leadership has been honored with multiple awards, including recognition as one of the San Diego Business Journal’s Latino Leaders of Influence and Top 50 Nonprofit Leaders of Influence.

Claudia’s expertise, dedication, and vision make her a true asset to the board of 1904 Cadets, where she helps guide the organization in building pathways to public service for students throughout San Diego County.