Executive Team

Randy Taran FOUNDER & CEO

Randy Taran, Founder and CEO of Project Happiness, is a social entrepreneur, committed to empowering and elevating human potential through her visionary work on the subject of happiness. Involved with peace-related initiatives in collaboration with the Dalai Lama Foundation and Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, recent projects include “The Peace Wall” and the short film series Focused on Peace. Currently, Randy is stewarding the Project Happiness global initiative, which integrates the message of the Project Happiness film with educational curriculum supporting schools on three continents. Randy is a mother of three, based in Palo Alto, California.

 Erik Stangvik, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Erik Stangvik, Executive Vice President, is at heart an entrepreneur with a focus on creating socially responsible companies. His work has included working with Dame Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop, developing sustainable economies in countries such as India, while owning stores in California. Mr. Stangvik founded and owns, Zoup-ah!, a company dedicated to creating culinary adventures for children and families. He has served on the boards of Until There’s A Cure, Poncho, The Ballard High School Foundation and Hands That Shape Humanity. Erik lives in Woodside, California with his two daughters.

Maria Lineger DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Maria Lineger is an educator, multimedia and instructional designer and advocate for youth. As co-author of The Project Happiness Handbook, she has merged her passion for creative and relevant learning with her commitment to seeing the gifts in all young people and inspiring them to live their best lives. In addition to Project Happiness, she is a mother of two, co-op school volunteer and outdoor adventurer.

Jim "Sky" Schuyler "DIGITAL MEDIATOR" (CTO)

Jim ("call me Sky") Schuyler is a computer science practitioner who specializes in learning, communications and digital media. In addition to planning and implementing digital media strategies for Project Happiness, he is Chief Technical Officer of The Dalai Lama Foundation. He's a photographer, musician and treks the high Sierra Nevada mountains in Yosemite National Park each summer.

Leslie Haas, MBA, MANAGER OF OPERATIONS

Prior to joining Project Happiness, Leslie held positions with the American Airlines Training Group as Product Manager for the American Airlines Travel Academy, and Echols International Travel and Hotel Schools, as the V.P. of Distance Education. She was a member of the California Department of Education, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Task Force and served on the Advisory Committee for the Tarrant County College District Advisory Committee for the Hospitality Management Program. She earned her MBA in Entrepreneurship/Franchising from the University of Dallas, and a B.S. from Arizona State University.

...with added cheer and friendship from Henry