Parks and Recreation Commission

Second term ending 1/30/2029

Email: sswamy@cupertino.gov

First term ending 1/30/2027

Email: cbono@cupertino.gov

Bio: Claudio Bono is a proud and active member of the Cupertino community, who has served on multiple non-profit governing boards, including the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and the Cupertino Historical Society and Museum. In 2016, he was honored with the City's CREST Award. In his day job as a career hotelier presently managing the Cupertino Hotel, Claudio is well-versed in entertainment, international accommodation, and event planning and execution. He employs that experience to the benefit of the Cupertino community at major public events, such as the Diwali Festival and Star Awards, among many others. He brings this experience to bear in his role on the Parks and Recreation Commission, where he focuses on the success of the City's cultural and neighborhood events. Claudio, together with his rescued Terrier Mix pet, Bella, has lived near Franco Park since 2014. He holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Brussels, Belgium, and speaks five languages including English, Italian, French, Dutch, and Spanish.

Second term ending 1/30/2027

Email: cstanek@cupertino.gov

Bio: Carol Stanek has been a Parks and Recreation Commissioner since 2015. She served as Commission Chair in 2016. Carol was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year in 2010 by the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail for her successful advocacy to improve neighborhood access to the Stevens Creek Trail and Blackberry Farm. Carol is an active Block Leader and enthusiastically supports Cupertino’s cultural and neighborhood events. During the summer you can often find her dancing at Cupertino’s outdoor summer concerts or taking in Shakespeare at Memorial Park. Carol initiated the first ever Flash Mob at Memorial Park, bringing together community members to enjoy music, dance and the outdoors. Carol has lived in Cupertino since 1984 and with her husband, Mike, raised two daughters here. Carol has a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University. She has recently retired from a career in financial systems management.

First term ending 1/30/2029

Email: ssreekanth@cupertino.gov

Bio: Sheela is a proud mother of twin boys who grew up in the vibrant community of Cupertino. Their childhood was shaped by the city's neighborhoods, library, and parks, where they celebrated countless family milestones. Originally from India, Sheela moved to the Bay Area over two decades ago and has since built a career in the high-tech industry. Committed to community service, Sheela completed a full term on the Cupertino Library Commission, serving as vice chair before transitioning to her current role on the Parks and Recreation Commission. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, socializing, reading, gardening, cooking nutritious meals, watching TV and exploring music.

First term ending 1/30/2029

Email: gkumarappan@cupertino.gov

Bio: Gopal is a technology executive who has helped global customers through companies like Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Cisco, Adobe, and JPMorgan Chase. Equally committed to public service, he has volunteered as a commissioner for both the Cupertino Library and the Parks & Recreation Commissions. He has also served on school PTA and foundation boards and is a board member at Hope Services, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.

For over twenty years, Gopal has been an active volunteer at a language school, introducing the Tamil language to preschool kids on weekends while also instilling cultural values. As a passionate advocate for community well-being, he is eager to continue serving on the Parks & Recreation Commission to create inclusive and accessible spaces for all, especially seniors and youth. He believes parks are not just recreational areas but essential hubs that foster community connections, lifelong learning, and mental well-being.

A devoted furry-kids lover, Gopal enjoys spending time with his and his daughter’s dogs—Maya, Jessie, and Tundra. His mission is to give back by enhancing public spaces, ensuring they serve as vibrant gathering places that bring people together across generations.