Katy McDonald
President and CEOA Message from Katy McDonald
President and Chief Executive Officer of Forever Balboa Park
Katy McDonald leads Forever Balboa Park during a period of significant growth and investment.
With more than 30 years of executive nonprofit experience, including leadership roles at the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and The San Diego Museum of Art, she brings deep expertise in cultural stewardship, capital initiatives, and community engagement.
Under her leadership, Forever Balboa Park is advancing the Central Gardens revitalization and the recreation of the historic pergola, strengthening its role as the Park’s lead public-private partner with the City of San Diego.
Forever Balboa Park is not simply maintaining landscapes. We are building long-term infrastructure for stewardship, volunteer engagement, and sustainable investment in Balboa Park.
As Katy states: “Our work requires vision, partnership, and commitment. We are ensuring Balboa Park remains vibrant, resilient, and accessible for generations to come.”
The momentum continues. The future is underway.
Senior Leadership:
Craig Batrez
Jacqueline Higgins, ASLA
Elizabeth Porter, CPA
Lucy Beck
Board Members
Front Row (left to right): Beth Bushke, Joyce Gattas, Betty Peabody, Allison Rossett, Lynn Langley, Sheena Sahni,
Connie Matsui, Victoria Hamilton, Marlyn Carrillo, Ann Wilson
Back Row (left to right): Andrew Malick, Michael Glass, Matt McCormick, Gaidi Finnie, Gonzalo Rojas, George
Hardy, Stephen Hill, Daniel Kuperschmid, John Venekamp, John Toman, Warren Gorowitz, Brian Matthews
Not pictured: Brent Woods, Jaimi Lomas, Teddy Martinez, Ken Tranbarger, Dan Magy, Michael Yee
Board Members
Victoria Hamilton, Chair
Pemberton Smith, Treasurer
Lynn Langley, Secretary
Doug Kerner, Immediate Past Chair
John Venekamp, Chair-Elect
Pat Caughey
Gaidi Finnie
Joyce Gattas, PhD
George Hardy
James Hughes
Maureen Lamberti
Jaimi Lomas
Connie Matsui
Betty Peabody
Gonzalo Rojas
Allison Rossett
Jonathan Shulman
John Toman
Ken Tranbarger
Lucy Warren
Pete Wheeler
Ann Wilson
Brent Woods
Brian Matthews
Staff
Guadalupe Blanchard,
Facilities
Bill Brown,
Balboa Park Carousel Manager
Jorge Campos,
Facilities
Lisa Campano,
Balboa Park Visitors Center
Brenda Castillo,
Senior Manager of Visitors Services
Kassandra Contreras,
Digital Engagement Manager
Robin Ellam,
Park Improvement Specialist
Ellie Gaffo,
Senior Project Specialist
Alina Gordon,
Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer
Kelly Ford,
Special Events Manager
Sophia Galvez,
Volunteer Project Specialist
Dan Gonzalez,
Facilities Coordinator
Helen Milano,
Senior Manager of Volunteer Programs
Carlos Olaya,
Volunteer Coordinator
Hannah Robbins,
Tours Specialist
Heather Sheaffer,
Database Specialist
Shannon Pollero,
Volunteer Coordinator
Kate Precourt,
Executive Assistant to CEO
Angelica Pulido,
Balboa Park Visitors Center
Jordan White,
Visitors Services Manager