Leadership | Forever Balboa Park

Katy McDonald

President and CEO

Visionary Leadership

A 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

Vice President of Facilities & Operations

Jacqueline Higgins, ASLA

Vice President of Planning

Elizabeth Porter, CPA

Vice President of Finance

Lucy Beck

Director of Institutional Advancement

Board Members

FRONT ROW (L to R): Betty Peabody, Ann Wilson, Connie Matsui, Lynn Langley, Allison Rossett, Victoria Hamilton, Michael Yee, Jaimi Lomas
BACK ROW (L to R): Brian Matthews, Ken Tranbarger, Warren Gorowitz, Gaidi Finnie, Doug Kerner, Pem Smith, John Venekamp, Brent Woods, Michael Glass, Gonzalo Rojas
TRUSTEES NOT IN PICTURE: Beth Bushke, Pat Caughey, Joyce Gattas, James Hughes, Maureen Lamberti, Matt McCormick, John Toman, Lucy Warren