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Board of Governors

The San Diego Foundation's Board of Governors is composed of up to 30 volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds, who are involved in many community and charitable activities. The Board oversees The Foundation by establishing policy, setting priorities, and making final decisions to approve awards and grants.
 
 

Board Officers

 
Jerry E. Hoffmeister
Gerald (Jerry) E. Hoffmeister, Chair
Community Leader
After managing and expanding several global technology companies serving the energy industries worldwide until his retirement in 1997, Jerry currently provides strategic support and mentoring to early stage technology companies and community nonprofit organizations. His dedication and active leadership at The Foundation includes his current role as chair, as well as service on the Board Governance Committee, Organizational Success Program Working Group, the Science & Technology Working Group, and vice chair of the North County Coastal Civic Alliance. He is also president of the Board of Trustees of EJE Academies, a charter school located in El Cajon and chairman emeritus of Project Walk, a spinal cord injury recovery center headquartered in Carlsbad. Jerry earned his BA from Valparaiso University.
 
Jennifer Adams-Brooks
Jennifer Adams-Brooks, Vice Chair, Center for Civic Engagement
President, Clark Consultants
As vice chair, Jennifer brings quality leadership and 20 years of corporate communication, public policy and human resources experience to The Foundation. She is chair of Friends of the Foundation and the Civil Society Working Group. She also serves on the Board Governance and Strategic Planning Committees. She is president of Clark Consultants, a firm she established in 2000 that specializes in human resource consulting and executive coaching. Former posts include chief of staff for members of the State Assembly and City Council, and interim executive director for the Southeast Economic Development Corporation. She serves on several local boards, including vice chair of the San Diego Housing Commission, the UCSD Board of Overseers and the Springall Academy. She earned a BA in communications and urban planning from UCSD.
 
Steven R. Smith
Steven R. Smith, Secretary
Dean and Professor of Law, California Western Law School
Guided by a deep belief in the importance of civic engagement, Steven joined The Foundation’s Civil Society Working Group in 2001 and served as chair from 2004-2009. Steven was appointed Dean of California Western Law School in 1996, following eight years as Dean at Cleveland-Marshall Law School. He is committed to educating “lawyers who will contribute to improving the lives of their clients and the quality of justice in our society.” He is former deputy director and remains active in the Association of American Law Schools and in the American Bar Association. He is the past chair of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Steven received his BA from Buena Vista College, and his JD (Order of the Coif) from the University of Iowa.
Garry Ridge
Garry Ridge, Vice Chair, Charitable Giving and External Relations
President and Chief Executive Officer of the WD-40
Garry Ridge is president and chief executive officer of the WD-40 Company, headquartered in San Diego. He has been with WD-40 since 1987 in various management positions, including executive vice president of international business. Garry has worked directly with WD-40 in over 50 countries. Garry has been awarded Director of the Year for Enhancement of Economic Value, the Arthur E. Hughes Career Achievement Award, and the Ernst & Young—Master Entrepreneur Award. In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard titled Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A. Garry received his MS in executive leadership from USD and currently serves as an adjunct professor at the institution.

 
John D. Wylie
John D. Wylie, Vice Chair, Treasurer
Co-Founder, CapitalWorks Invstment Partners, LLP
With over 25 years in the investment industry, John brings his financial management expertise and community service values to The Foundation as vice chair of the Investment Committee and as a past member of the Scholarship Selection Committee. Prior to co-founding CapitalWorks, he was president of Nicholas-Applegate Mutual Funds, chief investment officer of the Investor Services Group, lead portfolio manager of the Fund’s Growth Income team, and worked with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for several years. John’s community support includes organizations in San Diego helping to preserve the environment, enhance civic pride, assist cultural development, and further scholarship opportunities. He holds a BA in american studies and graduated cum laude from Amherst College.

 
John C. Raymond
John (Jack) C. Raymond, Immediate Past Chair
Chairman and CEO, The Raymond Companies
With over 30 years in real property development, investment and management, Jack lends his expertise to his role as immediate past chair of The Foundation’s Board of Governors. He is also the immediate past chair of the North County Inland Civic Alliance, the San Diego Charitable Real Estate Foundation (CREF), and was the founding chair of the Escondido Charitable Foundation. His regional involvement includes past chair of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, LEAD San Diego, and the University Council for CSU San Marcos. Recently honored as San Diego Corporate Director of the Year for Nonprofits, Escondido Business Leader of the Year, and Escondido Volunteer of the Year, his diverse leadership posts have included past chair of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Elementary School Board of Education, and the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, among others. A retired officer in the US Army Reserve, Jack is a graduate of Cornell University.
 
 
 
 

Board Members

Darcy Bingham
Darcy Bingham
Community Leader
A self-described "philanthropreneur," Darcy believes in contributing to the community through active philanthropic involvement. A vocal catalyst for positive change, she is co-founder of San Diego Social Venture Partners (SVP) and SVP International, she is also a founding member of the San Diego Women's Foundation, past-chair of the UCSD Undergraduate Scholarship Council, and is a UC San Diego trustee. A member of The San Diego Foundation board from 2000-2009, she also chaired its North County Coastal Civic Alliance, and is currently vice chair of The Foundation's Scholarship Selection Committee. She is also on the Strategic Planning Committee, and the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund Board. In addition to being past president of the UCSD Staff Association, she served the UC System at Regent's meetings as Chair of the UC System-wide Staff Council. Her career in university administration concluded at UCSD.
 
Jim Cahill
Manager of The Price Group, LLC
Jim retired as manager of The Price Group, LLC. He was responsible for the investment and management of the financial portfolio of Sol Price, the founder of The Price Club chain, and The Price Family Charitable Fund. He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of The Foundation’s Charitable Real Estate Foundation. Jim’s past community involvement includes board positions with Neighborhood National Development Bank, CitiLink Investment Company, Accion International, San Diego Incubator Corporation, Certified Development Corporation, and San Diego Innovative Pre-School Project.
 
John Cambon John Cambon, PhD
Principal, Regent Partners, LLC
John brings to The Foundation and to the Investment Committee over 30 years of experience in the management and financing of early stage companies, corporate planning and investment management. He is a principal with Regent Partners, LLC, a private financial group that provides financial services and bridge financing to emerging growth companies. Prior to Regent Partners, John was a partner at Commercial Bridge Capital, LLC. He has served as CEO and director of Genetic BioSystems, Inc., president and director of AMBIS, Inc., and CEO and director of Digivision, Inc. John is former president of the UCSD Alumni Association, and is vice chair of the UCSD Foundation Board. In addition, John served as a consultant to the Investment Advisory Committee to the Regents of the University of California. John holds a BA in Economics from UC Irvine, and a PhD in Economics from UCSD.
Constance M. Carroll, PhD
Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District
Constance served in presidential roles at Mesa College of the San Diego Community College District, Saddleback College of the South Orange County Community College District and Indian Valley College. She received a BA in humanities from Duquesne University. Constance holds an MA and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in classics. She studied at Knubly University in Greece and also attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. She was founding chair of the Community College Leadership Development Initiatives and Foundation. In 2007, Constance received the Association of Community College Trustees’ CEO Award.
Ted Chan
Ted Chan, MD
Medical Director, Emergency Department,
UCSD-Hillcrest Medical Center & Thornton Hospital, La Jolla
Ted joined The Foundation Board after spearheading the 2003 post wildfire recovery efforts as chair of the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund. He is currently medical director of the Emergency Departments at both UCSD-Hillcrest Medical Center and the Thornton Hospital in La Jolla. Ted worked in Washington, DC in the Office of the Assistant Surgeon General, and in Sacramento at the California State Senate. Ted continues as the chair of the Disaster Board and serves as medical director for the Metropolitan Medical Strike Team for San Diego County. Ted is editor of the cardiology section of the Journal of Emergency Medicine, and has authored and edited three textbooks.
Kay Chandler
President, Chandler Asset Management
Serving on the Investment Committee, Kay brings more than 30 years of investment industry experience and a love of the San Diego community to The Foundation’s board. She is president of Chandler Asset Management. Prior to that, Kay enjoyed a career in public service as investment officer for San Diego County and for the City of San Diego. Her community interests include cultural development; she serves as a board member for a nonprofit theatre group and a small community foundation. Kay earned a BA from Oberlin College and is a CFA charterholder.
Roger C. Cornell
Roger C. Cornell, MD
Senior Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Scripps Clinic
Roger is a practicing dermatologist with a passion for arts and culture. A graduate of Stanford University Medical School, he served in the Air Force before completing residencies in internal medicine and dermatology at UCSD. He joined Scripps Clinic in 1973 and is a clinical professor at UCSD. Roger volunteered at the UCSD Owen Clinic early in the AIDS crises, and has worked at the Logan Heights Family Health Center, for which he twice received the “Spirit of the Barrio” award. He has also served on such boards as Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Scripps Health Foundation, Mingei Museum, and the San Diego Performing Arts League. A member of the San Diego Arts and Culture Commission for eight years, he was chair of the Arts & Culture Working Group and serves on the Community Partnerships Committee.
James M. Cowley
James (Jim) M. Cowley
Attorney, Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps
Jim brings more than 30 years of experience in estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and representation of tax-exempt organizations to The Foundation’s Board Governance, Compensation and Benefits, and Executive Committees. He is also a director of the San Diego County YMCA, chair of the YMCA’s Endowment and Planned Giving Committee, and is a director and officer of private foundations. His interest in nonprofit organizations led to service on the State Bar Committee, which drafted the California Nonprofit Corporations Law. He has lectured extensively on estate planning, charitable giving and nonprofit organizations. Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Southern California Super Lawyers – San Diego. Jim holds a BS from Brigham Young University and a JD from the University of Chicago Law School (Order of the Coif).
 
Sandra Daley
Sandra Daley, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD School of Medicine; Board Chair, Preuss School UCSD;
UCSD Associate Chancellor / Chief Diversity Officer
Bringing to The Foundation a sense of responsibility to improve the world around her, Sandra has served in many capacities. A physician trained at the UCSD School of Medicine, Sandra has worked with patients and students from diverse population groups, and has developed programs to eliminate disparities in health status. Sandra is a recipient of numerous honors, including the Kellogg Foundation National Leadership Fellowship, California Women in Government Award, and LEAD San Diego’s Distinguished Service Award. 
Bob Dynes
Bob Dynes, PhD
Community Leader; President Emeritus, University of California; Former Chancellor, UCSD
Bob’s career has encompassed a broad spectrum of experiences and accomplishments. Educated as a research physicist, in 1968 Bob joined AT&T Bell Laboratories, where his research earned him international prizes and election into the National Academy of Sciences. After 22 years at Bell Labs, Bob moved on to UCSD as a professor of physics, and within six years became chancellor. In 2003, Bob was appointed as president of the ten campus University of California (UC) system. In addition to his broad set of career accomplishments, Bob has served on a wide variety of for-profit and nonprofit local and national boards.
Paul Eichen
Paul Eichen
CEO, Rokenbok Toy Company
Paul is chairman of the Orca Fund, an environmentally-focused fund housed at The San Diego Foundation. Paul’s background includes a rich, entrepreneurial history. He founded Proxima, a pioneer in the emerging market for data projection, and served as president and director from 1982-1995, during which time Proxima became a public company. Paul started the Rokenbok Toy Company in 1995 to create a “legacy quality” toy system focused on creativity, imagination and learning. He continues to serve as Rokenbok’s Chairman today. Paul attended Occidental College, where he studied mathematics. He holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from USD and is currently enrolled in USD’s Nonprofit Management and Leadership Masters Program.
William K. Geppert
William (Bill) K. Geppert
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cox Communications
With nearly 30 years experience in the telecommunications industry, Bill brings vision and charismatic leadership to his role as chair of Endow San Diego, as well as to The Foundation’s Board. He has headed Cox Communications in San Diego since 1996. Bill has personally received numerous honors, including the National Cable & Telecommunications Association National Leadership award, San Diego Business Journal’s Businessperson of the Year, YMCA Civic Leader of the Year, and the Union of Pan Asian Government’s Courageous Leader of the Year award. He is current chair of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. He also serves on the boards of The Campanile Foundation and USD, and is past chair of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Bill received his BA from the University of South Florida and completed Stanford’s Executive Program.
Ben Haddad
Partner, California Strategies, LLC
Ben opened the San Diego office of California Strategies, LLC in 2006. His experience in public affairs and communications spans three decades, including tours with SAIC, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Governor Pete Wilson, Mayor Susan Golding and Congressman Bill Lowery. Ben served on the California Coastal Commission and the San Diego County Water Authority. He served as chair of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2009 and will chair LEAD San Diego in 2010-11. Ben is in Rotary Club 33 and on the board of the Monarch School.
Thomas (Tom) Hall
Thomas (Tom) Hall
Partner, AlbertHall & Associates, LLC
With over 30 years in the San Diego arts community as a consultant, nonprofit arts administrator, teacher and commercial producer, Tom contributes a wealth of experience and expertise to The Foundation and its Arts & Culture Working Group. In addition to 20 years as the Managing Director of San Diego’s Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre, he has produced numerous plays and musicals on Broadway and London’s West End, has served as president and vice president of the League of Resident Theatres and on such boards and commissions as the California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. An honors graduate from the University of California, Tom is certified by the Institute for Cultural Affairs, and is a founding member of the American/Soviet Theatre Initiative and the Fieldstone Leadership Network.
Conny Jamison
Conny Jamison
Former San Diego City Treasurer
Having served 20 years as City Treasurer, managing collection and investments of over $1 billion annually and trustee of a $3 billion pension fund, Conny is past chair of The Foundation’s Investment Committee and serves on the Executive Committee and Environment Working Group. She was president of the California Municipal Treasurers Association and served on the boards of the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. & Canada and the League of California Cities. She currently sits on a number of boards, including Neighborhood National Bank and the San Diego Kiwanis Club and its foundation. She is also a director of EdFund. With all coursework completed toward a doctorate in economics from UCSD, Conny also holds a Master’s degree from SDSU and a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College. 
Connie Matsui
Connie Matsui
Social Entrepreneur
Since retiring from Biogen Idec, Inc. as an executive vice president in 2009, Connie’s primary interest is social innovation and entrepreneurship. During her 32-year corporate career, she held various general management positions at Biogen Idec, IDEC Pharmaceuticals and Wells Fargo Bank. She has also been an active volunteer and board member for a number of nonprofit organizations, including Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). From 1999 to 2002, she led GSUSA as national president/board chair. She currently serves on the boards of Halozyme Therapeutics, the Mira Costa College Foundation and the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, as well as on The San Diego Foundation’s Executive, Governance and Strategic Planning Committees. Connie received both her BA and MBA from Stanford University.
Paul I. Meyer
Paul I. Meyer
Retired Partner, Latham & Watkins, LLP
A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Paul is a retired partner at Latham & Watkins, LLP. Repeatedly named as one of The Best Lawyers in America over the course of his career, Paul was the attorney for many prominent real estate projects, including the Staples Center development in downtown Los Angeles, the San Diego Police Headquarters in downtown San Diego, the San Diego Padres Spring Training Facility in Peoria, Arizona, and the Desert Mountain development in Scottsdale, Arizona. Paul also served three years on active duty as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. A former president of the Old Globe Theatre, the La Jolla Chamber Music Society and the San Diego Chapter of the American Jewish Committee, Paul has chaired both the Balboa Park Advisory Board and the San Diego Charitable Real Estate Foundation at The Foundation. He currently serves on the Arts & Culture Working Group and on the Mayor’s Balboa Park Task Force.
 
Hollyce J. Phillips
Hollyce J. Phillips
Community Leader
Hollyce brings more than 20 years experience in the world of television and communications to her philanthropic work in the San Diego community. She is a founding member of the board of directors, and chair elect for the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation. Hollyce is on the board of directors for the Girls Scouts San Diego-Imperial Counties, having chaired their major fundraising “Urban Campout” event in 2004 and 2005. Hollyce is a member of The San Diego Women’s Foundation and serves as a member of The San Diego Foundation’s North County Coastal Civic Alliance. Hollyce has a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and did masters work at the University of Minnesota Graduate School of Journalism. 
Barbara A. Sawrey
Barbara A. Sawrey, PhD
Associate Vice Chancellor, Undergraduate Education, UCSD
Barbara’s previous positions include co-director, Doctoral Program in Mathematics and Science Education and vice chair for Education in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Barbara is a recipient of UCSD’s Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award, an Alumni Excellence Award, and the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Women in the Chemical Sciences. She has been a faculty member in Chemistry & Biochemistry for 26 years, and is a local and national officer in the American Chemical Society. She received a BS in chemistry from Baldwin-Wallace College. Prior to earning her PhD jointly from SDSU and UCSD in 1983, she was an industrial chemist in Jacksonville, Florida. 
Nancy A. Spector
Nancy A. Spector
Attorney; Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
Nancy is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. She is a sole practitioner who concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration, and special needs trusts. Nancy graduated with honors from Western State University College of Law, holds an MA in American History from George Washington University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois. Nancy is past president of the Estate Planning Council and past chair of the Probate Section of the San Diego County Bar Association. She is the current chair of The Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council and is an active member of the San Diego Women’s Foundation. Her volunteer history includes her role as board member at the San Diego Library Foundation, the Old Globe and the Alzheimer’s Association and participant in eight 3-Day Komen walks for breast cancer research.
Carisa Wisniewski
Carisa Wisniewski
San Diego Office Managing Partner, Moss Adams, LLP
Carisa brings nearly 20 years of public accounting experience to her current leadership role as chair of The Foundation’s Finance Committee, and her membership on the Governance and Executive Committees. She was a founding board member of the San Diego Foundation Regional Disaster Fund and served on the Science & Technology Working Group. Carisa is currently the Office Managing Partner at Moss Adams after serving in several roles, including the leader of the Technology and Life Sciences Practice. She was also a founding member of the joint committee of the FASB and AICPA for Private Company Financial Reporting. A member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of CPAs, Carisa earned a BA in accounting from CSUF. 
James (Jim) Ziegler
James (Jim) Ziegler
Community Volunteer
A community leader with over 25 years experience of banking throughout California and as a small business owner, Jim contributes his expertise to The Foundation’s Executive Committee, the Civil Society Working Group, and the San Diego Regional Disaster Task Force. Previous community affiliations include board service of AIDS Foundation San Diego, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mission Beach Precise Planning Board, Diversionary Theatre, El Cajon Boulevard Businessmen’s Association, San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative, and The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Center for which he was board chair in 2000. Jim earned his BA from Miami University in Ohio, and is a U.S. Navy Viet Nam-era veteran.