Episcopal Community Services breaks barriers and transforms communities through programs rooted in a tradition of action and faith in God. We envision an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential. ECS's extraordinary team of 450 dedicated professionals serve 7,000 people a year across 23 locations, providing early childhood education and mental and behavioral health services; substance use disorder treatment: and transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. ECS operates on a $38 million budget. ECS welcomes and serves all and is guided by its values of Belonging, Respect, Empowerment, Exploration, and Stewardship.Since joining ECS in April 2021 the team, board of directors, and I have: Transitioned from a membership organization model of governance to a self-perpetuating board. We recruited community and corporate leaders to the board to bring a diversity of age, experience, ethnicity. In 2023, the ECS Board was recognized by USD with a Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance. Created a three-year strategic plan with mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities, and repositioned the organization, which included a rebranding and focus on raising the organization's awareness and connections in the community. Launched a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility initiative, including staff education, programming, and a staff-led DEI Committee that is currently examining how ECS recruits and retains its stellar staff.Expanded ECS services in the areas of homelessness, substance use disorder, and children's mental health, opening a new Safe Haven homeless transitional housing program in partnership with the City and County of San Diego, expanding Para Las Familias to serve a broader age span of children needing mental health support, and will be opening a residential substance use disorder treatment facility for transition age youth in 2024.

Led the development, implementation, and fundraising for Chamber affiliate LEAD San Diego's four leadership development programs. Through programming, alumni engagement, and community partnerships, drove toward LEAD’s goal of educating, inspiring, and connecting leaders for positive change.Led the Chamber’s strategic marketing communications efforts, ensuring all outreach aligns with and supports the organization’s vision to make San Diego the best place to live and work. With team of seven, positioned LEAD and the Chamber for success, creating interest, demand, and recognition for both organizations through strategic partnership, corporate support, earned and owned digital and traditional media, and more than 60 events a year.

Led strategic marketing and communications team of media relations professionals, writers, and designers in service to the hospital and its foundation. Oversaw earned media in local, regional, and national markets; internal and external web sites and social media; film production and other multimedia content; copy and design for all collateral, advertising, and internal and external e-newsletters and publications, including magazine and donor impact reports. Refreshed hospital’s positioning to reflect the organization’s evolution from a community hospital to a leading academic medical center focused on innovation.

Drove internal communications to 16,000 County employees and secured earned media on major campaigns around health and disaster preparedness. Overhauled news web site for County staff and collaborated with the Chief Administrative Officer on his monthly column. Wrote and placed op-eds and articles for local and state publications. Produced public service announcements and presentations to the County Board of Supervisors.

As award-winning journalist, broke and covered major news, including 2003 and 2007 wildfires and high-profile criminal cases, and issues surrounding public health, government, agriculture, and the environment. Launched a freelance writing practice, with personal essays and features appearing in national and international publications, including The New York Times.