Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors brings commitment, compassion, and dedicated leadership to our mission to end hunger across San Diego County. Comprised of community leaders, our board volunteers their time and expertise to Feeding San Diego. In consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors guides the organization in the realization of our mission and maintains fiduciary oversight.

 

Because EVERYONE matters. When we empower each person to reach their full potential, we uplift us all and create a world nurtured by love, not hate—one person at a time! It all starts with access to healthy food and clean water.

 

Gwendolyn Sontheim
Board Chair

Philanthropist & Director, Aqualia International Foundation LTD

 

 

I believe the strength of any community should be measured by how well and how often it shows up for its members in need.

 

 

Steve Netzley
Secretary

Global CEO, Edge Performance Network & CEO, Havas Edge

When people have access to food, they can focus on learning, working, and reaching their full potential. Helping those in need builds a stronger society and a healthier economy. In the 1950s, around 55% of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty; today, it’s closer to 10%. Progress happens step by step, and we must keep moving forward.

Juan Gil-Ramirez
Treasurer

Investor & Entrepreneur
Board Member, Mexico City Food Bank

Because food is a basic human right. Because no one should go hungry in the presence of excess. Because we at Feeding San Diego have the honor and opportunity to balance this equation.

Maria Aini

Philanthropist & Physician

Feeding San Diego has a beautiful mission, and it’s really captured when you meet the people in need and help them out. Life is hard enough, and it’s nice to see people help others and unite around compassion.

Shawn Caine

Owner, Law Offices of Shawn E. Caine, A.P.C.

No one should go hungry. Helping provide food to those in need strengthens our community, spreads compassion, and allows us to make a direct, positive impact on people’s lives. And if we don’t do it, who will?

 

Mike Halpern

Investor and Civic Advocate

For much of my career, I focused on work and family. After Covid, seeing its impact inspired me to do more, especially as my faith deepened. I reached out to Feeding San Diego, began volunteering, and ultimately joined the board. Their mission is critical, and I’m proud to support it.

Eric Hornsten

Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

I care because food is a basic human need. My career has centered on building efficient systems that deliver results. Discovering Feeding San Diego, I saw innovation and compassion in action; operations serving humanity. Their mission and execution truly inspire me.

Lenette Howard

Community Advisor & Vice President, Niantic

There are so many worthy causes in our community and in our world, but without access to nutritious food, people are not free to pursue the best versions of themselves. Feeding San Diego is here to help those who are struggling with food insecurity and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Mark Loretta

Major League Baseball Veteran

It’s hard to be healthy when you’re hungry—a lesson that’s stayed constant throughout my career in health equity. Access to nutritious food is one of the most powerful drivers of health, and joining Feeding San Diego’s Board would let me help build a future where no one in our community goes hungry.

Valerie Martinez

Chief Health Equity Officer with Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan

I was deeply moved the first time I volunteered at a Feeding San Diego Mobile Food Distribution event. As I learned more about the organization, I felt compelled to get more involved. I’m fortunate to have never worried about going hungry; no one should have to face food insecurity. That’s why I care.

Alberto Mier y Terán

President & General Manager, KFMB

I appreciate the opportunity to fight hunger locally, strengthen the San Diego community, and reduce food waste with a very well run and respected organization. I find work is meaningful, the people are wonderful, and the impact is immediate.

 

Laing Rikkers

Executive Coach & Author

It seems obvious that our society would function better if hunger was eradicated. Food security is essential for children to learn and adults to thrive. I joined Feeding San Diego to help build a compassionate, connected community—and because I enjoy working with passionate people driving social change!

Shari Sapp

Community Volunteer & Philanthropist

Nutritious food is foundational to our health and quality of life, and San Diego is fortunate to have access to plenty.  I am grateful to be a part of an organization like Feeding San Diego that does the essential work of getting surplus good food to our neighbors who need it most.

Elizabeth Wilson

Corporate Legal Counsel