The Foundation at Hearst Castle Announces Four New Board Members

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2021 • Comments Off

New members will further diversify board and enhance focus on educational programs and virtual event production

SAN SIMEON — The Foundation at Hearst Castle announced today the appointment of four new members to its growing Board of Directors. Each will help support the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to conserve Hearst Castle and inspire students from underserved communities through its innovative STEAM Program at the Castle education initiative.

The additions include:

Michael Chavez Booth Director, The Story Mob; Founder and Partner, MC Brand Communications; Adjunct Professor, University of Southern California; Press Box Staff, Los Angeles Chargers
Schuyler Hoversten Strategic Advisor, Milk Money; President, Dynamic Ticketing Partners; Chief Revenue Officer, LiveXLive; Investor/Advisor, Sevenrooms
Pilaar Terry Managing Partner and Executive Director, MC Brand Communications; Board Member, Alumni Advisory Board | USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Nikki Hathaway Wilmore Senior Regional Account Director and Employee of the Year 2020, Cvent; Mentor, Big Sisters Big Brothers of America; Mentor and Contributor, ChildFund International

“We’re excited to expand our board with four new members who will bring a broad range of expertise and insight to our work,” said Executive Director Michael Young. “These individuals are passionate about our mission — especially to inspire disadvantaged youth — and they will help us to amplify the Castle’s story and engage new partners.”

Pilaar Terry is Managing Partner at MC Brand Communications, a boutique agency servicing a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from start-ups to legacy brands.

Nikki Hathaway Wilmore is a top-producing sales executive, managing enterprise partnerships with global hotel chains for Cvent, the events technology market leader.

Michael Chavez Booth (MCB) is director at The Story Mob, a rising communications consultancy that specializes in esports and the convergence of culture and gaming.

Schuyler Hovensten is President of Dynamic Ticketing Partners and Strategic Advisor for MilkMoney, and previously President of Music for Dynasty Sports & Entertainment

Abe Marquez, a longtime Hearst Castle benefactor and youth advocate, will remain president of the board. Retired charity finance director, Rick Wolfe, will serve as treasurer and retired entrepreneur, Evelyn Plemons, will continue as secretary. Hearst Ranch Winery co-owner, Debi Saunders, and local gallery director, Ken McGavin, will also continue to sit on the board.

“I am personally delighted to welcome such a strong group of new board members and I look forward to working with each of them in the coming year,” said Marquez. “I have no doubt this dynamic group of professionals will energize the board and facilitate the progress of key initiatives, especially the STEAM Program, which is close to my heart.”

The new board members began their three-year terms with The Foundation at Hearst Castle effective March 1, 2021 and can serve a maximum of two terms.

President Marquez added, “On behalf of the board and staff, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Bob Kitamura, Kristin Rasmussen, Lisa Adams, and Ray Lagger who have concluded their service as valued board members.”

To learn more about The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s board and read bios, click here.

About the Foundation:

The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations.

The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.

For more information visit www.foundationathearstcastle.com.