Additional Three Members Return to Continue Their Service

San Diego CA—Strengthening and expanding its impact as an essential resource to families with a hospitalized child, Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego is bringing on five new community members to its board of trustees, while welcoming three returning trustees to continue their valuable contributions of time, treasure and talent to the House.
New members, Steve Bernstein, Brandy Bullen, Paul Fitzgerald, Jessie Green and Adrienne Hoehn Sherman officially join the 17 dedicated community members currently serving the board of trustees. Travis Alegria, Donna Evans and Daniel Grimmer return to the board of trustees to continue their service from previous terms.
“Each of our new trustees bring skills and experience that will be invaluable to expanding and enhancing the impact of our organization,” said Chuck Day, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. “They join us during a significant time, as the need for Ronald McDonald House’s services far exceeds our capacity of 56-bedroom suites. Every night, approximately 30 families who need a room must be placed on our waitlist, while accessing our supportive services through our Family Care Center. We are truly grateful to these new and returning trustees for their dedicated service.”

New —

Steve Bernstein is a market executive of Wells Fargo Bank. A 17-year veteran of Wells Fargo, he oversees the commercial banking market for San Diego County. Bernstein previously served as region leader for the Southern California Nevada market. He plays a key role in Wells Fargo’s employee involvement and title sponsorship of Red Shoe Day. Bernstein’s banking experience and community connections will be a vital resource in financial matters and fundraising efforts.
 
Brandy Bullen is the founder and CEO of Sequoia Consulting Group, which specializes in life sciences projects and operations. She manages the company’s business and client development with an eye to emerging trends in the life sciences field. Bullen’s experience managing rapid growth and development will be crucial in responding to the increasing number of families passing through Ronald McDonald House’s doors each day.
 
Paul Fitzgerald is responsible for global real estate and facilities procurement at Qualcomm, where he is senior manager of strategic sourcing. Fitzgerald also serves on the board for the International Facility Managers Association, which recognized him as the San Diego chapter’s “Professional Member of the Year 2010.” In addition to serving on the House’s philanthropy committee, Fitzgerald’s real estate experience will be a valuable resource while exploring ways to increase capacity of the charity.
 
Jessie Green is president of the San Diego Padres Family Association. In this role, she has sought to create new ways of bringing comfort to Ronald McDonald House guests. Along with Padres owners Alexis and Ron Fowler, the association made possible the popular San Diego Padres and Fowler Family Playroom, a cheerful, baseball-themed space where families may relax together at the House. Green’s unique strengths, including her articulate and passionate advocacy for families served by the House, will be invaluable to helping families stay near their hospitalized child.
 
Adrienne Hoehn Sherman and the Hoehn family have long been strong advocates for critically ill children and their families. For nine years, the Hoehn family has underwritten the charity’s car raffle raising more than $2.2 million for the House. She holds a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University, and worked with children and families in health crises while in New York City and abroad. Sherman’s educational expertise and commitment to community service and philanthropy will ensure guests continue to find comfort at Ronald McDonald House.

Returning —

Travis Alegria is branch sales manager for Sharp Business Systems, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation. His relationship with Ronald McDonald House began in 2009, when his previous firm installed the phone system for the House. As his relationship with the House has grown, Alegria has played a key role in developing programs with the House Operations Committee. His skillful guidance in implementing key programs have proven essential and his expertise will continue to evolve Ronald McDonald House business operations.
 
Donna Evans has volunteered for Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities for more than 30 years. She is president of Evans Resource Group, Inc., and owns the award-winning The UPS Store of Encinitas Ranch Towne Center. Evans is a previous founding chair of Ronald McDonald House’s 2010 Red Shoe Day and previously led the House’s Marketing Communications Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and chaired the board of trustees. A graduate of Cornell University, she now is serving her second tenure on the House’s board, where her leadership and strategic planning skills will help the House grow to meet the increasing needs of the community.
 
Daniel Grimmer is a restaurant consultant who draws on his experience in his family’s McDonald’s business. He previously served as a government affairs manager for MGM Mirage in Nevada. Grimmer chaired both the House Operations Committee and the Finance Committee during his first term on the Ronald McDonald House board of trustees. Grimmer’s business and government affairs experience will bring great value in the management and future partnerships of Ronald McDonald House.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Founded in 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego provides a “home-away-from-home,” which keeps families close to one another and the care they need when their child is being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals. San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House was specifically designed to provide the necessities of home – including 56 overnight guest rooms, a kitchen and a children’s play area – to help strengthen families and bolster their psychological well-being during difficult times regardless of their situation or ability to pay. The Ronald McDonald House creates an emotional and physical sanctuary for nearly 15,000 family members each year. To learn more, visit rmhcsd.org.