2026 Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for Filoli Historic House and Garden is comprised of individuals of our region that are truly committed to the mission. The Board of Directors is responsible for governance and support of Filoli Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Executive Committee
Board Chair
Sydney Si Ning Leung was born and raised in Hong Kong. His career spans the fields of law, real estate, and entertainment, and he holds degrees in Architectural Engineering, Philosophy, and Law. Sydney’s community service is focused on the education and welfare of underserved children, and he is passionate about nature and the environment. Sydney resides in Woodside and San Francisco, California, with his partner, a Jack Russell Terrier, and three barn cats.
Board Vice Chair
Pulin Sanghvi is a speaker on purpose! He has led re-imaginings of career development at Princeton University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and created and taught a model of hypothesis-driven exploration that has engaged thousands of members of the Princeton, Stanford, and Yale communities. Pulin was formerly a management consultant with McKinsey in Palo Alto and an investment banker with Morgan Stanley. He serves Yale in numerous capacities and also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.
Board Treasurer
Melissa Lopez is an investment strategist with two decades of experience spanning investment banking, equity research, and endowment management. She most recently guided global equities strategy for the James Irvine Foundation and previously held senior roles at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Melissa earned her MBA from Stanford GSB and a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives in San Francisco and enjoys f inding quiet respites in Filoli’s Rose Garden.
Board Secretary
Leslie Witt is a product and design leader with deep expertise in shaping strategies that drive growth, scalability, and innovation across diverse markets and industries. She excels in crafting exceptional user experiences. Leslie is adept at navigating complex ecosystems, developing new offerings, and scaling operations in fast-growing markets. Her strengths include financial strategy, customer-centered design, and organizational growth, with experience spanning financial services, wellness, retail, and healthcare. Leslie’s background as an architect and educator informs her creative and analytical problem-solving approach. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing piano with her twins.
Past Board Chair
David Wessel is an architectural conservator with over 30 years of experience in the conservation and preservation of historic landmarks and cultural resources throughout the United States. David brings a deep understanding of architectural materials and a practical, but ethically rigorous perspective for the conservation of cultural heritage. Much of his career has focused on bridging technical architectural conservation methodology and theory with practical, hands-on field practice. As a Principal of Architectural Resources Group, a full-service architectural firm, and CEO of ARG Conservation Services, a design-build conservation construction company, David recognizes the importance of close integration between design and conservation construction for achieving optimal results. He has also been actively involved with many professional organizations and foundations, as well as non-profit organizations.
Board of Directors
Melanie Bonham Hoefer
Melanie Bonham Hoefer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a career in sales and business development that spans over 30 years. She has worked in promotional product sales for Fortune 500 companies, product placement in the media, and served as the head of business development for a beauty-on-demand startup. Among many charitable organizations that she has supported, she has most recently completed her term on the Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation board. Whether it’s forming key partnerships, organizing memorable events, or leading successful fundraisers, Melanie thrives on creating meaningful connections and making an impact. In her free time, you’ll find her golfing with her husband, playing bridge, or hitting the slopes.
Brian Byrd
Brian Byrd is an archaeologist and a proud Tribal Citizen of the federally recognized Shawnee Tribe in Oklahoma. With a career that has combined academic research and cultural resources management, he is a strong advocate for heritage preservation through inclusive collaboration with descendant communities, particularly Indigenous Native Americans.
Jackie Chang
Michelle Chang
Michelle Chang is a seasoned product executive with experience spanning technology, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. At Strava, she runs the product team responsible for building safety features that instill a positive, empowered, and trustworthy experience to help people live their best active lives. For nearly a decade at Google, Michelle built and ran the global team responsible for Google Search, Shopping, and AI policies. Prior, Michelle worked in public radio and management consulting. A Bay Area native, Michelle holds a Master’s of Public Policy from UC Berkeley and a B.S. from Cornell University. She has served on the Board of Directors of UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, and is an assistant girls’ coach for the Woodside Beasts, a Peninsula-based National Interscholastic Cycling Association mountain biking team. Michelle lives on the Peninsula with her husband and two children, and enjoys mountain sports, strong coffee, non-fiction books, and the great outdoors.
Donna Colson
Donna Wills Colson has served on the Filoli Board for more than 19 years, including roles on the Executive Leadership Team and as Past Board Chair. Her career spanned 25 years in the investment management industry as a senior client services executive and partner at Callan Associates, Baring Asset Management, and Tukman Capital Management. She currently serves on the Burlingame City Council as Mayor. She is also on the Board of Directors at OneShoreline and Peninsula Clean Energy, where she is focused on climate change projects.
Max Cuellar
Max Cuellar is a Global Technology Operating Executive specializing in Sales, Marketing, and Data. With 20+ years of experience, he has restructured companies and built growth strategies. Currently at Adobe, Max previously served as Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s first Chief Data Officer and previously held executive roles at HPE and HP. Max also served as a Partner at Booz & Company, where he advised technology, retail, and consumer firms, driving significant growth. A Harvard graduate with an MBA and BA, Max is a lead director for the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and previously served on various boards. Passionate about community, he enjoys diving, exploring the American West with his two children, cooking, and investing in local businesses.
Carolyn Daley
Carolyn Daley has led Filoli in many roles throughout the years, including as Board President, Chair of the Development Committee, and fundraising events sponsor. A CPA by training, Carolyn led an effort at Filoli to bring the financial accounting and reporting to a higher standard.
Senna Davies
Senna Davies is a dedicated marketing and technology specialist with a passion for transforming data into clear, impactful strategy. A graduate of San Diego State University and currently a Partnerships Associate at Alembic Technologies, she brings a thoughtful blend of analytical rigor and creative insight to her work, helping teams identify opportunities and support meaningful growth. Beyond her professional endeavors, Senna enjoys exploring local art, culinary spaces, and has a lifelong fondness for animals.
Matt Domenici
Matt Domenici is a mission-driven Senior Product Management Executive, driving innovation and scaling teams in high-growth SaaS platform environments spanning Enterprise and Consumer channels. Passionate about solving complex challenges, he thrives at the intersection of strategic foresight and hands-on execution.
Joyce Hammel
Joyce Hammel is a longtime member of Filoli and recently retired as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Strategic Organization Development from University of California, San Francisco. Joyce is a member of Filoli’s DEAI Task Force. She brings decades of experience in all aspects of human resources management and strategic organization development. Joyce has practiced and honed her approach of identifying risks and problem areas early, and either preventing issues from arising or facilitating mutually beneficial solutions. Joyce is a life coach, has served as a community mediator, professional facilitator, a certified investigator, and a skilled trainer. She has a B.A. in Clinical / Medical Social Work from Kent State University. Joyce loves to travel and is learning how to play the cello!
Deborah Hussey Freeland
Deborah Hussey Freeland is a San Francisco native for whom gorgeous days at Filoli are a family tradition spanning four generations. Deborah is an attorney, a scientist, and an academic with a varied career that includes teaching, research, and practice in fields ranging from environmental science and policy, to intellectual property, to immunology, to women’s studies, to legal ethics. Deborah’s community service has focused primarily on supporting students from underserved communities as they explore careers in the scientific and legal professions, and on environmental restoration. Deborah began her career as a freelancer with San Francisco Ballet. She then earned her BA in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry from Vassar College, her PhD in Biophysics from Stanford University, and her JD from Stanford Law School.
Maggie Kennelly Hazelrig
Maggie Kennelly Hazelrig is a seasoned executive recruiting and talent advisory leader with a passion for community engagement, and preservation of and connection to historical spaces. Her leadership experience spans various roles, including building high-performing teams and advising organizations on executive talent strategy, particularly across the everevolving landscape of tech. A dedicated advocate for women’s health, education, and the arts, Maggie has served on the Advisory Boards of Dress for Success Bay Area and the San Francisco Symphony Symphonix Board. Deeply committed to community service, she also sits on the boards of the 2x4 Foundation and the Child & Family Institute. Beyond her professional endeavors, Maggie is an active volunteer and mentor, committed to fostering individual growth and creating positive change. A Bay Area native and alumna of Castilleja School, she holds a degree in Political Science, Business, and French from the University of Southern California. Maggie resides in Menlo Park with her husband, two sons, and their beloved husky-corgi mix, Hamilton.
Susan Ketcham
Susan Ketcham is a graduate of the Wharton School with a career in financial management and planning. She works in the philanthropy field, including prior positions at the Hewlett Foundation and at Hirsch Philanthropy Partners. She brings expertise in planning and strategy to support organizations in their growth. Among the nonprofit organizations Ms. Ketcham supports are: Samaritan House of San Mateo, CALL Primrose, Lambda Legal, Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo, the Community School of Music and the Arts, and Peninsula Family Services.
Ethan Lipsig
Ethan Lipsig was born and raised in New York until his parents moved him to Southern California at age 11. He has lived there ever since, except for his time studying at Oxford University. Ethan was a partner at one of the world’s largest law firms for more than 30 years, specializing in employment and tax law. He invented— or at least pioneered—several notable concepts, including the 401(k) plan. Ethan and his wife are avid gardeners.
Victor M. Marquez
Victor M. Marquez is a partner at Intelink Law Group focusing on real estate transactions, land use, commercial litigation, state and local government relations, and regulatory work and cross-border sourcing and international trade in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. He is Vice President (U.S.) and Chief Legal Officer for Canada-U.S.-Mexico International Chamber of Commerce (CUSMEX). He serves as a Governor on the American Bar Association’s Board of Governors. He also served as a former National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association and was the first openly LGBTQ+ member to serve in this role in the history of the organization.
Sapna Marfatia
Sapna Marfatia is the Director of Architecture at Stanford University’s Architecture and Campus Design Office. She has been with the University for more than 20 years and has provided design direction on several prestigious projects. Alongside new buildings, she also collaborates with the university’s facilities group to create long-term maintenance vision and protocol for the preservation of iconic Stanford buildings, such as the Main Quad, Memorial Church, Hoover Tower, and Hanna House. She has a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, India; a Master’s in Urban Design from Pratt Institute, New York; and a Master’s in Liberal Arts from Stanford University. Sapna has served on the AIA Board of Directors, Santa Clara Valley Chapter and was a Historical Commissioner for The City of Los Altos for eight years.
Ronald Peyton
Ronald Peyton is executive chairman of Callan, where he provides firmwide oversight to improve communications, process, service quality, and retention. He regularly meets with clients, associates, and senior industry professionals. He also engages in industry and community events through speaking, writing, and service opportunities. Ron chairs the Callan Board of Directors, is a member of Callan’s Institute Advisory Committee, and is a shareholder of the firm.
Carol Quillen
Carol Quillen is the 10th President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and joined the National Trust in January 2024. She has received numerous academic awards, and earned fellowships from the Mellon Foundation, the Whiting Foundation, the Fulbright Foundation, and Villa I Tatti, Harvard’s Center for Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy. Carol is the author of two books and many articles. She earned a B.A. in American history from the University of Chicago, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with special and general honors, and a Ph.D. in European history from Princeton University. She then joined the History Department at Rice University, serving there on the faculty, as the founding director of the Boniuk Center and as a vice provost and vice president before she was named president of Davidson.
Rachel Royer
Rachel Royer is Vice President, Development & Construction at Jamestown. She leads development and construction of adaptive re-use projects and placemaking efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area for assets outside Jamestown’s portfolio. Ms. Royer’s 20 years of real estate development experience includes ground-up construction and adaptive reuse, leading end-to-end project execution from concept level predevelopment, through entitlements, design, permits and construction. She is the current Chair of the San Jose Historic Landmarks Commission and holds a BA in Urban Planning from the University at Albany and a MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kristen Van Dam
Kristen Van Dam is a restoration ecologist with the East Bay Regional Park District. She has more than 20 years of experience in ecological restoration, planning, and assessment, and has managed restoration projects throughout California. She has authored several studies and assessments, including a novel reference methodology for riparian vegetation produced as her thesis for her Master’s degree in Forestry at University of California, Berkeley. Kristen served as the Chair of the Filoli Board Property Committee from 2023 - 2024.
Guillermo Viveros
Guillermo Viveros is a senior financial leader with extensive experience in managing global finance and treasury teams. He has a strong track record of strengthening financial and operational processes, and building infrastructures that maximize business performance and profitability. Guillermo currently serves as the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Gardner Health Services. Before joining Gardner, he led the Treasury and Financial Operations team at Infoblox for four years. Prior to Infoblox, Guillermo spent three years at TiVo as the finance business partner to the Business Unit General Managers, the Chief Revenue Officer, and their leadership teams. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an M.B.A. from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
Barry Wellins
Barry Wellins, Market Leader for U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management in Northern California, has a lifelong goal of guiding people toward a brighter f inancial tomorrow. With a desire to do right by every client, Barry manages a team of finance professionals responsible for providing clients with personalized service and tailored financial solutions. Barry earned his Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. A big proponent of the arts, Barry has served on the board of directors for the artsfocused boards in his community; for the past eight years, he has also served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
David Wollenberg
David Wollenberg is returning to the Filoli Board of Directors and is a former Chair. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brown and an MBA from Stanford, going on to become President of the Cortana Corporation. He also supports the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as The Wollenberg Foundation, for which he is the Managing Trustee. David serves on the Stanford Live Arts Council and is the Director Emeritus of Rebuilding Together Peninsula.
Martin Yan
Chef Martin Yan is a well-known celebrity chef who starred in the cooking show Yan Can Cook, which featured recipes for stir-fried foods and an assortment of various other traditional Chinese meals and cooking techniques. He is involved in the Bay Area community and recently created 27 video segments of him exploring San Francisco Chinatown’s food and culture scene. Martin attended the Filoli Vegetable Garden Preview Brunch and is especially excited about Filoli’s food culture. He also recently filmed a show at Filoli for his YouTube channel.
Nancy Young
Nancy Young is a principal with Baker Tilly’s tax practice. She has more than 20 years of experience in providing all aspects of tax planning and compliance services to multistate and multinational corporations and partnerships, as well as high-net-worth family groups. She also has considerable experience providing assurance services and overseeing audit engagements for her tax clients.