Filoli Center
Filoli Center is a charitable 501(c)(3) non–profit organization whose operations are managed by the Filoli Governing Board. A paid staff of approximately 60 individuals (many on a part–time basis) and volunteer ranks that exceed 700 members of the community are responsible for a wide range of day–to–day activities including horticulture, botanical arts, nature education, programming, membership, ticketing, maintenance, preservation, special event planning and execution, food service, and retail.
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.
Carolyn Daley, President
Carolyn, who has been a member of the Board of Directors for 6 years, has been elected as the new President. Carolyn, who is a CPA by training, led an effort to bring the financials accounting and reporting to a higher standard and, in so doing, has brought a more professional and sustainable outlook to the organization. Carolyn is a visionary leader and is the right person to have at the helm as Filoli launches a strategic planning process in 2018. When Daley was asked about her vision for Filoli, she shared, “As Filoli moves into its next 100 years, I hope to foster an atmosphere where more people can connect and be enriched by Filoli’s vibrant history, as well as be inspired to protect and preserve this unique local treasure. Historic places connect us to our heritage. It is my pleasure to help ensure that Filoli is here in its full glory for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Donna Colson, Past President
Donna led Filoli through an incredible transformation which will set the stage for the next century. Donna will continue on the Board of Directors as Past President, but has also been invited to serve as Chair of the National Trust Historic Site Advisory Councils and Boards and will also serve as a Trustee for the Trust. “It is a great honor to be selected as a Trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, representing all 27 historic sites. The Trust sites are the gateway for millions of people to experience preservation,” says Colson “this is also recognition of the leadership role Filoli has taken to create a relevant site that is mission-driven and financially sustainable.”
Donna Mollenhauer, Vice President
Donna joined the Filoli Board in 2015. She earned a B.A. from San Francisco State University and an MBA from Golden Gate University. She is a registered nurse, and served in the US Army Nurse Corps. She was an Administrative Director of Physicians at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, an Area Controller of Development for Genentech, and an Assistant Director of Nursing for the UCSF Children’s Hospital. She was a docent for the San Francisco Zoo for twenty years, and has also supported the Red Cross Golden Gate Chapter and Women Healthcare Executives. She has had dogs throughout her life, particularly West Highland White Terriers. Her hobbies include crafts (including artwork), cooking, hiking, and animal education.
Jeff Yoder, Treasurer
Jeff has been a principal at several successful start-up companies in Silicon Valley and has worked directly with major venture-capital organizations. He is currently a private investor in individual start-ups and diversity funds. Jeff’s philanthropic work has included working closely with local charities, as well as global non-profits. Jeff is a devoted father to his four children, is passionate about music, and is an avid outdoor enthusiast, gardener, and beekeeper.
Carol Moran, Secretary
Carol brings public relations experience to the board with a 25 year career as a public relations consultant to both software and hardware companies, news publications, and research labs. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Moran Manor Vineyards, a Sonoma boutique winery. Carol is also a member of the National Trust Council of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
David Buergler
Jeff Deaton
Don DeFever
Robert Fountain
Lennie Gotcher
Willem Racke
Ana Roth
Larry Schwab
Barb Seipp
Christian Smith
Kathy Trafton
David Wessel
Mary White
Leslie Witt
David Brown, National Trust for Historic Preservation Representative
Kara Newport, Chief Executive Officer of Filoli Center
Kara became the Executive Director of Filoli Center in August 2016. Previously, she served as Executive Director for Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, a developing public garden, from 2006 to August 2016. In 2008, the Garden opened the Orchid Conservatory and this year plans have been announced for the newest addition, Lost Hollow, a children’s garden. Before serving in this capacity, Kara’s career was focused in fundraising at organizations including Winterthur, Philadelphia Zoo, and Outward Bound. Kara has a BS in botany, and a graduate degree from the Longwood Program.
Friends of Filoli Leadership
The Friends of Filoli, a committee of the Board of Directors.
Donna Mollenhauer, Chair
Laura Simmonds, Vice Chair
Suzanne Legallet, Chair of Support Operations
Nancy Shannon, Secretary
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non–profit, private organization whose mission is to “protect the irreplaceable that tells America’s story.” The Trust provides financial assistance to restore historic buildings and homes in local communities around the U.S. On Capitol Hill, the Trust advocates for public policies that benefit historic places. On the local level, the organization supports local grass roots efforts to preserve historic resources. Thanks to the generosity of the Roth family, Filoli became an Historic Site in 1979. Filoli, like all sites, is a beneficiary of the National Trust’s many services including support in the areas of funding, leadership and organizational development, governance, educational opportunities and preservation practices.