President: Jennifer Forbeck 2024

Tell us a little bit about yourself (and your family) 

I'm a 5th-generation Bay Area native, I attended Sotheby's Institute of Art in London and I managed an antique textile gallery in San Francisco until my twins were born. Then, I retired to raise my boys, Harry and Tucker, with my husband Pat (who didn't retire). Anyone who has been to my house for a meeting has met my dog Bruce, an important family member and who is a chocolate lab. 

What was your proudest moment as MC president?

It was a big year of proud moments. My proudest had to be announcing the Wilhelm bequest...actually, having the honor to announce it. I was honored because the gift validated what Marin Charitable is to our community. John Wilhelm and Tora Isi had researched all the charities in such depth that it was incredibly meaningful to be chosen as one of the recipients of his generosity. It really validated all the hard work our volunteers had been doing for 63 years. I was really proud to be in the position of announcing that to our membership. 

The second one would be another announcement that the board had, after much deliberation, decided to make the huge move of moving to an all-volunteer organization to having our first staff member, an Executive Director. And then, a few months down the road, I got to announce that it was Dawn Shalhoup!

How has MC changed since your presidency?

With the addition of an Executive Director, we've grown so much. We've become more professional, and at the same time, we haven't lost that wonderful, all-volunteer warmth. We've also become so much more present in the community, and we are on an incredible trajectory of growth and I'm really excited to see what comes next. 

Why do you think MC has lasted 65 years when so many nonprofits d

on't make it past 10?

Because the members are so collaborative and supportive with everything we take on. I don't think any other organization can be all-volunteer for 63 years, but everyone who joins Marin Charitable puts all their heart into all we do, and it really shows.