Immediately following a highly successful 125th birthday celebration, The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers are pleased to announce that Jesse Roberts has accepted the position of Executive Director, effective this month. Roberts replaces Kristi Balzer who held the position for five years.
“I think it’s fair to say that Kristi will be very difficult to replace,” said Keepers Board President, John Lindsey. “She saw us through some important changes and was a joy to work with. But we are excited by the unique skill set that Jesse Roberts brings to the post, not least of which is his enthusiasm for the lighthouse, and for all we can accomplish here.”
With a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Management, Roberts brings more than 16 years in leadership, development, grant writing, and fundraising in the nonprofit arena. His résumé includes two program directorships—one at Rise Up International, a nonprofit begun in Bend, Oregon that “builds community through art and music,” and one at San Luis Obispo’s Family Care Network, a transitional housing program for at-risk youth. He also served a five-year stint as a freelance U.S. State Department diplomat in the U.S. Cultural Affairs Division.
Upcoming plans for school program expansion, continued restoration work, more tours and special events, and increased use of the historic venue for special occasions are among the many tasks Roberts and the Board will tackle in the coming year. Six new board members were also elected to the 12-member board of directors. They are Nancy Stuhlmiller, Carolyn Moffett, Tarren Collins, Greg Chilina, Rick Rengel, and Susan Stewart.