KAREN COUTTS | Board President
Founder & Strategic Consultant, KC Nonprofits
Karen Coutts is passionate about arts and education and has spent her more than 25-year career working with nonprofits to strengthen their infrastructure. She is the founder of KC Nonprofits, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits with fundraising, strategic planning, and high-level project management. Prior to her work as a consultant, she was the Director of Development at The New Children’s Museum, and prior to that, she oversaw development efforts at San Diego Museum of Art. Earlier in her career, Coutts worked at the consulting firm Epsilon, where she managed fundraising campaigns for national clients including the Smithsonian Institute, Consumers Union, the American Cancer Society, and the Cousteau Society. She is a former president of the board of directors for the Point Loma Cluster Schools Foundation, and is currently the treasurer for Little Fish Comic Book Studios. Coutts holds an MA in Art History and Museum Studies from Boston University.
JEFF DUNIGAN | Board Treasurer
Wealth Manager & USA Endowment and Foundation Consultant, UBS
Jeff Dunigan has been with UBS for more than a decade, and offers personalized financial concierge services, including asset management, fixed income, endowment and foundation services, foreign currencies strategies, research, and access to liquidity. He works with several nonprofit organization to help with complicated planned gifts. Prior to his work at UBS he was a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley for 20 years. Dunigan holds a degree in Business Administration from USC. Dunigan is active in the arts community and served as a Commissioner for the City of Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture.
DANA SPRINGS | Board Secretary & Chair of Audit Committee
Consulting Business Analyst
Dana Springs consults for creativity-centered nonprofits, firms, and executives. As the Mayor-appointed Executive Director of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture from 2012 to 2018, she directed $15 million in public arts and culture programs to support the education, economy, and environment for 1.3 million people. Springs has 12 years of experience integrating the work of artists into the built environment, and holds a B.A. in visual art from UCSD. She has consulted for Americans for the Arts, Caltrans, San Diego International Airport, San Diego Museum Council and San Diego Smart Cities Accelerator Labs.
KAREN “KATE” BUTLER, PhD
Independent Curator
Kate Butler is an independent curator with a history of working in the fine art industry. She is skilled in museum collections, contemporary art, visual arts, museums, and fine art. Prior to moving to San Diego in 2018, Butler was a curator at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis, MO. She has been a guest lecturer at Chapman University teaching courses on Northern Renaissance Art, Baroque Art and Theories of Modernism. Earlier in her career she was a Mellon Fellow at the Barnes Foundation. She received her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA in English Literature, and her PhD in Art History and Archaeology from Columbia University.
TOM CALLAS
Collections Registrar, Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles
With nearly 25 years of experience as a registrar at art museums Tom Callas holds a wealth of specialized expertise in the care, storage, and transportation of artwork. He has held registrar positions at several museums including The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, and the Orange County Museum of Art. Prior to his work as a registrar, he worked as a project manager and research assistant. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from in Pomona College, and Bachelor of Education from the McGill University in Montreal Quebec.
TIMOTHY L. CAMPBELL
Registrar, Laguna Art Museum
Tim Campbell is the registrar at the Laguna Art Museum and has broad experience working in collections care. Prior to his work at the Laguna Art Museum Campbell worked as Collections Manager at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, and was a visiting researcher at the Tokyo University Museum in Japan. Campbell also worked at Disney’s Animation Research Library for a decade learning about art conservation, creation and tracking of digital images, the different approaches of archives vs. museums, and the licensing of intellectual property. Following his work with Disney, Campbell worked at Blizzard Entertainment to start a culture of exhibitions, providing access to art created over the company’s 20-year history. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and English from Occidental College.
AUTUMN DOBBINS
Organizational Development Manager, Rady Children’s Hospital
Autumn Dobbins has enjoyed a rich career in the areas of learning and development, human resources, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. Her passion for workplace culture is fueled by cultivating engagement programs and communication strategies designed to support employees and achieve organizational goals. Several early hospitality positions also developed her appreciation for great customer service and proclivity for event planning. A native Ohioan, she moved to San Diego after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Children’s Literature & Children’s Theatre from Eastern Michigan University. She later received a Master’s degree from the University of San Diego in Leadership and Management Studies with an emphasis in nonprofits. In addition to serving on BACC’s board, she and her older daughter serve as members in National Charity League, a mother/daughter nonprofit devoted to facilitating meaningful opportunities for community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
WHITNEY DRECHSLER, Esq., CFP®
Vice President, Wealth Planner at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management
Whitney Drechsler brings together elements of finance and law. After receiving her law degree and working for 5 years as an attorney, she transferred her skills to the realm of finance where she has been since 2015. In her current role at U.S. Bank she provides comprehensive wealth planning to business owners, real estate investors, and other high net worth clients as well as education and advice on advanced strategies using philanthropic planning, retirement accumulation and distribution planning, income tax planning, and many other components of estate and financial plans. She holds a bachelor of Business Administration, Legal Studies, with a minor in Art History, from the University of Miami, Florida. She received her JD with a focus on Art, Intellectual Property and Contract Law from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and followed it with an LLM in International Tax and Financial Services. Drechsler also holds the Certified Financial Planner® designation.
KRISTEN MIHALKO
Director, Operations, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership
Kristen Mihalko has worked in the nonprofit sector focusing on programming and community building since 2010. As the Director of Operations at the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, she utilizes her skills in communication, event planning, program development, and IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) to implement programs and offer engagement opportunities that broaden and deepen the Balboa Park experience for all. Her current focus is working with Park organizations through the Parkwide IDEA Working Group, an initiative that provides peer-to-peer support and professional development opportunities to member organizations, to encourage more equitable practices in the Park. Mihalko also serves on two museum association boards: California Association of Museums and Western Museums Association. She has also served on a number of young professional boards: YNPN San Diego, Rising Arts Leaders San Diego, National Emerging Museum Professionals Network, and the San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals. She holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from National University and a certificate in Arts and Culture Leadership from University of San Diego.
JULIE SCHAFFRAN
Electronic Medical Record Clinical Educator, Rady Children’s Hospital
Julie Schaffran is an information technology and training professional with a depth of experience in communication, research, and program development. Earlier positions at Rady Children’s Hospital included work as a Lead Trainer, Principal Trainer, and Webmaster. Prior to her time at Rady Children’s Hospital she worked as a market research analyst for the Union Tribune and was a reporter and host for KGO-TV/DT ABC 7. Schaffran received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UCSD and her MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business.
MARY WHELAN
Executive Director of University Design & Collections, University of San Diego
Mary Whelan is responsible for the aesthetic integrity of USD’s campus and upholding the visual standards for exterior and interior design. Her office maintains the design consistency of the university’s Spanish Renaissance architectural style, while responding to the always-evolving educational environment. Additionally, Whelan is responsible for maintaining, documenting and conserving the Decorative and general Fine Art Collections of the university. She directs placement of these objects from the collection on campus and maintains protocols regarding art in public spaces. Previously Whelan worked for the Mission’s San Diego de Alcala and San Luis Rey de Francia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from USD and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art.
Founder & Strategic Consultant, KC Nonprofits
Karen Coutts is passionate about arts and education and has spent her more than 25-year career working with nonprofits to strengthen their infrastructure. She is the founder of KC Nonprofits, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits with fundraising, strategic planning, and high-level project management. Prior to her work as a consultant, she was the Director of Development at The New Children’s Museum, and prior to that, she oversaw development efforts at San Diego Museum of Art. Earlier in her career, Coutts worked at the consulting firm Epsilon, where she managed fundraising campaigns for national clients including the Smithsonian Institute, Consumers Union, the American Cancer Society, and the Cousteau Society. She is a former president of the board of directors for the Point Loma Cluster Schools Foundation, and is currently the treasurer for Little Fish Comic Book Studios. Coutts holds an MA in Art History and Museum Studies from Boston University.
JEFF DUNIGAN | Board Treasurer
Wealth Manager & USA Endowment and Foundation Consultant, UBS
Jeff Dunigan has been with UBS for more than a decade, and offers personalized financial concierge services, including asset management, fixed income, endowment and foundation services, foreign currencies strategies, research, and access to liquidity. He works with several nonprofit organization to help with complicated planned gifts. Prior to his work at UBS he was a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley for 20 years. Dunigan holds a degree in Business Administration from USC. Dunigan is active in the arts community and served as a Commissioner for the City of Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture.
DANA SPRINGS | Board Secretary & Chair of Audit Committee
Consulting Business Analyst
Dana Springs consults for creativity-centered nonprofits, firms, and executives. As the Mayor-appointed Executive Director of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture from 2012 to 2018, she directed $15 million in public arts and culture programs to support the education, economy, and environment for 1.3 million people. Springs has 12 years of experience integrating the work of artists into the built environment, and holds a B.A. in visual art from UCSD. She has consulted for Americans for the Arts, Caltrans, San Diego International Airport, San Diego Museum Council and San Diego Smart Cities Accelerator Labs.
KAREN “KATE” BUTLER, PhD
Independent Curator
Kate Butler is an independent curator with a history of working in the fine art industry. She is skilled in museum collections, contemporary art, visual arts, museums, and fine art. Prior to moving to San Diego in 2018, Butler was a curator at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis, MO. She has been a guest lecturer at Chapman University teaching courses on Northern Renaissance Art, Baroque Art and Theories of Modernism. Earlier in her career she was a Mellon Fellow at the Barnes Foundation. She received her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA in English Literature, and her PhD in Art History and Archaeology from Columbia University.
TOM CALLAS
Collections Registrar, Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles
With nearly 25 years of experience as a registrar at art museums Tom Callas holds a wealth of specialized expertise in the care, storage, and transportation of artwork. He has held registrar positions at several museums including The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, and the Orange County Museum of Art. Prior to his work as a registrar, he worked as a project manager and research assistant. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from in Pomona College, and Bachelor of Education from the McGill University in Montreal Quebec.
TIMOTHY L. CAMPBELL
Registrar, Laguna Art Museum
Tim Campbell is the registrar at the Laguna Art Museum and has broad experience working in collections care. Prior to his work at the Laguna Art Museum Campbell worked as Collections Manager at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, and was a visiting researcher at the Tokyo University Museum in Japan. Campbell also worked at Disney’s Animation Research Library for a decade learning about art conservation, creation and tracking of digital images, the different approaches of archives vs. museums, and the licensing of intellectual property. Following his work with Disney, Campbell worked at Blizzard Entertainment to start a culture of exhibitions, providing access to art created over the company’s 20-year history. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and English from Occidental College.
AUTUMN DOBBINS
Organizational Development Manager, Rady Children’s Hospital
Autumn Dobbins has enjoyed a rich career in the areas of learning and development, human resources, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. Her passion for workplace culture is fueled by cultivating engagement programs and communication strategies designed to support employees and achieve organizational goals. Several early hospitality positions also developed her appreciation for great customer service and proclivity for event planning. A native Ohioan, she moved to San Diego after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Children’s Literature & Children’s Theatre from Eastern Michigan University. She later received a Master’s degree from the University of San Diego in Leadership and Management Studies with an emphasis in nonprofits. In addition to serving on BACC’s board, she and her older daughter serve as members in National Charity League, a mother/daughter nonprofit devoted to facilitating meaningful opportunities for community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
WHITNEY DRECHSLER, Esq., CFP®
Vice President, Wealth Planner at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management
Whitney Drechsler brings together elements of finance and law. After receiving her law degree and working for 5 years as an attorney, she transferred her skills to the realm of finance where she has been since 2015. In her current role at U.S. Bank she provides comprehensive wealth planning to business owners, real estate investors, and other high net worth clients as well as education and advice on advanced strategies using philanthropic planning, retirement accumulation and distribution planning, income tax planning, and many other components of estate and financial plans. She holds a bachelor of Business Administration, Legal Studies, with a minor in Art History, from the University of Miami, Florida. She received her JD with a focus on Art, Intellectual Property and Contract Law from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and followed it with an LLM in International Tax and Financial Services. Drechsler also holds the Certified Financial Planner® designation.
KRISTEN MIHALKO
Director, Operations, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership
Kristen Mihalko has worked in the nonprofit sector focusing on programming and community building since 2010. As the Director of Operations at the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, she utilizes her skills in communication, event planning, program development, and IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) to implement programs and offer engagement opportunities that broaden and deepen the Balboa Park experience for all. Her current focus is working with Park organizations through the Parkwide IDEA Working Group, an initiative that provides peer-to-peer support and professional development opportunities to member organizations, to encourage more equitable practices in the Park. Mihalko also serves on two museum association boards: California Association of Museums and Western Museums Association. She has also served on a number of young professional boards: YNPN San Diego, Rising Arts Leaders San Diego, National Emerging Museum Professionals Network, and the San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals. She holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from National University and a certificate in Arts and Culture Leadership from University of San Diego.
JULIE SCHAFFRAN
Electronic Medical Record Clinical Educator, Rady Children’s Hospital
Julie Schaffran is an information technology and training professional with a depth of experience in communication, research, and program development. Earlier positions at Rady Children’s Hospital included work as a Lead Trainer, Principal Trainer, and Webmaster. Prior to her time at Rady Children’s Hospital she worked as a market research analyst for the Union Tribune and was a reporter and host for KGO-TV/DT ABC 7. Schaffran received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UCSD and her MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business.
MARY WHELAN
Executive Director of University Design & Collections, University of San Diego
Mary Whelan is responsible for the aesthetic integrity of USD’s campus and upholding the visual standards for exterior and interior design. Her office maintains the design consistency of the university’s Spanish Renaissance architectural style, while responding to the always-evolving educational environment. Additionally, Whelan is responsible for maintaining, documenting and conserving the Decorative and general Fine Art Collections of the university. She directs placement of these objects from the collection on campus and maintains protocols regarding art in public spaces. Previously Whelan worked for the Mission’s San Diego de Alcala and San Luis Rey de Francia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from USD and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art.