Meet the BACC Board: Kristen Mihalko

As one of the few nonprofit regional conservation centers in the United States, and the only such center in the western region, the Balboa Art Conservation Center is undergoing transformational change as it shifts into a radically inclusive and accessible art conservation organization. The BACC Board helps nourish this shift while ensuring the organization's vision for inclusion has long-term systemic impact. 

The BACC Board of Trustees is led by Board President Dana Springs and boasts a board membership that is 50% BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). In addition to its racial diversity, BACC board members are located throughout BACC’s service area, including Seattle, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. They bring a range and depth of expertise in community organizing, arts management and advocacy, fundraising, conservation, education, and financial management. Their diverse perspectives and skills are essential as BACC seeks to fulfill its vision for equity and healing within our own structure and workplace, as well as the communities we serve. 

Throughout 2023, we are highlighting each of our Board Members to better understand what excites them about being a part of the BACC Team at this transformative time. 

Kristen Mihalko (she/her) 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 oversees a number of programs, including the Balboa Park Explorer Pass program, and utilizes her skills in communication, event planning, program development, and IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) to increase engagement opportunities that broaden and create an inclusive Balboa Park experience for all. In addition to BACC, she also serves on two museum association boards: California Association of Museums and Western Museums Association and volunteers her time as a Committee Member for Nonprofit Solutions in San Diego.


BACC: How does your professional, community, and/or cultural work inform your role as a BACC Board Member? 
Kristen: I’ve worked in nonprofits my entire career which has allowed me to work with many different communities and cultures. My experience deepened my commitment to creating a world that is more inclusive, equitable, diverse, and accessible for all people. It has also given me the ability to approach topics with curiosity and to think more critically. These skills allow me to better support the many efforts of the BACC team and work alongside my fellow board members to build a board culture that is collaborative, supportive, and community-centered.

B: What excites you most about being on the BACC Board? 
K: I love learning about all the amazing work happening at BACC. Leticia is leading a fantastic team of professionals and I very much appreciate their commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable conservation field. I look forward to seeing the team grow and the implementation of a fellowship program that provides opportunities for BIPOC communities.

B: If you could have one artwork or artifact (personal or otherwise) conserved by the BACC team, what would it be and why? 
K: This will sound incredibly cheesy but I have an oil painting on wood of my dearly departed cat, Riley. This particular painting is especially important to me because I commissioned it through a friend who specializes in oil painting. I love that not only did I have an opportunity to support my friend but that I have this beautiful portrait of my favorite cat. I miss him all the time but I enjoy passing by his portrait in my hallway every day and being reminded of him. I would love to be able to enjoy this piece for years to come. ​

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