FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carmel Mission Foundation Begins New Chapter in Preservation of California Landmark

CARMEL, Calif. — The Carmel Mission Foundation has officially resumed fundraising in support of the ongoing preservation and restoration of the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, launching a new chapter in its commitment to protecting one of California's most significant cultural and historic landmarks.

Since its founding in 2008, the independent, non-religious 501(c)(3) nonprofit has raised more than $14 million, which has directly funded the preservation of the 250-year-old Carmel Mission and its major restoration projects. These efforts began with the restoration of nine of the Basilica's eleven historic bells and critical structural improvements addressing seismic vulnerability and decades of deferred maintenance. The Foundation's landmark projects include the $5.5 million Basilica restoration completed in 2013, the $2 million Central Courtyard renovation in 2016, and the $4 million restoration of the Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt completed in 2023.

The Carmel Mission's 22-acre campus includes twelve historic adobe and stone structures that require ongoing protection from age, weather, and seismic activity. In recognition of its preservation leadership, the Foundation has received numerous honors, including California's prestigious Governor's Historic Preservation Award.

Following a temporary pause to strengthen its partnership with the Carmel Mission Basilica parish and the Diocese of Monterey, the Foundation resumed operations this spring and is now focused on supporting the Mission's long-term preservation priorities under the leadership of Pastor Father Paul Murphy.

The Foundation also announced its leadership team. Edward F. DiYanni, who became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2026, has served as a Foundation director since 2015. A retired Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Stevenson School and former partner with Arthur Andersen LLP, Mr. DiYanni brings decades of executive leadership in finance, operations, and nonprofit governance.

The Foundation has also appointed Lisa Guthrie as Executive Director. Ms. Guthrie will lead fundraising and community engagement efforts while working closely with the Carmel Mission Basilica parish and the Diocese of Monterey to advance their preservation priorities of the historic Mission.

A longtime Monterey Peninsula resident, Ms. Guthrie is a Broker Associate with Compass in Carmel and previously served on the executive development team for the Santa Lucia Preserve. Her work preserving the Historic Rancho San Carlos, now Santa Lucia Preserve, deepened her appreciation for the Carmel Mission's legacy, whose historic grazing lands once extended into the Rancho during the era of Saint Junípero Serra. She holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and has served several local nonprofit and community organizations including Meals on Wheels and CASA of the Central Coast.

"The Carmel Mission is one of California's most treasured historic landmarks," said Ms. Guthrie. "We are honored to help ensure this extraordinary place is preserved for future generations. We look forward to reconnecting with longtime supporters while welcoming new friends who share our commitment to protecting the Mission's remarkable history."

The Foundation is developing a new generation of fundraising initiatives to support future restoration projects identified through the Carmel Mission's long-range preservation plan. Community members interested in preserving this National Historic Landmark are invited to learn more about the Foundation and upcoming opportunities to become involved.

Media Contact

Lisa Guthrie
Executive Director, Carmel Mission Foundation
lisa@carmelmissionfoundation.org
831-238-5725
www.carmelmissionfoundation.org

About the Carmel Mission Foundation

Established in 2008, the Carmel Mission Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, non-religious organization (Tax ID 26-2981780). The Foundation supports the restoration and preservation of the historic Carmel Mission's buildings, museums, courtyards, artwork, and artifacts. Founded in 1771, the Carmel Mission (San Carlos Borroméo del Río Carmelo) served as the headquarters of the California Mission System and remains one of California's most significant historic landmarks. The Carmel Mission is both the birthplace of the State of California and the final resting place of St. Junípero Serra, preserving an irreplaceable collection of California's cultural and architectural heritage.