Press Releases

Dear Carmel Mission Foundation Supporters,

I am writing to let you know about some important Carmel Mission Foundation (CMF) items that we wanted to bring to your attention.

You may recall that Rich Denier, who had served as the CMF Board Chair for the past three years, recently stepped down from this role to spend more time on his family business in the central valley. Rich has been a Foundation Board member since 2012 and I am happy to report he will continue to remain a member and Secretary of the Foundation's Board going forward.

As such, effective January 1, 2026, I have assumed responsibilities as the Foundation's Chairman of the Board of Directors. I have been a Foundation Board member since 2015 and presently serve as the Chief Financial and Operating Officer of the Stevenson School, a position I have held for the past nineteen years. Prior to coming to Stevenson, I was a partner with Arthur Andersen LLP, a professional services firm. I was based In New York where I was responsible for the Firm's global support services operations. I also served as the Executive Director for Wachtel Lipton, a high-end mega merger and acquisitions and litigation law firm in New York City. I have a BA from Muhlenberg College and an MBA from Rutgers University, and am currently a licensed CPA in CA, NY, and NJ.

The Board would also like to recognize and thank Valera Lyles and Lane Lokyo for their important work, numerous contributions, and the assistance they have provided to the Foundation's efforts over the past several years. Both Valera and Lane are "retiring" and we wish them continued success and joy in their future endeavors. We are also welcoming Brian Call back to the Board, effective April 1, 2026. Brian had previously served on the Board and he will now handle Chief Financial Officer responsibilities. Many of you know Brian as he is a well respected and well known member of the local community and the Carmel Mission Basilica parish. Rich Pepe, our longest serving Director, remains on the Board and Heads up the Foundation's Committee on Directors. Rich is also a well known and respected member of the local community and a successful businessman in Carmel.

Also, and as importantly, I am pleased to announce that effective March 16, the Board appointed Lisa Guthrie as the CMF's next Executive Director. Lisa will be working closely with the Carmel Mission Basilica parish and Diocese of Monterey and she will lead the Foundation's fundraising and operational efforts in support of the continued preservation and restoration of the historic and iconic Carmel Mission Basilica facilities and grounds. Lisa is a graduate of Carmel high school and holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Golden Gate University. Lisa is also a long term member of the Carmel Mission parish.

Lisa and I recently met with Father Paul and Mission General Manager Justin Burke to share introductory pleasantries, to hear about Father Paul's capital project priorities which the Foundation will be able to help support through its grant application process, and to re-establish and  'fine tune' the optimum partnerial and working relationship between the Foundation and the Carmel Mission Basilica parish.

The CMF has raised over $14 million since 2008 in contributions to support important capital project priorities established by the pastor that help ensure the preservation of the Carmel Mission. As a reminder, every single dollar that is received by the Foundation from donors for specified projects goes to that project.

I look forward to meeting with many of you in the coming weeks and months. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we thank you for your past generous support and we look forward to reconnecting as we all work to assist with the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo.

Respectfully,

Edward F. DiYanni

Chairman of the Board of Directors