Staff

Chuck assumed leadership of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in December 2010. He came to the Ronald McDonald House with a wealth of experience in non-profit fund development and leadership, most recently his 15 years at Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center. He is active in the Kiwanis Club of San Diego, Estate Planning Council of San Diego and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where he received the 2009 Outstanding Development Professional Award. Chuck was named 2015 Most Admired CEO by San Diego Business Journal in the small nonprofit category. He is recognized for fostering a culture where volunteers, staff, and donors work together to meet the needs of the nearly 15,000 family members who come to us each year for a “home away from home” during their child’s hospitalization. Chuck is a Chula Vista native and has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands. 858-598-2420 CDay@rmhcsd.org

Nicole joined the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego team in March 2018 with extensive financial leadership and executive experience in various non-profit, for-profit and grant-funded organizations, including the J. Craig Venter Institute, the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, the San Diego Housing Commission, Altair Therapeutics and Kalysps, Inc. Nicole is a CPA and worked for the public accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche before starting her career in industry. She has further served many San Diego non-profit organizations as a board member and member of the finance or audit committee. Nicole is responsible for all financial management and planning at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. 858-598-2431 NDeBerg@rmhcsd.org

Oscar joined RMHC-San Diego in October 2021. As COO, Oscar brings cross-functional teams together, providing leadership to House operations, guest services, staffing, organizational budgeting, and volunteer engagement. With 15 years of leadership and operational experience in government and non-profit sectors, Oscar currently serves on the steering committee for the Alliance for Regional Solutions. He has also served on various boards and commissions for anti-poverty programs, veteran services, child development, and 2gen initiatives. Oscar moved to San Diego from Northern California in 2005 when stationed on Camp Pendleton as a United States Marine. He enjoys spending time outdoors, especially camping and off-roading with his family. Oscar holds a master’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. 858-598-2429 ogomez@rmhcsd.org

Mindy joined us in 2017 with a strong background in marketing and public relations and a wealth of fundraising, event planning and leadership experience, including 11 years at Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. We are honored that Mindy was named the 2023 Non-Profit Business Woman of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal! Since moving to San Diego in 2000, she has volunteered and served on 30 boards and sub-committees. Mindy is a native of northern Michigan and enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, camping, and spending time with her family. 858-598-2402  mcollins@rmhcsd.org

As Director of Operations, Gabriela oversees house, guest, and volunteer services as well as kitchen and facilities services to ensure the House runs smoothly for the thousands of day visitors who make use of our Family Care Center and for the hundreds of guest families that call our House their “home away from home” each year. A political science major at San Francisco State University, Gabriela also holds an MPA from a Jesuit university in Guadalajara, Mexico. She has a strong passion for social work and volunteers at local food banks. Her hobbies include hiking, taking her son surfing at local beaches, and playing with her six dogs.

Ivana comes to RMHC San Diego with over 8 years’ experience in the service and hospitality industry. She focuses on supporting house and guest services, helping ensure guests have everything they may need to feel at home during their stay. Outside of work, Ivana volunteers at food banks and enjoys giving back to the community, as well as spending time with her dog and cat.  

Chase “Chip” Smith joined us in March 2025. He oversees the maintenance and improvements of our facilities to ensure an optimal living environment for families on site.

Charlotte joined us in 2019 and is responsible for managing evening operations for both the North House and Main House.  She also supports Guest Services so our families always have what they need, even during after hours.  Charlotte has many years of experience in the service and hospitality industry.  Outside of her busy job, she loves exploring and going on adventures with her son, as well as traveling and experiencing new cultures.

Malorie is a San Diego native with a range of experience working with nonprofits and supervising volunteers. She started at our Ronald McDonald House in fall 2023. Malorie earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Diego State University. She enjoys going on adventures with her family and trying out new recipes. 858-598-2414 Volunteer@rmhcsd.org

Eric was born in Tijuana, Mexico and moved to San Diego in 2000. He started as a volunteer with us in 2013 and a short time later was hired to work at the House. He’s been working full time in the kitchen since 2015 and is proud to have graduated with a degree in culinary arts in 2020. He enjoys spending free time with his wife of 20 years and their four daughters. For Eric, cooking at our Ronald McDonald House feels like he’s cooking for family.

Allegra began working closely with our guests in 2013 as our Family Care Coordinator. Since 2015, she has been facilitating activities to engage donors in the life-changing care of families at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. Allegra was born and raised in El Centro, California, and maintains close connections in both San Diego and Imperial Valley. 858-598-2417 ASonza@rmhcsd.org

Kim Mercado joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in February 2023 with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit events, marketing, and fundraising. Some of her experience includes producing galas, festivals, award ceremonies, and conferences with an emphasis on partnering with businesses to raise awareness and funds for local nonprofits. Kim most recently led events and marketing initiatives at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. She is a University of California, Santa Barbara alumna and moved to San Diego in 2020. 858-598-2428  kmercado@rmhcsd.org

Kaylee joined the Corporate and Community Philanthropy team in March 2023 to assist with annual events, grow philanthropic revenue, and provide administrative support. Kaylee previously worked at A Step Beyond, a nonprofit after-school dance program for underserved youth, and at Home Base, where she planned fun family events for veterans healing from the invisible wounds of war. A San Diego native, she earned B.A. degrees in English and Dance from Gonzaga University. 858-380-5222 kbosse@rmhcsd.org

Originally from Chicago, Diana started with us as an event volunteer. Since 2014, she has supported a range of events including golf and Red Shoe Day. She now manages online fundraising tools and assists individuals and groups in using them in support of our family care programs. Diana enjoys visiting her sons at college, live music, and hiking with her dog.  858-598-2421 DWitte@rmhcsd.org

Marcy develops funding proposals and manages a range of communications including From the Heart magazine, e-newsletters, and this website. Marcy is a Minnesota native and Boston transplant. She joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego shortly after it opened its expanded facility in 2009. She has been striving to promote its mission ever since. 858-598-2432

Roxy joined the Ronald McDonald House team in May 2024. She works closely with both Philanthropy and Data bringing over 8 years of muti-channel marketing experience in elevating brands with a purpose. Roxy manages the logistics and promotions of our raffle fundraisers. In her free time, Roxy plays table top games, adventures with her cub scouts,  and can be found on the weekends in the mountains hiking with family and friends!

Heather is a San Diego native who received her bachelor of science from San Diego State University in business administration with emphasis in accounting. She began working with Ronald McDonald House families in 2014 as a front desk volunteer. She then transitioned to volunteering in the accounting department, and in 2016 she became our senior accountant. 858-598-2457

Ken is a San Diego native who started as a Database Assistant with Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in 2022 and has since been promoted to CRM Coordinator. He collaborates with various teams to ensure accurate recording, acknowledgment, and reporting of contributions. In his free time, Ken is an avid car enthusiast and enjoys exploring graphic design and learning new skills.

Lindsey was thrilled to join Ronald McDonald House Charities in early 2023 as an Executive Assistant to our CEO. She believes making a difference in people’s lives and helping others is the most important part of life. She is extremely eager to get the chance to work for such a remarkable, non-profit organization like RMHC-SD that gives so much back to families and the community every day. Originally from Northern California, Lindsey is a proud 2009 graduate of California State University, Long Beach where she graduated with honors in International Studies.

Nolan Taylor joined RMHCSD in October of 2023 to assist in the accounting and finance department. Originally from Sonoma County, Nolan attended San Diego State University and graduated in 2023 with a degree in Finance. In his free time, he enjoys indoor rock climbing and playing videogames.