SDG Leadership Transition

Last week, you heard the exciting news that our name is changing to Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties.

As we celebrate this news, we are also sharing a leadership update, as Debbie McKeon has transitioned from her role with San Diego Grantmakers.

“With San Diego Grantmakers’ expanded work underway, I’m stepping aside as SDG President & CEO, joining colleagues across the country, to provide more opportunities for new leadership in our field,” Debbie McKeon shares. “SDG is a tremendous organization that I’m very proud to have led during this pivotal time as our funder community mobilized increased philanthropic and impact investing support, especially for equity-centered community solutions in affordable housing, economic, racial and social justice. I’m looking forward to seeing SDG’s continued catalytic impact as I now prioritize essential time with my family.”

The staff, board, and members recognize Debbie for the energy and enthusiasm she brought to our region. Her vision of a proactive, nationally connected organization that connects, convenes, and collaborates has left a lasting impact on our work.

“We have been energized by Debbie’s contributions to this organization,” said Warren Ruis, of Sempra Energy and SDG&E, and Board Chair of San Diego Grantmakers. “Debbie has been a dynamic leader at a transformational time in our history. We wish her all the best in the future.”

​​As we look forward to our official name change to Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties on December 1, we are full speed ahead with enthusiastic work by our staff and board of directors, including the Build Better Summit on November 17 in partnership with the San Diego Regional EDC. All member services and programmatic initiatives will continue to move forward in the interim under the leadership of senior staff with a combined 15 years of experience at the organization.

We’re grateful for your support and your enthusiasm as we move forward together.

With you,
SDG staff and Board of Directors

If you’d like to stay in touch with Debbie, she invites you to contact her at [email protected].

If you’d like to speak with someone at SDG about this announcement, please contact Katie Janowiak, vice president Communications & Impact.