Why NFABC’s Leadership Matters

NFABC is led by volunteers who bring professional expertise. firsthand community experience, and a commitment to informed public engagement.

Our board includes leaders with backgrounds in law, medicine, planning, finance, communications, public policy and civic leadership. Together, we help communities understand complex housing and development issues, examine how laws and policies are working in practice, and advocate for thoughtful, informed outcomes.

Our Board of Directors

  • Chairwoman Bothwell

    Marcella Bothwell, MD, MBA – Chair

    A retired UCSD Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr. Bothwell brings decades of leadership experience to community advocacy. She currently chairs the Pacific Beach Planning Group and has served as Treasurer and President of the Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC), Chair of the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Board, and Founder of the San Diego Parks Foundation.

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    Scott Chipman - Treasurer

    Scott is a longtime civic leader in Pacific Beach, having served on both the Planning Group and Town Council. He also serves nationally as Vice Chairman of AALM. At NFABC, he oversees all financial responsibilities as Treasurer.

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    Karl Rand, Esq. – Board Member

    An attorney specializing in taxation law, Karl practices in the areas of ERISA/Employee Benefits and Healthcare law. A long-time community advocate, he is a current board member and past Chair of the Pacific Beach Planning Group, as well as a past Vice President of the PB Town Council.

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    Peter Wulff – Board Member

    Peter is a senior financial executive in the San Diego biotech industry and an active civic leader. He served as a trustee on the La Jolla Town Council and has been engaged in local issues in both La Jolla and Scripps Ranch. He founded the Scripps Fire Relief Fund following the 2003 Cedar Fire.

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    Karen Ventimiglia, CMP – Community Engagement Chair

    Karen is a certified meeting professional, community organizer, and public outreach strategist with extensive experience bringing people together around complex issues. She leads NFABC’s communications strategy and community education efforts, helping residents understand what is happening, why it matters, and how to take effective action.

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    John Terell, AICP – Legislative Chair

    A certified planner with more than 40 years of professional experience in California land-use and urban planning. John is a retired Planning Director in Riverside County. He chairs the organization’s Legislative Committee and is an active member of the Pacific Beach Planning Group.

  • Charlie Nieto – Board Member

    At 24, Charlie brings a younger-generation perspective to NFABC’s work on housing, planning and community policy. He currently serves as the Preident of the Pacific Beach Town Council and previously served as a San Diego Youth Commissioner. His work focuses on civic engagement, neighborhood issues, and ensuring that younger residents have a voice in decisions shaping their communities.

  • Brita Lindstrom - Board Member

    Brita tracks state and local housing legislation and analyzes how proposed laws may affect communities like Pacific Beach. She also supports NFABC’s public education and community outreach, helping residents understand emerging policy changes and opportunities for civic engagement.

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