Why Our Board Is Different

Unlike many advocacy organizations, our board is made up of volunteers who live in the communities we serve.
We aren’t funded by developers. We’re driven by neighbors who believe in standing up, speaking out, and doing the work. We’re community members, parents, professionals, and advocates united by one goal: protecting California neighborhoods through common-sense policy and grassroots action.

Meet the Neighbors Behind NFABC

  • Chairwoman Bothwell

    Marcella Bothwell, MD, MBA – Chair

    A retired UCSD Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr. Bothwell now brings her leadership and strategic vision 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 as Treasurer 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 (Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana). At NFABC, he oversees all financial responsibilities as Treasurer.

  • Portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair, wearing a dark suit, light blue dress shirt, and a patterned yellow tie, smiling against a white background.

    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 serves 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 – Chair of Engagement & Events

    Karen is a certified meeting professional and experienced coalition builder. She specializes in organizing large-scale mobilization efforts to unite stakeholders, remove policy barriers, and inspire meaningful action. She leads NFABC’s volunteer outreach and engagement strategy.

  • John Terell, AICP – Legislative Chair

    A certified planner and retired Planning Director for the City of Riverside, John brings decades of planning expertise to NFABC. He chairs the organization’s Legislative Committee and is an active member of the Pacific Beach Planning Group.

  • Charlie Nieto – Board Member

    Charlie is a dynamic leader with a record of community engagement. He served as President of the PB Town Council for three years and is currently Vice Chair of the PB Planning Group. He is a former San Diego Youth Commissioner and a strong voice for youth and neighborhood preservation.

Want to get involved?

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