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Senior Vice President, Public Affairs San Diego Padres
Sarah Farnsworth
Barney & Barney G.R.O.W. logo
geneenm
How did you make the leap from Washington, D.C., to the Padres in San Diego? Tom Garfinkel, CEO of the Padres, asked me if I would consider working for a baseball team. I thought it was a joke. I didn’t know anything about baseball. After 19 years in D.C. I wanted the opportunity to become a part of a community, and that is what I saw in San Diego. It’s an opportunity for me to give back.
You are engaged to marry a retired Marine, and you have a young daughter. What role did they play in your decision to join the Padres? It was a family decision. We decided together. I was working in a job that really wasn’t a career. With the Padres I have a career where I can be challenged, and I am part of a civic asset. Since my fiancé is retired, he plays a big role in my daughter’s care when I have work demands.
How did you get involved in politics? I was living in New York when the Democratic National Convention was held there; 22 years old and just out of college, I volunteered at the convention. From there I was assigned to do advance for Hillary Clinton during Bill’s first run for president. That was 1992. When Bill won the presidency, I was asked to work on the inauguration in 1993. From there I went to work on the First Lady’s staff in the East Wing. I was responsible for planning all events in the Rose Garden, the South Lawn, and basically anything in the White House. And the Clintons were very active, with many events going on!
Tell me about your time in the White House. I worked seven and a half years and left to marry, but returned for the last six months at the end of the Clinton term. I celebrated my 30th birthday at the second Clinton inauguration.
Where did you work when you left the White House? I was chief of staff at the USO and traveled frequently to Afghanistan and Iraq. I was working in the world headquarters for then-General Jim Jones, who later became President Obama’s national security advisor. President Obama asked me to become senior advisor to the national security advisor, so that put me working in the West Wing of the White House. When General Jones resigned in 2010, I was asked to work in the Pentagon.
You spent so much time working for presidents in both wings of the White House. How did you keep your feet on the ground? I never thought of it as politics, but as being part of an historical institution. There was a plaque on the wall in the White House that I passed by every day. The bottom line was “one day you will be on the other side of the iron gate.” That puts it in perspective.
What challenges have you faced? After being to Iraq and Afghanistan, challenges take on a different meaning. As long as my family is healthy, I don’t have any bad days.
What adjustments did you have to make when you joined the Padres? I have had to earn trust and credibility in a whole new profession, I had to learn baseball, and I have had to earn trust in the community.
What is in your future? I’m here with the San Diego Padres as long as they will keep me.
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At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
At Petco Park, there are charms beyond the outfield wall that no other seat can muster
First, the upfront: This is a paid partnership with the Padres. Second, that’s not going to stop me from reliving one of my favorite kid memories.
I was 11 years old when the Padres played the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs. The Padres were a large part of my world. My mom, a baseball nut, taught me how to keep score in an official book that year. We had season tickets, which meant we were able to get seats for the playoff games. Padres lost the first two games, came back to San Diego on the ropes.
Mom and I were sitting in the left field bleachers when Kevin McReynolds hit a towering fly ball in our direction. The ball got bigger and bigger and bigger. The Cubs’ left-fielder ran toward us, ran fast until he ran out of room. The ball landed, and the stadium exploded. It landed right… HERE. It landed at US.
Up until that moment, I’d always envied the other, closer seats.
Three days later, I was sitting in the upper deck when Craig Nettles threw the ball to Alan Wiggins and the team rioted into a human pile of happy in the center of the field. The Pads’ first trip to the World Series.
The bleachers are where us fans harvest homers. Send us your dingers, your dongers, goners, taters, oppo tacos, no-doubters, moon shots, your grand salamis, and your Machados. Slam Diego isn’t a fictional place. It’s a seat. And that seat… is right here. It’s a tad louder in the bleachers because, well, joy and happiness aren’t quiet. Welcome to the party at the end of the home run rainbow.
The Padres are now playing their final stretch of games. All of them at Petco. I split season tickets this year with a friend specifically for this reason. To have a chance to get those seats again, relive that McReynolds moment, that Garvey time.
It’s down to the wire, the biting of nails. Machado and Soto and Joe and Yu and Snellzilla and all the players with great hair could use locals at the finish line. Get a seat. Any seat. All have their unique charms. And should you decide to become a member (partial or whole season tickets for 2023), the list of perks is pretty impressive, including:
—priority access to Postseason tickets (and, baseball gods be willing, World Series)
—before each game, it’s happy hour (more than half-off select beer, wine, and cocktails)
—invitation to watch batting practice to catch homers (if you get a ball with gold-stitching, you get a free Pads jersey of your choice)
—10% off all schwag (City Connect calling your name)
Go Pads.
Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres
President and CEO Jewish Community Foundation San Diego and Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair
Marjory Kaplan
Marjory Kaplan
What is your background? I was in the corporate world in banking, both in human resources and investments. When I moved to San Diego from San Francisco, I spent some time in banking with Wells Fargo and also with Scripps Foundation. I joined the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego 20 years ago, and three years ago the chair was endowed by Miriam and Jerome Katzin.
Jewish Community Foundation San Diego is the largest grant maker in San Diego. Why is that? The Jewish community is very generous, although not all members are Jewish. People choose our foundation because we build trust through good service, and we manage their donor-advised funds well. In 2012 we gave away $98 million. Since its inception in 1967, the foundation has given $859 million, and we want to reach our billion-dollar goal within the next couple of years.
What is the advantage of a foundation? It is a convenient way and a community-minded way to give. There are some tax benefits. It is more focused giving and more strategic.
How many researchers do you have? Our total staff is 16. They are all very dedicated, hardworking and skilled in what they do. We have longevity with our staff. Sometimes I have to remind them when it is time to go home.
What drives you? This is such a great position for a person with my background to be able to serve the community. Corporate human resources and investments—one is knowing about people and management, and the other is knowing about the financial world.
What is your life away from work? Work is very life-giving, but everyone needs to get away. I go back to San Francisco. I love to read, so I frequent my favorite bookstores in San Francisco. I enjoy hiking. I have great friends and a wonderful husband. This is such a joyful position. I have been teaching Positive Board Cultures at the USD Governance Symposium for the past three years.
How do you mentor? There are a lot of ways to mentor. Look around your world. It is just being the person you are. It’s a generosity of spirit that we all need to show each other. We need to share the glory and give credit to others. I am interested in mentoring on the management side. We need more positive managers who will really encourage and develop people.
How do you support the community? I work with many organizations including the Grantmakers, Association of Fundraising Professionals, University of San Diego, and others.
What is your advice to others? The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Figure out what you need to do and then do it. You can be really good at what you do, but you have to show kindness and gratitude to make it work. People can excel through discipline, competence and gratitude.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Building an organization that has so much trust in the community and one that passes on to generations of families. One of my most gratifying roles is helping people plan their charitable legacies. It often feels like a sacred moment to be the one carrying out their wishes after a lifetime of involvement.
What would you be doing if you were not with the foundation? I would continue working in the community, teaching, mentoring. Our city is large enough to be interesting and small enough to be friendly.
President and CEO Jewish Community Foundation San Diego and Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair
Marjory Kaplan
Marjory Kaplan
What is your background? I was in the corporate world in banking, both in human resources and investments. When I moved to San Diego from San Francisco, I spent some time in banking with Wells Fargo and also with Scripps Foundation. I joined the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego 20 years ago, and three years ago the chair was endowed by Miriam and Jerome Katzin.
Jewish Community Foundation San Diego is the largest grant maker in San Diego. Why is that? The Jewish community is very generous, although not all members are Jewish. People choose our foundation because we build trust through good service, and we manage their donor-advised funds well. In 2012 we gave away $98 million. Since its inception in 1967, the foundation has given $859 million, and we want to reach our billion-dollar goal within the next couple of years.
What is the advantage of a foundation? It is a convenient way and a community-minded way to give. There are some tax benefits. It is more focused giving and more strategic.
How many researchers do you have? Our total staff is 16. They are all very dedicated, hardworking and skilled in what they do. We have longevity with our staff. Sometimes I have to remind them when it is time to go home.
What drives you? This is such a great position for a person with my background to be able to serve the community. Corporate human resources and investments—one is knowing about people and management, and the other is knowing about the financial world.
What is your life away from work? Work is very life-giving, but everyone needs to get away. I go back to San Francisco. I love to read, so I frequent my favorite bookstores in San Francisco. I enjoy hiking. I have great friends and a wonderful husband. This is such a joyful position. I have been teaching Positive Board Cultures at the USD Governance Symposium for the past three years.
How do you mentor? There are a lot of ways to mentor. Look around your world. It is just being the person you are. It’s a generosity of spirit that we all need to show each other. We need to share the glory and give credit to others. I am interested in mentoring on the management side. We need more positive managers who will really encourage and develop people.
How do you support the community? I work with many organizations including the Grantmakers, Association of Fundraising Professionals, University of San Diego, and others.
What is your advice to others? The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Figure out what you need to do and then do it. You can be really good at what you do, but you have to show kindness and gratitude to make it work. People can excel through discipline, competence and gratitude.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Building an organization that has so much trust in the community and one that passes on to generations of families. One of my most gratifying roles is helping people plan their charitable legacies. It often feels like a sacred moment to be the one carrying out their wishes after a lifetime of involvement.
What would you be doing if you were not with the foundation? I would continue working in the community, teaching, mentoring. Our city is large enough to be interesting and small enough to be friendly.
Neyenesch Printing Chief Executive Officer
Carol Neyenesch Bentley
Carol Neyenesch Bentley
What is the history of your company? The company was founded by my grandfather in 1899 and has been in the family ever since. I am the third-generation member of the family, and now both of my children are in the business, so we are fourth-generation family-owned. My son Mike has been in the business for more than 20 years. Our president is not a family member.
Have you always been involved in the business? I grew up in the business but became fully involved in the early ’80s at the time that older relatives were retiring. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. I became the CEO in 1998. In 1996 my cousin Cliff Neyenesch and his wife, Candy, and I bought relatives out because they were considering selling and we didn’t want to sell. Candy is chief financial officer. We all work together along with our 69 employees.
You are a Certified Women-Owned Business. What does that mean? The most essential requirement is majority control. That means women must own 51 percent of the business. There is more to it than that, though. Women must also hold the highest positions in the company and be active in daily management and the strategic direction of the company. With me as CEO and Candy as CFO, we are the active managers and the visionaries leading the company, including planning the present and the future.
What is the average length of employment at Neyenesch? The second-longest tenure is 36 years. We have people who have been here 30 years and more. Our turnover rate is extremely low. Our employees are part of the family, and they stay in their positions.
Are there women within the company? Several. We have five women account reps, plus several women in other positions.
How do you handle family commitments for employees? If an employee has a need with a member of his or her family, we work around those issues. We would never want a mother or father to miss an important event in a child’s life. At times we may have a child on the premises.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the business? Gaining the respect from people in a man’s world.
Who are your customers? Jenny Craig is our largest client. We also have ResMed and Biocom. We deal with a lot of major corporations, but we are not limited to them. We have a very diverse customer base, which also includes nonprofits.
How do you give back to the community? We give first consideration to charities that our customers are involved with. Cystic fibrosis is one that we are very committed to because a family member lost someone to that disease. We also do a lot of in-kind work for organizations.
How have you survived with all of the changes in the industry? Two years ago was our best year ever; last year we showed slight gains, and we are on the way to another good year. We have a state-of-the-art digital press that is used for short-run color projects. I would say we have not been severely impacted by the economy or by changes in the industry.
How do you see the future? I am very confident. It’s a changing business, and we are keeping up with the changes. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our business for our existing clients and, of course, always looking to serve others who have needs. We have a management team that works well together. None of us could do it alone, and our employees are a major part of the team.
Chief Financial Officer TaylorMade Golf Company
Melissa Claassen
Photographer: Graham Blair
Barney & Barney G.R.O.W. logo
geneenm
Where are you from? I was born in Australia, but I have lived in several countries. I started my adidas career in Australia and moved up through the ranks working in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and, most recently, Germany. My parents were first-generation immigrants from Holland. I grew up speaking Dutch, but now my German is better than my Dutch after spending three years working at adidas headquarters in Germany. English is my third language.
How long have you been in San Diego? I moved here 10 months ago when I was promoted to my current position. Fortunately, my husband, Edo Fuijkschot, is an illustration artist, so he can live and work anywhere. We have a five-year-old daughter, Lana.
How did you advance your career? It was not a planned path for me. It was really being flexible and recognizing opportunities. When I was in Australia, I realized the CFO was going to be there for a while so I decided to look beyond adidas. He suggested that I stay with adidas and look beyond Australia to explore other opportunities. My next move was with adidas global.
Who was your role model? The managing director of adidas group greater China. He encouraged me to learn the marketing side of the business, and then I began to think about how to activate the brand to get some commercial sensibilities. I believe that the “new CFO” is a business partner and copilot, rather than the “numbers cruncher” of the past. As a financial professional I interact with the marketing, product, sales, and retail teams. I see every facet of the business through the numbers.
What obstacles have you had to overcome as a woman? Sports is a male-dominated industry, but I never defined myself as a woman. I am, however, the first woman board member in TaylorMade Golf Company. I think they were more afraid than I was.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? In 2011 I was named one of the Top 50 Australian women leaders at the 50 For The Future, Advance Women’s Leadership Summit. The Honorable Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister, addressed the summit. Then in 2012 I was honored with the “Best People Leader,” voted by financial people from around the adidas group.
What else should we know about you? I believe in the financial world it’s all about transparencies. We should present the best information possible. I have been with the company for 18 years. I have to feel the company that I am working for is doing a good thing in supporting their community. Since I moved to San Diego I have joined the EDC board and the YMCA board, plus participating in team-sponsored events.
At the young age of 40, you were promoted to worldwide CFO. Where to from here? My career was built around innovation and challenging the status quo. I am all about moving out of your comfort zone. I have no future plan, just open to all opportunities.
