Mark Newton
Executive Director
mark@bgccoastside.org
David Aliamus
Operations Director
David@bgccoastside.org
Diana Cariaga
Middle School Manager
diana@bgccoastside.org
Kerri Beffa Conlon
Community Ambassador
kerri@bgccoastside.org
Bella Evans
Youth Behavioral Specialist
bella@bgccoastside.org
Lou Gilberto
Office Coordinator
Lou@bgccoastside.org
Birgitta Istock
Marketing and Communications
birgitta@bgccoastside.org
Jill Jacobson
Strategic Advisor/Special Projects
jill@bgccoastside.org
Sandra Sarabia
Program Director
sandra@bgccoastside.org
Michelle Sansot
Accounting Manager
michelle@bgccoastside.org
Zitlali Huerta
Teen Manager
zitlali@bgccoastside.org
Program Team
Mia Abundis
Juliana Aguilar
Naomi Aguilar
David Billington
Liza Brownstowne
Cynthia Hernandez Avila
Joseignacio “Iggy” Lira
AJ Orada
Monserrat Pimentel Aguilar
Omar Ramirez
Melissa Rodriguez
Click here to read more of our staff profiles
Mark Newton Named New
Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside Executive Director
The Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside (BGCC), a nonprofit focused on supporting Coastside youth, announces Mark Newton as the organization’s new executive director. Newton will be taking over for Jill Jacobson, who has been the BGCC executive director since 2019.
Newton, a Coastside resident, earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from UC Davis. Most recently, Newton served as the executive director of the Riekes Center, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit with programming for all ages and abilities. Newton’s successful track record at the Riekes Center included strengthening the mission-driven culture, empowering staff, streamlining operations, and surpassing the annual fundraising goals each year.
Throughout his personal and professional life, Mark has been deeply involved in developing youth programs and supporting the nonprofit community, attributes that were paramount in BGCC’s search for a new leader.
Newton affirms, “One of the greatest gifts we can give our community, and society as a whole, is to invest in our children by continuing to offer them positive outlets that help them build character and grow into highly productive citizens.”
“Mark will be an amazing addition to BGCC and the Coastside nonprofit community,” reports Kristina Lugo, BGCC Board Member and Chair of the Selection Committee. “His experience as an executive director, educator, and leader will help BGCC grow our impact, strengthen community partnerships, and expand opportunities for the youth and families we serve.”
Newton begins his new role on May 1. Outgoing Executive Director Jill Jacobson will work beside Mark for the first month to ensure a seamless transition that continues to build on BGCC’s enthusiasm and momentum for the future. After a well-earned vacation, Jill will continue to serve BGCC as a strategic advisor.
This week, Mark will be onsite at the BGCC Clubhouse in Half Moon Bay, meeting staff, Club Members, and the community. He will also participate in Coastside Gives, joining Jill Jacobson on KHMB’s annual live Coastside Gives radio broadcast to talk about BGCC funding needs and priorities.
“The Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside has been a vital part of our community for many years, offering a safe and supportive environment where young people can grow, learn, and thrive,” said Sandra Turner, Co-President of the BGCC Board of Directors, and Josh Warshauer, Co-President. “With Mark Newton stepping in as Executive Director, our enthusiasm for the future has never been greater. Mark’s passion and leadership come at a perfect time, as we build on our strong foundation and expand our role as a critical resource for Coastside families. Together, we are excited to strengthen our impact and continue empowering the next generation.”
Jill Jacobson, Strategic Advisor
Jill Jacobson, former Executive Director of the Boy and Girls Club of the Coastside Executive Director, is a professional educator with a background in non-profit and small business management.
Jacobson, a Coastside resident for more than 25 years, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan and master’s degree and secondary teaching credential from San Jose State. Her experience in youth development includes directing the Youth Community Service Palo Alto/East Palo Alto program and serving as Deputy Director of the Service Learning 2000 Center at Stanford University. She served as the Associate Director of Development at Charles Armstrong School.
Locally, Jacobson volunteers on the Board of Directors for Senior Coastsiders and previously served as Treasurer of the Half Moon Bay High School Foundation and President of the Hatch Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.
Jacobson can be reached at jill@bgccoastside.org