The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation is governed by a committed group of volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds. The board of directors are responsible for foundation governance, overseeing finances and investments, and strategic planning.

Board:

 Kay Chandler, President

Kay is the President of Chandler Asset Management and founded the firm in 1988. The firm manages over $3.5 billion in fixed income assets for institutional clients, including municipal entities, corporations, foundation and endowments. Ms. Chandler is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm’s investment process, and for client relations and communication. Recognized for her expertise, she is frequently asked to speak on topics such as investment policy, portfolio management, and the risk characteristics of fixed income securities.

She served as Investment Officer for the County of San Diego from 1975 until 1983 and then in the same position for the City of San Diego from 1983 until 1985. As Managing Director at Pacific Century Advisers from 1985 until 1988, she managed over $1 billion in fixed income assets for institutional investors. She is the co-author of the California Public Fund Investment Primer, commissioned by the California State Treasurer and published in 2005.

Ms. Chandler received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College in 1970, and attended graduate school at San Diego State University. She is a member of the San Diego Financial Analyst Society and holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). 

 Robert Wright, Vice President

Robert is a leading San Diego interior designer and principal of Bast/Wright Interiors, Inc. He is past national board president of the American Society of Interior Designers, and he has been involved in leadership roles with ASID for over a decade.

Very active in community affairs, Robert is chair of the Interior Design Advisory Council at San Diego State University and has been involved with the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. He is a widely published designer, with work featured in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles and Interior Design magazines. Robert also has been honored with numerous awards, including the ASID San Diego Chapter Design Excellence Award and the Ethel M. Siegelman Memorial Award for Outstanding Chapter Member. He joined the board in 2007.

Drew Jack, Treasurer

Drew is a career federal administrator currently managing educational outreach programs for government customers and small businesses seeking government contracts. His agency recognized him with a "Top Performer of the Year" award for 2010.

Before being elected Treasurer, Drew helped plan SDHDF's "The Art of Generosity" annual fundraising galas in 2008 and 2009, becoming one of its co-chairs in 2010. He shared that honor again for the 15th anniversary "Foundation Night" in 2011.

Drew moved to San Diego on a whim in 1996 after pedaling every mile of the inaugural Twin Cities to Chicago AIDS Ride, which left him feeling that anything in the world is possible. His personal motto is, "Just ask". He lived in London for a stint, and his life's dream is to set foot on every continent. He is proud of his Kentucky heritage and holds a B.S. in commerce from the University of Illinois summa cum laude. 

Jeff White, Secretary

Jeff joined the SDHDF board in February, 2011.  He has been a member of the San Diego LGBT community for over 30 years.  He is a retired human resources director with almost 30 years of experience.  He has worked in engineering and construction, corporate management, shipbuilding, and biotechnology industries.  During his career, he was active in the American Society for Training and Development, and he is a past president of the Biotechnology Employee Development Coalition.  He holds an M.A. in Industrial Psychology. 

Jeff has been a volunteer on several SDHDF grant committees.  In addition, he has been a volunteer at the San Diego LGBT Center.  He has been active in a number of other community organizations, including the San Diego SAGA Ski Club where he is a past president and past social chair.  Jeff is a long-time resident of University Heights.

Antonio Bestard, Board Member

Antonio Bestard grew up in Claremont, CA.  While studying at Cal Poly Pomona, Antonio went to Kenya and taught African History to Seminarians in 2002.  After school, he worked in Los Angeles managing logistical operations for businesses until he met his fiancée in early 2007 and followed her to San Diego. 

In San Diego, Antonio has become entrenched in the fight for LGBT rights.  He started a group called “Str8s against H8”, and in early 2009 raised money through events for San Diego Pride. He currently volunteers at The San Diego LGBT Community Center and remains active in Equality for California. 

Antonio began working in the financial industry in 2009. His financial practice is focused on the needs of LGBT families and individuals, protecting their estates and their families. Antonio currently works at Merrill Lynch and lives with his wife and his dog in North Park.  

Bonny Russell, Board Member

Bonny was a teacher, race relations facilitator, and elementary school vice principal and principal in San Diego Unified School before retiring. She was acclaimed for her leadership, dedication and commitment to underserved students.

During her 32 year career, Bonny served as a coach and mentor to other principals, and a parent and staff development trainer. Her community involvement included the North Part Planning Committee, as well as the Kiwanis and Masonic Lodge educational support activities. Among her awards, she received the Extraordinary Achievement in Education award at The Center’s Annual Women’s Night; both Service and Leadership awards from Phi Delta Kappa and the Parent Teacher Association; Woman of the Achievement from San Diego County Association of Women in Education; Civic Excellence Award for her work in educational reform from the San Diego Dialogue’s; and was recognized by the City Council for her contributions to education. Bonny shared her vision and success for school reform through appearances on local television and in Time magazine and appearances at various service organizations and parent groups.

Bonny is thoroughly enjoying her retirement, with each day filled with all the things there was never time for while working. She is  involved in non-profit fund-raising activities including the “One Thousand Family Rummage Sale” and “Dining for Dollars”, which have raised between $20,0000-$30,000 per event.  

Bonny and her wife, Jan Garbosky, together for more than 23 years, enjoy traveling, films, dancing and having fun. Family, friends and the Unitarian Universalist Church are an important part of their lives.

 Tara Benedict, Board Member

Click for our List of Honorary Board Members

Staff:

The Foundation’s staff includes an Executive Director and Operations Manager.

Tony Freeman, Executive Director
Tony moved to San Diego from Denver in July of 1996. He lives in Mission Valley area with his son, Mario. Tony served as Senior Pastor of MCC San Diego from August 1996 to March 2006. He also managed a corporate giving program and led the establishment of a new corporate foundation with a mission to serve at-risk youth. Tony has been actively involved in the community serving on local boards and committees ranging from alcohol and drug treatment facilities to AIDS organizations. He has received several awards for his work in our community, including The Nicky’s Governor’s Award, Champion of Pride award, and the “Visionary” award from the Center for his leadership in the establishment of the LGBT homeless youth sheltering project. Tony joined SDHDF in August 2007 as Executive Director.