Malin Burnham, Co-Founder, Board Chair Emeritus

Malin has been Chairman of John Burnham & Company Insurance and Burnham Real Estate and has been involved in the business since 1949. In 2008, Burnham Real Estate was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield.

Malin is a native San Diegan who graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering In addition to his involvement with the Burnham Companies, he has been active as a board member of several major corporations and 16 firms. His present involvements include: Board Member of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, UCSD Foundation, Rady School of Management, and the USS Midway Museum, and is Chairman of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.

Mr. Burnham has chaired nine major non-profits and has co-founded 14 organizations in his career, most providing direct benefit to San Diego. He’s also been a world-recognized sailor for five decades and has helped San Diego achieve prominence in both local and professional sports. At age 17, he became the youngest skipper to win a World Championship in the International Star Class. In 1987, he played a leading role in bringing the America’s Cup to San Diego. He is a former partner/owner of the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Sockers.

Vincent Mudd, Board Chair

Vincent Mudd is the incoming Chair of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, a brand-new model to improve our quality of life. A “Think & Do Tank” with a mission to see our region as the best place to live, work, play and be educated. In 2026, BCCA has unveiled our most ambitions community centered mission, OneSD. OneSD is our effort to proactively restitch our fraying community fabric by elevating over 3 million of us above the noise, division and intentional conflict to bring our region together and focus on building a peaceful, vibrant, and safe community for everyone.

Vincent Mudd has more than 40 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.  As a licensed General Contractor, former CFO, CEO and Managing Partner, Mudd brings a diverse skill set and high level of financial acumen to the architecture industry.  

‍NOTABLE:  Mudd earned the “Cool Californian” award by the California Air Resources Board, Ernst & Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year, inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and recognized by the SDBJ as a most influential business leader for multiple years.

‍SOCIAL IMPACT:  Mudd was selected by business leaders, Governors and Mayor’s to serve in multiple organizations, many of which he served as Chairman, including the State Compensation Insurance Fund, County Water Authority, LA Metropolitan Water District, San Diego Exploratory Foundation for the Olympic Games, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, SD Exploratory Foundation for the Olympic Games,  San Diego North Economic Development Council, Burnham Center for Community Advancement,  American Red Cross, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Citizens Fiscal Task Force, Environmental Entrepreneurs, Sharp Healthcare, American Red Cross, YMCA, SDSU Campanile Foundation.

Mudd has been immersed in growing our mega-region.  

WORDS OF WISDOM: Be the catalyst for change because you’re never going to get anywhere by telling people what can’t be done … there’s always a way to do the right thing.

Dr. Patricia Prado-Olmos, Vice Chair

Patricia is the Chief Community Engagement Officer at California State University San Marcos. She joined the CSUSM campus in 1997 as an assistant professor of education, earning tenure in 2001 as an associate professor, and achieving the rank of professor in 2007. She has also held numerous administrative positions at CSUSM, beginning with the role of academic director for CSUSM programs in Southwest Riverside County from 2005 to 2008. She served as associate dean for the College of Education from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2011 to 2012 under its new structure as the College of Education, Health and Human Services. In 2010, she led the College of Education as its interim dean.

Patricia served as the founding director of the Alliance to Accelerate Excellence in Education in the Division of Community Engagement, the administrative home for CSUSM's guaranteed admission program with 10 area school districts. In 2015 she was elevated to the role of Vice President for Community Engagement and in 2020 took on her current role. Patricia is a champion of equitable workforce development in the region and believes in the power of public higher education to improve our region and its families. She has degrees from Pomona College and UC Santa Barbara, and previously served on the faculty of Pomona College and University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Veronica Dela Rosa, Treasurer

As Executive Vice President of Operations for San Ysidro Health, Veronica Dela Rosa leads the organization with key oversight and strategic initiatives of Clinic Operations, Information Technology, Population Health and Performance Excellence, Compliance, Human Resources, Pharmacy Operations, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Her insight and vision are assisting the transformation of the organization’s direction in propelling healthcare delivery to include prevention at all levels of care. 

In both her career and community involvement, Veronica has a long history of advocating for women’s health, social justice, health equity, workforce development, and policy and advocacy initiatives. She has helped shape multiple non-profit organizations as a board member nationally, state-wide, and locally and continues that work today Veronica holds a master’s degree in business administration from National University and certifications from UCLA’sHealth Executive Program, USC’s Marshall School of Business, as well as a Health Policy Fellow from Milken School of Public Health from George Washington University.

Adriana ‘Adri’ Brunner, Board Secretary

Adriana ‘Adri” Brunner, a seasoned professional, recently joined JP Morgan Chase as VP-Senior Business Consultant. With over 26 years of experience, including 17 years at a local San Diego Credit Union as VP of Community and Business Development, Adri has been instrumental in driving community development and economic empowerment. In her new role, she focuses on providing strategic solutions to empower entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Adri’s extensive background in banking, business development, and marketing, combined with her advocacy efforts, reflects her commitment to fostering sustainable growth. She actively volunteers on numerous boards and committees, advocating for diversity and inclusion. Adri resides in North County, San Diego, where she enjoys traveling and immersing herself in Latin American literature.

Tad Seth Parzen, Co-Founder, President and CEO

Tad Seth Parzen is the President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, which he co-founded alongside longtime civic leader Malin Burnham in 2021.  Tad is a leader in the San Diego region, renowned for his long-standing commitment to civic causes and expertise in collaborative community development. With extensive experience in the legal, education, philanthropy, government, and nonprofit sectors, he brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to his work. Recognized for his exceptional leadership and his contributions to both the Burnham Center and the community, Tad was named Nonprofit CEO of the Year and one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People by San Diego Business Journal, and Champion for Community and Education by IQ Podcast and Sycuan.
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After his early career as a trial lawyer and partner in the law firm of Hillyer & Irwin in 2000, Tad leaned into his commitment to the public good as general counsel for the San Diego Unified School District, one of the largest urban districts in the United States. He continued his public service journey through collaborative work with philanthropy, government, and nonprofits serving as the Executive Vice President at Price Philanthropies. Immediately prior to founding the Burnham Center, Tad led Parzen Civic Solutions, a private-sector entity designing and building cross-sector collaborations to enhance communities. His work has been funded by some of our nation’s largest foundations.
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Tad has contributed his time and expertise to many regional civic organizations, including the Institute of the Americas, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Business Roundtable for Education, World Design Capital 2024, Jewish Federation of San Diego County, San Diego Jazz Ventures, and American Jewish Committee, among others.
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In 2024, Tad gave a TEDx Talk titled Finding Community During Periods of Crisis (One Decision at a Time). The talk explored the global public and private sector industry profiting from fear and division, which Tad refers to as the "Conflict Industrial Complex." He discussed how this industry hinders humanity's potential, how we can reclaim control over our shared destiny, and the belief that nothing is impossible. You can watch the TEDx Talk here. Tad has also been featured on multiple podcasts, most recently, Jailbreak Leadership: Reweaving Community Fabric.
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Tad holds a B.A. from UCLA in philosophy and a J.D. from McGeorge School of Law where he was a member of the Law Review.

Dr. Paula A. Cordeiro, Board Member

Paula is the Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership and Education in the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego (USD). From 1998-2015 she served as dean of USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences and afterwards spent nearly five years working internationally as the VP of Education for Edify, an international micro-finance social enterprise. Paula has served on a variety of civic and philanthropic boards including the James Irvine Foundation, the USS Midway Museum, the New Bedford Whaling Museum (MA), and the Community Technical Assistance Center (MA).  She chaired the boards of the San Diego Council on Literacy, the University Council for Educational Administration and currently sits on the boards of the Conrad Prebys Foundation and Building Engineering and Science Talent (Washington DC). Paula was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve on the Board of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  Prior to being a professor, Paula was a teacher, principal and school director in international schools in Venezuela and Spain. She is the author of three books and numerous articles. Paulateaches social entrepreneurship and impact evaluation.

Lisette Islas, Board Member

Lisette Islas, Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Community Services, is a transformational leader who has dedicated her career to furthering economic and social strength of the San Diego region. She is recognized by her ability to develop innovative strategies that uplift individuals, families, and communities.

With over twenty-five years of experience, Lisette has become a pivotal figure in San Diego's efforts to address systemic barriers to equity.  Throughout her career, she has held a number of strategic leadership roles in prominent organizations in the philanthropic and nonprofit fields, including significant contributions at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and San Diego Grantmakers. Most recently, she was Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at MAAC. In this role, she focused on the intersection of economic inclusion and mobility, housing affordability, and access to quality early care and education. In her current role at Lifeline Community Services, Lisette guides the provision of vital mental and behavioral health services and economic development programs within San Diego County's most underinvested communities. In that leadership role, she ensures that these programs not only meet immediate needs but also address the broader systemic factors contributing to inequity.

Lisette's commitment extends beyond her role at Lifeline Community Services. She plays a pivotal role as a board member of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, where she serves on the Executive Committee as Vice-Chair, Inclusive Growth. Lisette is also an advisory committee member at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute.

Lisette Islas' career is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous community. Through her dedication, visionary leadership, and inclusive approach, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of people across the San Diego region.

David Boone, Board Member

David Boone is the CEO of SDMAC (sdmac.org) which is a nonprofit that advocates, informs and connects the San Diego military with the community, industry and civic leaders.  Previously, he provided consulting services for a wide portfolio of clients in the engineering and construction industry.  He was the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Michael Baker International responsible for both public and private sector development in the consultant and engineering industry from highway and bridges to water, construction services and planning. Prior to that, he was President of CB&I Federal Services and its successor organization, APTIM Government Services. He joined the CB&I team in December 2013 following a 30 year career in the Navy. He began in Strategic Development, and Business Development then promoted to Chief Operating Officer and then President in the Federal sector of Engineering and Construction, Environmental Services, Energy and Base Operating Services.

Mr. Boone retired from the US Navy in 2013 as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Rear Admiral.  His last active duty assignment was the Director of Shore Readiness where he was responsible for overseeing facilities and energy funding and policy for 70 bases worldwide  a $9 billion annual budget. His tours as Commanding Officer included Underwater Construction TEAM ONE (Seabees), NAVFAC MARIANAS (Guam), and NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic.

Raised in Yokohama, Japan, high school in Oregon, Mr. Boone first attended the University of Oregon and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. He then transferred and graduated from Cal Poly SLO in Civil Engineering with Masters degrees in Coastal Engineering and Construction Management from the University of California, Berkeley.  He is a registered professional engineer (Virginia and Florida). He was a Navy contracting officer, a Navy Diver, and maintains a TOP SECRET security classification. He received numerous personal Navy awards, including the Nippon Zenkokai Award from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. He is currently a member of the Industry Leaders Council with ASCE Industry Leaders Council | ASCE.

Jason Paguio, Board Member

Jason Paguio is President and CEO of the Asian Business Association San Diego and the Asian Business Association Foundation. Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom, he chairs the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs and serves on multiple statewide and local advisory bodies focused on entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and small business development, including appointments by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

Under Jason’s leadership, the Asian Business Association organizations have grown to their largest size in more than 30 years, expanding their community impact through strategic partnerships and outreach. He also played a leading role in the formal designation of San Diego’s Convoy District as the Pan Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District. Jason serves on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and has received multiple honors for his leadership, including being named one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People and CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal.

Outside of his civic work, Jason is a six-time World Champion Drum Major and the first and only person from outside the United Kingdom to win the World Championships in Scotland. He has performed and taught internationally, representing the six-time World Champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band.

Tad Seth Parzen, Co-Founder, President and CEO

Tad Seth Parzen is the President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, which he co-founded alongside longtime civic leader Malin Burnham in 2021.  Tad is a leader in the San Diego region, renowned for his long-standing commitment to civic causes and expertise in collaborative community development. With extensive experience in the legal, education, philanthropy, government, and nonprofit sectors, he brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to his work. Recognized for his exceptional leadership and his contributions to both the Burnham Center and the community, Tad was named Nonprofit CEO of the Year and one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People by San Diego Business Journal, and Champion for Community and Education by IQ Podcast and Sycuan.
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After his early career as a trial lawyer and partner in the law firm of Hillyer & Irwin in 2000, Tad leaned into his commitment to the public good as general counsel for the San Diego Unified School District, one of the largest urban districts in the United States. He continued his public service journey through collaborative work with philanthropy, government, and nonprofits serving as the Executive Vice President at Price Philanthropies. Immediately prior to founding the Burnham Center, Tad led Parzen Civic Solutions, a private-sector entity designing and building cross-sector collaborations to enhance communities. His work has been funded by some of our nation’s largest foundations.
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Tad has contributed his time and expertise to many regional civic organizations, including the Institute of the Americas, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Business Roundtable for Education, World Design Capital 2024, Jewish Federation of San Diego County, San Diego Jazz Ventures, and American Jewish Committee, among others.
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In 2024, Tad gave a TEDx Talk titled Finding Community During Periods of Crisis (One Decision at a Time). The talk explored the global public and private sector industry profiting from fear and division, which Tad refers to as the "Conflict Industrial Complex." He discussed how this industry hinders humanity's potential, how we can reclaim control over our shared destiny, and the belief that nothing is impossible. You can watch the TEDx Talk here. Tad has also been featured on multiple podcasts, most recently, Jailbreak Leadership: Reweaving Community Fabric.
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Tad holds a B.A. from UCLA in philosophy and a J.D. from McGeorge School of Law where he was a member of the Law Review.

Contact Tad

Natalie Royston, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO/ Office Manager

A lifelong San Diegan, Natalie has been working and volunteering in the non-profit sector for 17 years, including the San Diego Center for Children, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and the San Diego New Children’s Museum, where she sat on the Board of Directors. Natalie graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is currently on the Alumni Board at the Bishops School in La Jolla.

Contact Natalie

Sophia Eichner, Chief Operating Officer

Prior to joining the Burnham Center in January 2022 as Director of Operations and Programs, Sophia Eichner served in the same role with the Design Forward Alliance. Sophia was part of the shortlist leadership team, which planned and executed a program strategy that resulted in a first-ever World Design Capital 2024 designation for San Diego and Tijuana. Previously, Sophia served in dual roles as the Director of Community Engagement & Real Estate Initiatives and Director of Special Projects for UC San Diego Extension. Her primary charge was the build-out and program development for the new downtown center, UC San Diego at Park and Market. With a 20-year career focused on project management, government, philanthropy and program development, Sophia focuses on leading initiatives designed to create visibility and meaningful opportunities for communities of concern across both public and private sectors.

Known for her passion, creative problem-solving and ability to build and nurture cross-functional relationships, Sophia has aligned multiple organizational and public functions to succeed, including executive leadership, construction, marketing, communications, finance, and community partners. Eichner is inspired by her parents and two children and is dedicated to contributing to our dynamic and growing region.

Contact Sophia

Andrew Blum, Project Director

Andrew Blum joined the Burnham Center as Project Director in June 2025. Previously he has served as Executive Director of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, where he led the growth of the Institute into San Diego’s leading research center on peacebuilding and violence prevention. Prior to that, Andrew served as the Vice-President for Planning, Learning and Evaluation at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington DC.

Deeply experienced in collaborative research and programming, Andrew has worked with community, business, academic, and government partners on a wide variety of research, education, community development, and peace building programs in the U.S. and in more than a dozen countries around the world. He is an expert in monitoring and evaluation of social impact programming and has deep experience developing coalitions and networks to address complex social challenges.

Andrew received his BA from the University of Virginia and his PhD from the University of Southern California. He was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area and now lives in Point Loma with his wife Rachel and their son, Henry.

Contact Andrew

Blanca Sanchez, Office Coordinator and
Events /Social Media Specialist

Blanca is an accomplished event planner with a passion for creative planning and event logistics. Certified as an International Certified Wedding and Event Planner from Atlantis University, LGBT+ Wedding Specialist, and a Master Wedding Planner, she began her career in Los Angeles and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she spent five years honing her craft in weddings and events.

From wedding planner to the nonprofit world, Blanca now focuses on mission-driven events and community initiatives that support social impact and civic progress. As the Event Specialist at the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, she leads the logistics of BCCA’s events, meetings, dialogues, and gatherings that bring together civic leaders, elected officials, philanthropists, and community changemakers. She also supports BCCA’s social media efforts, creating content and stories that amplify the organization’s mission and drive community engagement.

Contact Blanca

Jim Waring, Project Manager

Jim Waring is the co-founder of Cleantech San Diego, a nonprofit member organization dedicated to positioning the greater San Diego region as a global leader in the cleantech economy. During his tenure as Board Chair from 2007 to 2015, Jim played a pivotal role in guiding the organization's strategic direction and fostering its growth. He continues to contribute his expertise as a valued member of the Board.

Before spearheading Cleantech, Jim served the City of San Diego as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Land Use and Economic Development under Mayor Jerry Sanders. His commitment to civic service extends to his involvement on various boards and commissions, such as the San Diego Housing Commission and the State of California Transportation Commission.

With a legal career spanning over 20 years, Jim has an extensive background as a practicing attorney, specializing in transactional negotiations. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Southern California, and a law degree and a master’s degree in Peace and Justice Students both from the University of San Diego.

Contact Jim

Balboa Park Working Group

Workforce Development Working Group

Housing Working Group

Community Fabric Working Group