There have been some significant changes in leadership in several San Diego nonprofits recently.
The San Diego Foundation announced that Susan Guinn has joined the organization as its new chief innovation officer. Guinn is an experienced litigator with three decades of law practice. Guinn most recently served as a special advisor to San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and currently serves on the COVID-19 Community Response Fund’s Granting and Executive Committees.
Guinn founded KidsEcoClub with her son in 2010 and was president of St. Paul’s Foundation for International Reconciliation – a nonprofit that provides legal and financial support to the St. Paul’s Center in Kampala, Uganda. She also served as the chair of the Environmental and Sustainability Committee for the San Diego Unified School District.
“We are excited to have someone like Susan as part of the team and know she’ll help The San Diego Foundation expand our partnerships and identify new funding opportunities that will help benefit communities across the region,” said Mark Stuart, president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation.
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Varinda Missett has been named chief development officer of Interfaith Community Services.
Missett has 25 years of experience in communications and development. She previously served as advertising and marketing director at the former North County Times, director of sales and sponsorships at the ad agency Mediacom, and as founder and CEO of Girls World Expo, a special events company that produced on-day signature events.
“I’ve admired the impactful work of the Interfaith Community Services team,:” Missett said. “I’m passionate about the organization’s mission and incredibly excited to engage with donors throughout the region.”
Interfaith states its mission is to empower people in need to stabilize and improve their lives through comprehensive programs — in partnership with diverse faith communities and people of compassion. For more than 40 years the organization has provided crucial support services to youth, veterans, seniors, and those facing food and housing insecurity. In the last year, Interfaith offered support to more than 17,000 individuals in North County.
Missett will oversee all fundraising activities, including enhancing partnerships, expanding brand awareness and increasing the diversity of support from the community.
“Varinda is a remarkable entrepreneur, champion of women’s empowerment, and longtime Interfaith supporter whose multi-generation association has helped build and grow our organization over many years,” said CEO Greg Anglea.
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Marie Russell, MD, MPH has been appointed to the role of joint chief medical officer and chief operating officer of TrueCare, the non-profit health care provider for diverse communities in San Diego County and the Inland Empire.
Dr. Russell has 20 years of experience serving in clinical leadership roles with progressive responsibility and accountability within the Indian Health Service, and recently retired from the United States Public Health Services at the rank of captain.
“Dr. Russell’s passion for ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, and her belief in TrueCare’s mission to care for the underserved, reflects her commitment to improving the health of our local communities,” said Michelle Gonzalez, president and CEO.
Formerly known as North County Health Services, TrueCare has been operating since 1971. 
