Campus News
With expertise in technology and law, new leaders join UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board of Trustees
Their combination of professional leadership and dedication to community service makes them poised to help advance the board’s priorities.
From left: Christy Martin (Rachel Carson ’88, Computer and Information Science) and Patricia “Patty” Schimbor (Cowell College’ 71, Politics)
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation has elected two new trustees whose backgrounds encompass technology, law, consultancy, and mentorship. Their combination of professional leadership and dedication to community service makes them poised to help advance the board’s priorities.
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board of Trustees works in partnership with university leadership to advance philanthropic support for the campus mission while fostering greater understanding of UC Santa Cruz’s research, education, and public impact.
The new members, who began their service in June, are:
- Christy Martin (Rachel Carson ’88, Computer and Information Science) built a career spanning media, technology, and business operations. In 2004, Christy founded iBox Systems, a consultancy that helped media and entertainment companies navigate a continually evolving industry. An alumna committed to giving back to her campus, Christy has served on the UC Santa Cruz Alumni Council, including as its VP of Finance, and as a Career Advisory Network Alumni Mentor. She is also board treasurer of City Lights Theater Company, where she brings experience in financial stewardship and nonprofit governance. Her ability to connect people and ideas across disciplines, combined with her commitment to philanthropy and to supporting the next generation of students, makes her a welcome addition to the Foundation.
- Patricia “Patty” Schimbor (Cowell College’ 71, Politics) is an experienced lawyer, litigator and arbitration expert with over 40 years of professional experience and is a champion for patients and families affected by ALS. She began her legal career in private practice in San Francisco. She later served as VP and associate general counsel for The Doctors Company, working on issues related to medical malpractice, from 2006 up until her retirement in 2017. As chairperson of the ALS Network, she helped guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and its expansion of services and programs, helping it transition from being a charter member of the ALS Association to being a fully autonomous organization.
Foundation Board Chair Loren Kinczel said he is excited to have them joining the board.
“Our new trustees bring a fantastic background that combines a variety of aligned disciplines and strategic perspectives,” Kinczel said. “All are advantageous expertise that will ultimately benefit the board’s work.”