ABOUT US
The Gibraltar Foundation is a cutting edge non-profit organization founded by Karen Johnson and Wendy Kroenke who decided it was time to make a difference in young children’s lives. So in 2005, The Gibraltar Foundation was introduced to the world, offering the facilities and programs to help children make healthier choices that will continue on into adulthood.
Karen, the Founder & President received her bachelor’s degree from UCSD in Biochemistry & Cell Biology. She was an accomplished athlete in both high school and college. Upon graduation Mrs. Johnson worked for 10 years in cancer research at UCSD as well as in the Biotech industry. Being a mother of three, she tabled her career, and became a full-time mom & volunteer at her children’s elementary school serving as the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) Board president. It was through this exposure that Mrs. Johnson began to see the need to stop this childhood obesity trend not only in her own school but also in all schools & communities. Karen has been blessed with wonderful people skills and the ability to communicate her vision and her passion in combating childhood obesity. She is a stalwart advocate of bringing all aspects of a community together in this fight and is the perfect compliment to her Co-founder's organizational & management skills.
Wendy is the Co–Founder and Executive Director of The Gibraltar Foundation. Her background is in Business Administration. Wendy’s experience spans 20 years, from holding positions on the PTO to Administrative Secretary at a local elementary school. While always looking to include her wicked sense of humor in all that she does, she was recently seen at the elementary school “FUN RUN” fundraiser, dancing on the track in order to motivate the children to run! Wendy has a special place in her heart for helping those in need – especially children. Her desire to positively impact the life of a child is the driving force behind her dedication in ensuring the ultimate success of The Gibraltar Foundation. Wendy is currently enrolled in the Certification for Fund Raising Executives program at UCSD Extension.
Both are members of the Coalition on Children and Weight San Diego (CCWSD) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Diego Chapter (AFP), the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and the Oceanside Pacific Kiwanis Club.
Our Board of Trustees include:
Fred & Ruth Glick (holds one seat), Maj. Armando & Marianne Espinoza (holds one seat), Dieter & Lola Swank (holds one seat), Joe DiCiolli and Patricia Rogers.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ASHEL HAYES, Board Chair of San Diego Council on Physical Fitness & Sports; Former National Director Presidential Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, Reagan Administration
PHIL GOSCIENSKI, MD, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Retired
ARLEEN HAMMERSCHMIDT, MA , California State University Student Teachers of Physical Education Supervisor
ADRIANNE HAKES, Ed. D. Trustee, Oceanside Unified School District
CHERYL MITCHELL, Marketing Director & President of Camm & Associates
DALE BROWN, Former Basketball Coach Louisiana State University
AMY BRADSHAW, PhD , Asst. Professor Gazes Cardiac Research Institute