The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s board of directors is growing! The nonprofit recently added four new members, each with an impressive professional background to match their incredible enthusiasm around furthering FHC’s mission. The board and staff are honored and excited to welcome Gail Cayetano-Classick, Sam Mazzeo, Christopher Burgart, and Bob Priola. Each may serve two three-year terms:

Gail Cayetano Classick

Owner, Shop Talk LA

As CEO of ShopTalk LA, Gail Cayetano serves as a consultant to consumer-facing brand clients, including: Hasbro, Sony Pictures, FabFitFun, and more. Gail is also owner and publisher of both Edible San Luis Obispo and Big Wide World.

Owner, Edible San Luis Obispo and Big Wide World magazines

Gail Cayetano Classick is a businesswoman, entrepreneur and investor, currently operating as the CEO of partnership marketing agency Shop Talk Los Angeles, which she founded in 2011 and that serves brand clients including Hasbro, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Electronic Arts, FabFitFun and Bandai Namco. In 2019 Shop Talk LA acquired Edible San Luis Obispo Magazine, the culinary print publication that is a part of the Edible Communities network of publications in over eighty markets across the US and Canada, and winner of a James Beard Foundation Award in Journalism. In 2021 Shop Talk LA launched a second magazine in its portfolio, travel experiences publication Big Wide World, that allows us all to open our eyes to the way we connect and see the world.

Learn more about Gail.

“I appreciate the profound impact that Hearst Castle has on the Central Coast, and to California’s landscape overall. I hope to play a part in conserving the history, art and architecture of the building and its grounds, as well as the spirit of the organization through its community relations and educational programs.” – Gail Cayetano Classick

Sam Mazzeo

Founder & Managing Partner, Better APC

Better APC Founder Sam Mazzeo is a social good focused, gif sending lawyer for Non-Profits, Small Businesses, and Creatives.

Sam is a Renaissance man, but an approachable one. After growing up in Phoenix, Arizona with a feeling that he didn’t quite fit the mold there, he attended the University of Arizona (Beardown!) and then the California Western School of Law in San Diego. California quickly became home and working on policy and social justice in SD have become a daily pursuit, if not a passion. Outside of legal work and politics, Sam sits on the Board of Directors for several art and culture related organizations, art being another passion of Sam’s, despite having little artistic ability himself!

Here are some of the things he can help you better understand: trademark, business formation & securities (aka investment and equity), contracts, Halloween party planning, how to do a standing backflip, and the proper pronunciation of the word “GIF.” But he can’t help you if your questions are related to birds. He isn’t a big fan of birds.

Learn more about Sam.

“My interest in joining the Hearst Castle board grows out of my work with other art and youth organizations, since I see the art preservation and youth programming at Hearst as a wonderful collision of my interests, all in the setting of a beautiful historic campus that is known state-wide.” – Sam Mazzeo

Christopher Burgart

Executive Producer, Achron Films

Christopher Burgart is a Los Angeles based writer and filmmaker. His award-winning screenplays focus on the thriller and horror genres

Christopher Burgart is a businessman and creative residing in Los Angeles. A serial entrepreneur, Christopher operates several businesses spanning a diverse array of industries including entertainment, logistics, and tech.

As a third-generation Californian, San Franciscan, and alumnus of the Central Coast’s UC Santa Barbara, a seat on the Board of The Foundation at Hearst Castle is not only an honor, but also seems a position ideally suited for Christopher.

Having first visited and been inspired by Hearst Castle on a middle school field trip, Christopher resonates deeply with the mission of the Foundation, and looks forward to lending his time and talents in support of the property’s preservation and exposing underserved youth to the magnificent historical monument that is Hearst Castle.

Learn more about Christopher.

“A pivotal character must not merely desire something. He must want it so badly that he will destroy or be destroyed in the effort to attain his goal.” – Lajos Egri

Bob Priola

Director of Investment Research, Wacker Wealth Partners

Bob is the Director of Investment Research at Wacker Wealth Partners, a registered investment advisor in San Luis Obispo.

Bob is the Director of Investment Research at Wacker Wealth Partners, a registered investment advisor in San Luis Obispo. He grew up in San Diego County, graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Geophysics/Geochemistry, and earned a Masters in Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara. He has volunteered with the National Parks Conservation Association in Washington D.C. and spent years in the Republic of Moldova with the U.S. Peace Corps, working on a sustainable development plan for the region. He later worked in New York City within the field of environmental commodities, and has spoken at events from the United Nations to U.S. E.P.A. Upon returning to California, Bob entered financial services and has a particular passion for economics, markets, and socially responsible investing. Bob enjoys living close to downtown but on the weekends can be found exploring the region, nearby beaches, and neighboring communities.

Learn more about Bob Priola.

“Hearst Castle and surrounding country have long been one of my favorite regions in the world. From hearing stories about the estate from family members when young, to camping nearby when older, I have had a heartfelt appreciation of this gem for decades. I look forward to using my background in finance and the environmental field to help preserve as well as share this world class landmark for future generations, including the many among us who haven’t traditionally been fortunate enough to yet appreciate the monument’s unique legacy.” – Bob Priola

The new directors complement the talents and expertise of the four professionals who joined the board last year. Learn more about them here.

Schuyler Hoversten has since been voted Vice President of the Board, while Michael Chavez Booth is Member at Large. Abe Marquez remains President, Evelyn Plemons continues as Secretary, and Rick Wolfe contributes his time as Treasurer.

Our Mission

The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations of visionaries.

The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.

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