Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2024, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle Welcomes New Executive Director and Board Members
SAN SIMEON, CA, JUNE 24, 2024 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle is thrilled to announce the appointment of Doug Jenzen as its new Executive Director, along with welcoming Lisa Haas and Susan Boutonnet as the newest members of its board of directors. These appointments come at an exciting time as the Foundation continues to enhance its efforts in preserving the cultural and historical integrity of this iconic landmark. Doug Jenzen brings over 29 years of experience in nonprofit leadership to his new role as Executive Director of the Foundation at Hearst Castle. Previously, as Vice President of Engagement and Access at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Doug led a diverse team, managing a thriving retail and visitor experience operation. His strategic leadership not only increased visitor engagement significantly but also transformed the museum store into an educational resource that contributed notably to the center’s financial health. A Cal Poly graduate, Doug’s previous work in California’s central coast also includes uncovering and restoring a nearly century-old Cecil B. DeMille movie set. As Executive Director, Jenzen will be overseeing all aspects of the organization – including the management and growth of membership, pursuing grant opportunities, strategic planning, budget implementation, and securing ongoing funding. “Doug’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is evident through his initiatives to ensure that all community members – regardless of physical, cultural, or economic barriers – can engage with and enjoy the benefits of educational and cultural resources,” says Schuyler Hoversten, President of The Foundation at Hearst Castle Board. “His strategic planning abilities and commitment to heritage conservation are expected to drive significant advancements in the Foundation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the historical integrity of Hearst Castle. Doug’s innovative approaches and deep understanding of the nonprofit landscape will be instrumental as he leads the Foundation towards new heights in the coming years.” Lisa Haas joins the board of the Foundation at Hearst Castle with over 25 years of expertise in the Specialty Finish field as a leading decorative artist and licensed painting contractor in Northern California. Her work, which adorns both residential and commercial spaces locally and internationally, showcases her mastery in creating and restoring visually stunning environments. Lisa’s artistic skills extend beyond traditional aesthetics – she brings a unique blend of creativity and technical knowledge that is vital for the meticulous restoration projects at Hearst Castle. Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa is deeply invested in community engagement and education. Her commitment to the community is exemplified in her teaching of Mycology classes, which combine her love for science and nature. Lisa’s diverse background, from managing a full-time crew of talented painters to her innovative work in the decorative arts, positions her as a dynamic contributor to the Foundation’s board, enhancing both its conservation efforts and its mission to connect the public with the artistic and historical significance of Hearst Castle. Susan Boutonnet, a seventh-generation Californian, joins the Foundation at Hearst Castle with a robust background in community development and property management. As a partner at Village 5 LLC, Susan has been instrumental in providing safe and affordable housing solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to […]
Hollywood at Hearst Castle Neptune Pool Swim: Sunday, August 24, 2024
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2024, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Achieving New Heights: Celebrating 15 S.T.E.A.M Tours in 2024
SAN SIMEON, CA, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 — We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that we’ve surpassed our goal of 12 S.T.E.A.M tours for the year and officially hit our max of 15! It’s a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to inspiring and educating young minds through our unique S.T.E.A.M Program. What is the S.T.E.A.M Program? Our S.T.E.A.M Program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We aim to provide engaging and hands-on experiences that not only delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math but also inspire our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. We aim to inspire our visitors to reflect on how the knowledge and experiences gained during our tours can influence their future aspirations and self-perception. Just as pioneering architect and engineer Julia Morgan built Hearst Castle a century ago, and William Randolph Hearst who had the vision to bring it to life, we want our students to recognize that they too have the power to dream big and turn their aspirations into reality. Join the Adventure! As we celebrate the success of our past S.T.E.A.M tours, we’re thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all members to join our upcoming enriching adventures. These custom tours of notable landmarks, along with interactive workshops and guided explorations, offer immersive experiences aligned with grade-appropriate S.T.E.A.M curriculum. Furthermore, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in the tours you’ve played a pivotal role in bringing to life, allowing you to directly witness the profound impact of your contributions on our students’ educational journeys. January 19th Shafter Youth Center February 9th El Sausal Middle School February 16th Peoples Self Help Housing Group February 23rd San Lucas Elementary School March 1st Fairgrove Elementary School March 8th Oak Avenue Elementary School March 15th Palm Avenue Middle School March 22nd Virginia Peterson Elementary School April 19th Branch Elementary School April 26th Monarch Grove Elementary School May 3rd San Ardo Elementary May 10th Loma Vista Community School May 17th Shell Beach Elementary School May 24th Cambria Grammar School May 31st Community Action Partnership of SLO The Experience What makes our S.T.E.A.M Program even more special is the opportunity to introduce children to experiences they may have never encountered before. Imagine, for instance, some of the kids have never seen the beaches.In our upcoming tours, we have selected destinations where these young minds will have the chance to behold the beauty of the beach for the very first time, enhancing their educational journey with an added sense of wonder and excitement. Our S.T.E.A.M Program isn’t just about guiding students through tours—it’s about facilitating a transformative journey for both them and our participants. It’s about witnessing the sheer joy of discovery, the excitement of learning, and the profound impact it has on young minds. But more than that, it’s about embarking on a deeply personal journey of growth and inspiration. As we set forth on this path together, let’s aim to make this more than just an educational experience for kids. Let’s make it a personal journey—a voyage of self-discovery and enlightenment. […]
Neptune Pool Swim: Sunday, August 18, 2024
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2024, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2024, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2024, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Membership
Please Welcome Our New Operations Coordinator – Mia Fuggetta
SAN SIMEON, CA, NOVEMBER 9, 2023 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle in addition to offering youth programs to underserved students aiming to inspire and empower future generations. Our ability to execute our mission takes many talented staff and we are pleased to announce that we’ve brought on Mia Fuggetta to our team. “As we continue to grow in achieving our strategies direction we can only achieve organizational success by adding and empowering the talents of Mia Fuggetta who will embark on their role as Operations Coordinator for the Foundation ” says Mitch Massey, Executive Director. Mia will handle a multitude of responsibilities working closely with Vanessa Robbins, the Director of Operations and Marketing. She will be responsible for organizing S.T.E.A.M tours, assisting with fundraising events, and will facilitate member management. Having joined the team October 2, 2023, Mia is already showing how much of an impact she’ll have on the organization and we couldn’t be more excited to have her. “Having Mia on the FHC team has been a dream come true! Within a month she’s shown how valuable she truly is and will be to our organization given her background – not to mention her work ethic is outstanding. I’m excited to be entering 2024 with her by my side and look forward to executing our mission as a team,” says Vanessa Robbins. “My desire to join the Hearst Castle Foundation is deeply rooted in a personal connection that dates back to my childhood. Visiting the castle left an indelible impression on me, igniting a passion for its rich history and cultural significance. Now, as the Operations Coordinator, I am driven by the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and help underserved students experience the same sense of wonder and appreciation for the history that fills the castle’s walls.” “In my role, I aim to enhance our members’ experiences and elevate the quality of events, creating memorable moments that resonate with the unique magic of Hearst Castle. Drawing inspiration from the enchantment felt during visits, I will curate experiences that foster a sense of wonder for the history within the castle’s walls, ensuring each interaction becomes a distinctive and unforgettable journey for our esteemed members and event attendees. Cheers to 2024 and preserving our beloved landmark,” states Mia Fuggetta. The Foundation at Hearst Castle strives to support all members’ experiences. You can learn how to become a member and support our mission at Support Us | Foundation At Hearst Castle 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.
FHC Member Social 2023
Get ready to relive the excitement! After a three-year hiatus, the highly anticipated FHC Member Social is back, and it’s going to be better than ever. Join us at the stunning Julia Morgan Warehouse, hosted at the picturesque Hearst Ranch Winery.


