Nancy Daly with the construction team during the Getty House restoration 1993-1995.

In the summer of 1993, Nancy and Janet Karatz discussed the idea of redecorating Getty House so that it could be used for official functions. What they didn’t know was that this “simple project” would take years. Nancy put together the foundation and was active in developing the committees, setting budgets and raising the necessary funds.

Once the talented people were in place, they never imagined that they would have to endure the Northridge earthquake of 1994 and the torrential rains of 1995, which flooded the basement level of Getty House. Still, the team was dedicated to the house’s transformation, and by the fall of 1995—already fourteen years ago!—Getty House held its open house and once again became a symbol of pride for Angelinos.

The Getty House Foundation owes Nancy a tremendous debt. Were it not for her vision and commitment, GHF would not be the organization that it has become. Combining its mission with Nancy’s love of children, GHF continues to serve the young people of Los Angeles.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy’s family during this very sad time. Though the Los Angeles community mourns her passing, Nancy’s legacy lives on each day at Getty House.

McFadden at 2008 Gala

GETTY HOUSE FOUNDATION NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Los Angeles, CA – The Getty House Foundation has named its new Executive Director, Patrick Brown. The Getty House Foundation is the private nonprofit organization responsible for the restoration and maintenance of the Official Mayoral Residence of the City of Los Angeles, and it also conducts a variety of educational and recognition programs focused on civics and leadership.

Mattie McFadden-Lawson, Getty House Foundation’s Board President, in making the announcement said, “We are extremely pleased to have someone with Patrick’s background and breadth of experience take the lead staff position with the Foundation. The board is excited to have his strong support as we take the Foundation to a new level of service to children and adults in Los Angeles.”

In acknowledging the hiring, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa noted: “Every year, foreign dignitaries, local residents, and thousands of school children come to Getty House to experience its unique beauty and learn about the city that millions of people proudly call home. Getty House represents our city’s rich history and culture, and its programs are made possible with the continued help of many generous supporters. I am looking forward to working with Patrick to expand the programs of the Foundation and to continue to offer its unique civics and recognition events to all the people of Los Angeles.”

In acknowledging the new position, Patrick Brown remarked, “This position draws on my entire background in fund development and executive management of nonprofit organizations. I am happy to work hard to reestablish Getty House Foundation in the minds of the citizenry as the unique institution it is. As one of only four official mayoral residences in the U.S., we have a special opportunity to use this site and institution to bring together the best of thought and activism to make a better Los Angeles.”

Ms. McFadden-Lawson conveyed the thanks of the Board for the services of Interim Executive Director Marc Haupert, who has served since the beginning of March 2009. Placed through Interim Solutions, the Long Beach-based firm that is southern California’s leader in transition management services for nonprofits, Haupert has taken on a significant list of organizational tasks, including staffing the hiring process. Essential foundational elements have been updated and completed in order to make the new Executive’s entry seamless and optimally productive. Ms. McFadden-Lawson noted Haupert’s lifelong dedication to the improvement of nonprofit management, for children’s programs and nonprofits of all types.

Mr. Brown began his regular employment as of August 20, 2009. He can be reached at the administrative office at 323.930.6430 or by email at executive@gettyhouse.org.

BACKGROUND:

Patrick Brown:

Brown has a decade of management experience working with organizations of all sizes. His strengths are raising the visibility and recognition of rganizations, and parlaying that visibility into long term support. He has educated peers in fund raising techniques and has networked extensively throughout Los Angeles. His most recent position was as Development Manger at ACLU of Southern California, where he oversaw every aspect of fund raising events and concentrated on donor cultivation. Prior to that position he was a freelance nonprofit fundraising consultant, after serving as Agency Events Manager at AIDS Service Center in Pasadena. He served for five years as Executive Director of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council in Duncan, OK.

Getty House Foundation:

The Getty House Foundation offers valuable civics programs for children in Los Angeles through field trips to the Getty House. The intent is that through field trips, children will be inspired to take an active role in their City and in their communities. Getty House Foundation is a charity recognized under IRS section 501(c)(3) that is responsible for a wide range of programming including children’s educational programs, organized school visits, public tours, community forums and other special events. In addition, the Foundation is charged with overseeing all public activity in Getty House, the historic home that has served as the official home of the Mayor of Los Angeles since 1975. Getty House is one of only four official mayoral residences in the United States. The home is used to host official functions from important community events to state dinners, and it provides citizens of Los Angeles with a focal point for civic pride and a place to highlight the good things happening in the community.

Young Students at Getty House

Young students enjoy an art session at Getty House.