Local charity announces 2026 board officers
The organization announced Kelly Pope as its newest Executive Board member.
Nonprofit also adds new member to Executive Board
– Must! Charities announced its 2026 elected board officers and welcomed a new member to its Executive Board as the organization marks 14 years of service in San Luis Obispo County.
The 2026 board officers are Lori Bickel, chairman of the board; Lynn Gray, vice chairman of the board; Andy Niner, treasurer; and Doug Kruse, secretary.
Additional board members serving in 2026 include Oliver Esparham, Maeve Pesquera, and Justin Smith.
The organization also announced Kelly Pope as its newest Executive Board member. Pope and her husband relocated from Silicon Valley to San Luis Obispo in 2019. While seeking ways to give back locally, Pope learned about Must! Charities and contacted Chief Executive Officer Becky Gray. Pope was drawn to the organization’s mission and trust-based philanthropic model.
Pope also serves on the board of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, a collaborative philanthropic organization focused on equity-centered social impact through grantmaking, impact investing, and immersive learning.
“It truly felt like a small-world moment,” Gray said. “Kelly immediately understood what we were building because she had lived it. She brought tremendous knowledge to our team right away—we were literally taking turns meeting with her to learn from her. It quickly became clear she belonged on our Executive Board. She has been a true gift to our organization and our community.”
Founded in 2012, Must! Charities supports local nonprofit programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening families, improving well-being, and building a healthier community.
