As the Executive Director of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Kym serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. She is responsible for the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, vision setting, and ensuring the values of the Foundation drive day-to-day decision making. Essential to her role is creating an institutional culture that prioritizes partnership, the removal of unnecessary barriers, and enthusiasm for new ideas. Kym works closely with the Co-Trustees and Board of Directors on the vision of the organization as set forth by Craig H. Neilsen. She provides leadership in strategic planning and all operational areas, ensuring the development of innovative and effective programming.

Kym has more than 25 years of hands-on non-profit leadership experience. Prior to her work in the scientific and disability communities, she worked with both emerging and established non-profits, as well as serving on numerous boards focusing on education, social services, health system infrastructure development, and the arts. Kym holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Fine Arts and Non-Profit Management from UCLA.