The Caltech Y Announces New Leadership Team for Upcoming Year

The Caltech Y, an independent nonprofit affiliated with Caltech, has announced its new slate of officers and Board members for the coming year. Nick von Gersdorff, Chief Dam Safety Engineer at Southern California Edison, will assume the role of Board Chair, taking over from outgoing Chair Cynthia Bengtson.

Kevin Maxwell, Vice President Finance and Corporate Controller at Alo Yoga and Bella Canvas, will step up as Vice Chair. Mike Noll, a Licensed Private Professional Fiduciary, will serve as the Board Treasurer, while Katie Clark, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Development, will continue her role as Board Secretary.

Susan Murakami, a retired pathologist from Huntington Memorial Hospital, will continue as the Advancement Chair, and Debbie Dison Hall, a retired lawyer from Allen Matkins, will remain as the Governance Chair. Luke Zhou, a member of Caltech’s class of 2025, will assume the role of Student Executive Committee President, joining the executive leadership of the Board of Directors.

In addition to the new officers, the Caltech Y welcomes ten new Board members, including eight Caltech students and two professionals. 

“The Caltech Y is honored to have these talented, dedicated campus and community leaders join us as we expand and refine the important services and programs we offer to Caltech students and the community,” said outgoing Board Chair Cynthia Bengtson.

Incoming Board Chair Nick von Gersdorff expressed his excitement for the opportunity, saying, “As an alum with fond memories of the Caltech Y, I’m excited for this opportunity. As seen in the 2022 alumni survey, the Y has a tremendous and transformative impact on students.”

Caltech Y Executive Director Athena Castro praised the new Board’s unique qualifications, adding, “The depth of knowledge about the Caltech student experience, coupled with expertise in professional areas of science, communications, and leadership, makes this non-profit Board uniquely qualified.”

The Caltech Y, founded in 1916, seeks to broaden students’ worldviews and raise social, ethical, and cultural awareness through teamwork, community engagement, activism, and leadership. With its new leadership team and strategic plan, the organization aims to further integrate with on-campus programs and reach even more students in the coming years.

For more information, please contact Athena R. Castro, Executive Director, at caltechy@caltech.edu or 626-395-6163, or visit the Caltech Y website at caltechy.org.