Meet the Advancement Team

Cate Fund Director

alison_boris@cate.org/ 805-684-4127 ext. 266

(she/her/hers)

BA, Florida State University
Appointed: 2022

As Cate Fund Director, Alison Boris supports the school’s mission by fostering connections with alumni, parents, and friends of Cate to secure resources that strengthen student programs, financial assistance, faculty development, and campus enhancements. Her thoughtful approach ensures the success of Cate’s annual fund initiatives, which are vital to maintaining and improving the school’s exceptional offerings.

Alison joined Cate in 2022, bringing over a decade of experience in independent schools. She began as a preschool teacher at Garrison Forest School in Maryland and transitioned into Advancement as a Development Officer at King’s Academy in Jordan. Before Cate, she was Associate Director of Leadership Gifts at Webb in Claremont, Calif.

A fourth-generation Floridian, Alison has embraced Santa Barbara as her home, where she lives with her husband, Tim. They enjoy attending concerts, traveling, gardening, and hiking the beautiful local trails.

Advancement Associate

beth_engel@cate.org / 805-684-4127 ext. 215

Appointed: 2023

Beth Engel joined Cate as the Advancement Associate, bringing more than ten years of experience in hospitality and event management. Before her career in hospitality, Beth worked in the surf industry as a Central California sales representative for Rip Curl and in inside sales for Havaianas Sandals.

An avid surfer, Beth ranked first in the women’s shortboard division of the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) for Central California in 2000 and now coaches Cate’s Surf Team.

Beth lives in the Ojai Valley with her husband, CJ, their daughter, Piper, and their two dogs. When not on the Mesa, she enjoys surfing, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Advancement & Communications Manager

guille_reynoso@cate.org / 805-684-4127 ext. 285

(she/her/hers)

BS, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
AA, Santa Barbara City College
Appointed: 2020

As Advancement & Communications Manager, Guille Gil-Reynoso oversees prospect and foundation research, communications, and stewardship programs at Cate. Before joining Cate, Guille managed grant programs at the Santa Barbara Foundation, focusing on health care, behavioral health, youth leadership, and empowering disadvantaged populations.

An advocate for women’s issues, Guille co-founded the Santa Barbara Latina Leaders Network and the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle. She is an alumna of the National Hispana Leadership Institute Executive Leadership Program, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Education Program, and the Center for Creative Leadership.

Guille serves as a trustee of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and is a member of the Association for Women in Communications. She enjoys art, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Guille lives in Santa Barbara with her husband, Jorge.

Alumni Director

jake_kim@cate.org / 805-755-8741

BA, Emory University
Appointed: 2024

Jake Kim brings a dynamic background to Cate, with expertise in education, fundraising, and event planning. A former KPOP songwriter, Jake has led full project life cycles, including youth programming for ages 12-18, and previously worked in the Alumni Office at Fay School, where he raised over $150,000.

Fluent in both Korean and English, Jake also served as an armored vehicle driver in the Korean Army. He is passionate about sharing his culture through cooking Korean cuisine, particularly dishes like Bulgogi and KBBQ, and enjoys leading songwriting workshops for young people.

Manager of Advancement Services

michael_lee@cate.org / 805-684-4127 ext. 211

BA, Concordia College
Appointed: 2024

Michael Lee brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector to Cate, specializing in database management, donor relations, event management, and volunteer programming. Before joining Cate, Michael worked at the Ventura County Rescue Mission, advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Michael lives in Ventura with his wife, Alicia, and their dog, Barley. Together, they enjoy outdoor adventures, including camping, hiking, beach days, and training for triathlons. They are also active in their community, volunteering with young people through their local church and Young Life California.

Director of Advancement

andrew_macdonnell@cate.org / 720-289-5506

BA, University of Denver
Appointed: 2011

As Cate’s Director of Institutional Advancement, Andrew MacDonnell works closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to develop strategies that support the School’s mission. He oversees fundraising programs, including annual, capital, and planned gifts, was instrumental in the record-setting For Cate & Forever Campaign, and directs the Advancement Department, including major gifts, alumni and parent events, and stewardship programs.

A former Alumni Director, Andrew has built lasting connections across the Cate community by organizing over 500 events worldwide, from alumni summits to Servons service activities. Beyond his professional contributions, Andrew has served as a dorm parent abd advisor and coached lacrosse and squash at Cate.

Andrew lives in Carpinteria with his wife, Hannah, and their dog, Sadie. An avid ultrarunner, Andrew has completed numerous ultra-distance races, including two 200+ mile events.

Director of Stewardship & Parent Engagement

lindsay_newlove@cate.org / 805-684-4127 ext. 269

(she/her/hers)

BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst
MA, University of California, Los Angeles
Appointed: 2016

Lindsay Newlove joined Cate as Director of Advancement and now serves as Director of Stewardship & Parent Engagement. A nonprofit professional since 1995, Lindsay has held advancement positions at The Buckley School, UCLA Anderson School of Management, UCLA Alumni Association, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance. She led Cate’s successful For Cate and Forever Campaign, raising over $115 million.

Lindsay also serves as an advisor, dorm parent, and club advisor for the Jewish Student Union and Pickle Ball Club. She is a board member of The Advancement Exchange for Independent Schools (AeXIS), supporting advancement professionals across California.

Lindsay lives on the Mesa with her husband, Eric, their children, Nate ’25 and Chelsea ’28, and their mini-golden retriever mix, Wagner. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and long walks with Wagner.

Director of Major Gifts & Special Events

sarah_preston@cate.org / 805-684-8409 ext. 286

BA, Colorado College
Appointed: 2012

Sarah Preston returned to the West Coast in 2012 to join Cate’s Advancement Department as Special Gifts and Events Director after 17 years in New England. With a background in art history, Sarah spent a decade as a high school tour guide at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and worked at Sotheby’s. At Cate, she works closely with donors on capital, endowment, and annual gifts, skillfully aligning donor passions with the school’s needs.

Sarah played an integral role in the successful For Cate and Forever Campaign, which raised over $115 million for the School. Known for her ability to connect people, she is a familiar face at Cate events worldwide.

Sarah lives in Santa Barbara, where she enjoys yoga, books, movies, and low-tide walks. She is a proud grandmother to Annie, Henry, and Sally.