11 Jan Press Release: Katty Coulson Appointed as New Board President of Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area

Palo Alto, Calif. — January 11, 2024

Media Contact: Agueda Chavez Gama
650.470.6096  
Agueda.gama@rmhcbayarea.org 

En español aquí 

Katty Coulson Appointed as New Board President of Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area

Making History as the First Latina in this Role Representing One of the Largest RMHC Chapters  

Palo Alto, CA, Jan 11, 2024 — Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area (RMHC Bay Area) proudly announces the appointment of Katty Coulson, as its new board president for a two-year term effective January 1, 2024. Coulson, a technology executive and trailblazer nominated for the 2023 Latinx Business Leadership Award by Silicon Valley Business Journal, will be the first Latina in this role, and will lead RMHC Bay Area during a time of regional growth. The organization provides no-cost housing, free meals, and comprehensive psychosocial support to families with sick children who are accessing life-saving medical care at the Bay Area’s leading children’s hospitals, including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland.  

Coulson’s journey with RMHC Bay Area started in 2021, when she was recommended for a seat on the board by a mentor and friend, a Silicon Valley technology leader who knew she would be the right fit for the role. In the years that Coulson has served as a board member, she has drawn upon her cultural identity. Born and raised in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, Coulson is dedicated to enhancing representation and inclusivity. Recognizing the diverse demographic of RMHC Bay Area families with approximately 36% being Latinx, Coulson has played a pivotal role in fostering deeper connections with the families the organization serves. 

“Serving RMHC Bay Area as its Board President is the highest call for community service I have ever had. My goal is to serve, lead, and learn; helping the organization achieve our mission to be there for every family with a sick child when and where they need it most throughout their medical journey,” said Coulson. “As a board, we have an important governing and supporting role to play, and I intend to maximize the opportunity as the organization expands its ability to deepen the Charity’s impact throughout the Bay Area. I am especially excited about helping families in our recently inaugurated Ronald McDonald House Oakland and introducing more innovation to elevate families’ experience and ease of access to our life-changing programs.”

With a strong commitment to community service, especially in underrepresented minorities in the Silicon Valley technology sector, Coulson emphasizes the importance of her role as a Latina and its impact on those served by the organization.  

“On behalf of the team at RMHC Bay Area, we are beyond thrilled to welcome Katty as our new Board President,” said Laura Boudreau, CEO of RMHC Bay Area. “Given her influence in Silicon Valley and beyond, and her deep understanding of the people we serve, her leadership will be pivotal in our expansion campaign to support even more families.”