Who We Are

Our Mission

To continually assist the Carlsbad Fire Department through supplemental funding, education, community outreach, and scholarships.

Our Team

Curly-haired person smiling against plain background.

Maureen “Mo” Booth, President

Maureen is a Southern California native and spent her summers growing up, vacationing in Carlsbad...

at the Carlsbad Inn with her family. When she and her husband, Jess, relocated to San Diego, she knew that Carlsbad would be the ideal place to start their family. They have been enjoying Carlsbad since 2015 and welcomed their first child in June 2016. Mo works in HR Compliance at a biotech company located in Carlsbad. Mo is excited to serve on the board, which she joined in October 2017. Maureen enjoys hiking, yoga, writing, and her family dog, Jedi.

Read More
Smiling man in a suit and tie.

Carl Pinkard, Vice President

Since 2002, Carl has specialized in working with high-net-worth families, business owners, and...

medical practitioners, providing financial planning and consulting services. He also works with pension committees and assists with several non-profit organizations.  Most recently, Carl helped establish and is currently President of Aldrich Capital, an M&A service division that helps business owners develop a strategy and then execute on the transition of their company.

Carl graduated from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business with an emphasis in finance.

Read More
Man with short hair and beard smiling.

Frank Macri, Board Member

Originally from Niagara Falls, NY, Frank began his real estate practice in 1985 after successfully earning...

Specialized Real Estate Expertise

Regarding all aspects of real estate sales, Frank has expertise and specializes in, among others, luxury homes, probate/trust estate sales, divorce situations, 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, and target marketing.

He aims to provide the highest level of service to his clients and takes deep pride in helping them achieve their real estate goals.

Life in Carlsbad

Frank lives in Carlsbad, CA, with his wife Laurie and their dog, Vinny. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, pizza, wine, sports, traveling, going to the gym, and reading.

Read More
Smiling woman in professional attire, indoors.

Katie Byrnes, Scholarship Chair

Originally from Philadelphia, Katie relocated to Southern California in 2015 in search of better...

weather for her active lifestyle. Currently, a financial advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Katie began her career in New York City, working for investment managers including Goldman Sachs and Alliance Bernstein.  With a passion for helping her clients make the most of their assets, she finds her work as a financial advisor extremely rewarding.  Katie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

Rooted in North County

Katie currently resides in North County with her husband, Graham, and young daughter, Zoe. Together, they love exploring the outdoors, taking advantage of the beautiful beaches, and all things sports. After moving to North County in 2020, Katie has fallen in love with the community and looks forward to becoming more involved in it.

Read More
Smiling man in dark shirt, neutral background.

Division Chief, Nathan Pearson — Carlsbad Fire Department

Nate Pearson has been a firefighter with the Carlsbad Fire...

Department for 15 years.  During his tenure with the fire department, he has served the community as Paramedic/Firefighter, Engineer, Lifeguard, SWAT Medic, and Captain.  He was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2018.  Nate is a California native and moved to Carlsbad in 2006.  He and his wife, Danielle, have two children and spend their free time enjoying going to the beach, camping, and sailing.  As liaison to the Fire Foundation, Chief Pearson assists in educating and informing the board regarding the activities of the Fire Department.

Read More
Elderly man in suit holding an award.

Honorary Board Member:
Frank Whitton

Frank has been a Carlsbad resident since 1996 and has lived in North County for almost 50 years. 

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Frank was commissioned into the Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Frank retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years as a Lt. Colonel. His second career included being appointed Associated Dean for San Diego Community College District in charge of two schools at the Naval Training Center.

His Legacy Lives On

Frank has served on the Carlsbad Traffic Commission, Planning Commission, and Juvenile Justice Panel. In 2013, he founded the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation. In 2015, he was recognized as Carlsbad Citizen of the Year. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Army/Navy Academy, currently serves as Chairman of the Bertelsen Scholarship Committee, served as President of the Notre Dame Alumni Club of San Diego County, and has held dozens of other leadership positions in multiple organizations. Frank enjoys family, church, and golf.

Frank passed away in 2020, but will always be a significant part of this foundation and all it stands for.

Read More
Smiling woman in floral dress portrait.

Narisa Ratana-Chen, Board Member

Originally from New Jersey, Narisa Ratana-Chen moved to Carlsbad in 2023 and loves spending time outdoors with....

Read More

Originally from New Jersey, Narisa Ratana-Chen moved to Carlsbad in 2023 and loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two children—especially on local trails and beaches. She brings 20+ years of business and brand leadership experience and is a lifelong volunteer. Narisa is honored to join the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation board and support its mission. 

Read More
Smiling person in a suit indoors.

Nate Atmadja, Treasurer

Nate is a long-time Carlsbad resident and loves the community. He is a CPA and specializes in financial reporting...

Read More

Nate is a long-time Carlsbad resident and loves the community. He is a CPA and specializes in financial reporting and budgeting, working closely with leadership to ensure sound fiscal management in support of the organization’s mission.

Read More

Empower Local Firefighters

Donate Here