Meet the Team

Catherine Reeves leads a progressive, strategic, and results-oriented program to cultivate, nurture, retain, and expand membership in the Caltech Associates while increasing revenue. She oversees the development of the organization's events and travel opportunities and programs that connect the academic and fundraising goals of the campus with the philanthropic interests of the members. She oversees Associates' marketing and communications strategies and is responsible, in partnership with the Associates' president, for the development and engagement of the Associates Board, volunteer leadership, and regional committees.

Ruth Calichman identifies and fosters new and existing member relationships with the goals of increasing revenue for the Institute and growing membership locally and across regional chapters, in partnership with the executive director. She collaborates with Caltech's regional and divisional advancement teams to connect donors' philanthropic interests with academic and fundraising priorities. Ruth also oversees the Membership and Orange County Committees.

Jennifer Alcántara creates and schedules the Associates events locally and across regional chapters in Northern California, Orange County, and the East Coast in partnership with the executive director. She handles event planning and faculty coordination, and provides leadership support for the Associates team in their responsibilities related to events. She staffs the Program, Travel, East Coast and Northern California Committees. She is also responsible for creating one-of-a-kind of travel experiences for members.

Wes Pitts is responsible for the development and execution of the Associates' strategic marketing and communications initiatives. He writes, edits, and designs publications and collateral materials for print and digital channels, including the Associates' website, event invitations, travel promotions, and newsletters.

Lelia Marshall's key responsibilities include the coordination and stewardship of Associates membership services. She processes Associates gifts, new member applications, and membership renewal communications. Additionally, she provides oversight and follow-up for meeting the day-to-day needs of individual members and records all financial and membership data. Lelia is responsible for data analysis and distribution for enhancing the depth and growth of the Associates. With her significant institutional memory, she acts as support staff for the Membership Committee.

Bella Faith manages all physical aspects of event planning, coordination, logistics and execution in the Associates' five regions. She is the point person for venue representatives in coordinating menus, room design, tablescapes, timelines, deposits, and budget. She manages RSVPs for all events and manages/batches and submits related revenue. Bella also provides support for Board meeting planning, execution, and follow-up. In addition, she is responsible for producing the Associates' monthly financial and membership reports.