The San Diego Film Foundation, an educational nonprofit organization that produces the annual San Diego International Film Festival, recently announced that Point Loman Kris Michell, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership; Mark McClure, former co-founder of Cobra Golf; and Kristian Carr Forster, a private banker with Wells Fargo have been added to its board of directors.
“We are delighted to welcome these accomplished new members to our board,” said Dale Strack, chairman of the board. “These three established members of the community each bring unique skills and experience, and their leadership will guide the foundation’s mission to support the art of independent filmmaking.”
Michell oversees the day-to-day operations of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, a nonprofit, member-based organization that serves as the leading advocate for the revitalization and economic health of Downtown San Diego. The Partnership represents more than 350 member businesses and is responsible for Clean & Safe, an $8.1 million program that offers maintenance and safety services throughout 275 blocks of Downtown San Diego. Michell previously served as chief of staff to Mayor Jerry Sanders where she was responsible for implementing the mayor’s agenda. She currently serves on the boards of San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, The Campanile Foundation and San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“For years, visitors and residents alike have been attracted to downtown’s thriving arts and culture scene. Today, there are more than 90 arts and culture destinations in our urban core. The award-winning San Diego International Film Festival is a culturally and economically valuable addition to the heart of Downtown San Diego,” said Michell. “I am honored to join the board of directors to support the creative art of filmmaking and look forward to working together to enhance downtown San Diego growth as an artistic and cultural destination.”
McClure co-founded Cobra Golf in 1979, a national leading golf manufacturing company. Over the course of his 20-year tenure as president and CEO, he took the company from a start-up to several thousand employees and over 400 million dollars in revenue. In 1993, McClure led Cobra to a successful public offering culminating with the sale to American Brands/Titlest Golf in 2000, one of the largest sporting goods transactions in American history. McClure founded McClure Homes LLC in 2013, which focuses on the high-end residential real estate market. McClure Homes has and continues to develop multiple projects in North County, San Diego and La Quinta, resulting in more than 40 million in real estate sales.
“I am very excited about joining the board of directors,” said McClure. “Over the last five years, the growth and energy surrounding the festival has just been phenomenal! I am proud to become part of the team and continue to make the festival a proud and integral part of the San Diego community.”
 
Forster began a career in finance 13 years ago and has worked for the top four financial firms in the nation as a private banker/relationship manager. Forster is currently a regional private banker, servicing individuals and families with drive and passion who have created wealth greater than previous generations. He currently resides in Poway working with Wells Fargo.
“I joined the board based on my belief in the vision and values of the San Diego Film Foundation,” said Forster. “Two years ago when I first attended one of their VIP Screening Events, I was compelled to become a part of what they are creating. Their drive to bring visual storytelling to so many appreciative people here in San Diego is most prevalent during the week long San Diego International Film Festival.”   
For more information about the San Diego International Film Festival and the San Diego Film Foundation, visit www.sdfilmfest.com.