Kathie Lembo

Social Services – SBCS

Kathie Lembo is the President and CEO of SBCS, a social service organization that strengthens communities by supporting the well-being and prosperity of San Diego children, youth and families through over 50 different programs.  Kathie is responsible for the overall administration of the agency, which includes managing the now $90M annual budget, networking and fundraising with the community, advocating for youth and family issues at the City, County, State and Federal levels, and building County-wide collaborations.  SBCS is the agency that is overseeing the immigrant children’s shelter currently at the Convention Center. Kathie has served as their President/CEO since 1982 and has grown the agency into one of the largest social service and community development agencies in the County, touching the lives of 50,000 people each year.

Born in New York to an Italian family, Kathie had 2 brothers and 14 male cousins. She said she always had a ride home from a high school dance…even if she didn’t want one!

She received her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University and her graduate degree from St. John’s University.  She came to San Diego in 1980 and has been here ever since.

Kathie lives in the Sunset Cliffs neighborhood with her husband and son who are avid surfers.  She enjoys the beach, dinner with friends, tequila tasting, bike riding and just having fun!

Phil Blair, Mel Katz and Cindy Marten were her sponsors.