The Malibu Foundation Announces Leadership Transition
Co-Founder Evelin Weber Steps Down, Joe Flanigan to Assume Role as Executive Director
Malibu, CA – March 17, 2025 (press release) – The Malibu Foundation announces that Co-Founder and Executive Director Evelin Weber has stepped down from her role, marking the end of a transformative chapter for the organization. Joe Flanigan, a founding member of the Foundation and long-time Malibu resident, will step into the position to continue its mission of community resilience, environmental restoration, and disaster preparedness.
Weber’s departure comes as she and her family have relocated to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, following the Franklin Fires. Given The Malibu Foundation’s deeply local focus, she felt it was in the organization's best interest to transition leadership to someone rooted in the community.
"The Malibu Foundation's strength lies in its deep local roots and understanding of the community's unique needs. As I am no longer a resident of Malibu, I believe leadership should remain closely connected to the people and challenges we serve," Weber stated in her resignation letter.
Evelin Weber’s Legacy: Transforming Malibu into a Model of Resilience
Since co-founding The Malibu Foundation, Weber has spearheaded a climate-forward, community-driven approach that has left a lasting impact on Malibu and beyond. Under her leadership, the Foundation has:
Trained over 2,200 individuals in emergency preparedness, including 94 Spanish-speaking workers in CPR and first aid and 102 seniors in evacuation procedures.
Strengthened communication and emergency response systems by installing five emergency radio repeaters, equipping fire brigades
Distributed over $3.2 million in funding for environmental restoration, disaster relief, and community resilience programs.
Educated over 2,500 students through STEM programs, sustainability initiatives, and school gardens.
Restored 150+ acres of wildfire-impacted land and planted over 25,000 native plants, i
Board & Community Leaders Honor Evelin Weber’s Impact
Weber’s leadership has drawn praise from community leaders, board members, and sustainability advocates:
Board Member Michaeline DeJoria stated:
"Evelin’s brilliance is only outshined by her tremendously big heart. Her commitment to this foundation has had an immeasurable impact on Malibu and our surrounding communities. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the board of this beautiful organization with her at the helm. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and knowledge she has brought and look forward to seeing all the wonderful work she will continue to do in the world."
Board Member Lily Harfouche reflected on Weber’s tireless dedication:
"Being on the board of The Malibu Foundation with Evelin at the helm has been one of my greatest honors. She has poured endless hours of selflessness into our community while balancing the roles of wife, devoted mother, and tireless professional. Her compassion and resilience are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and she has inspired us all to give more, do more, and be better people. She will thoroughly and deeply be missed."
Dean Kubani, former Chief Sustainability Officer of Santa Monica, emphasized her lasting impact:
"Evelin is leaving a fantastic legacy—helping to get hundreds of people back into their homes and planting thousands of trees in burn areas through her work with the Foundation. It is bittersweet that she is moving on, but I know she will continue to do great things in her future endeavors! I’ve enjoyed my time working with Evelin and wish her all the best!"
Continuing the Mission: Joe Flanigan Takes the Helm
As a founding member of The Malibu Foundation and a long-time Malibu resident, Joe Flanigan has been deeply committed to rebuilding and strengthening the community since the Woolsey Fire. His personal experience losing his home in the fire has fueled his dedication to sustainable recovery and emergency preparedness.
"Evelin’s leadership has guided the community to where it is today," Flanigan shared. "I’m lucky to call Malibu home.As one of many victims of the Woolsey fire, I have seen our neighborhoods burn and be resurrected. My focus is simple: protect what makes this place special and support the people who make it strong.”
For more information on The Malibu Foundation’s initiatives, visit www.themalibufoundation.org.
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