The Malibu Foundation Announces Leadership Transition in the Wake of the Palisades Fire
The Malibu Foundation has announced a significant leadership transition as Co-Founder and Executive Director Evelin Weber steps down from her role. In her place, Joe Flanigan, a founding member and long-time Malibu resident, will take over as Executive Director, continuing the Foundation’s mission of community resilience, environmental restoration, and disaster preparedness.
Weber’s decision comes as she and her family have relocated to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, following the devastating Franklin and Palisades Fires. Given the Foundation’s strong local focus, Weber felt it was in the organization’s best interest to transition leadership to someone deeply rooted in the Malibu community.
The Palisades Fire, January 7th, 2025
“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: A Vision of Resilience and Sustainability
Since co-founding The Malibu Foundation, Weber has been a driving force behind its climate-conscious, community-focused initiatives. Under her leadership, the Foundation has made remarkable strides in disaster preparedness, environmental restoration, and education, including:
Emergency Preparedness:
Training 2,200+ individuals in emergency response, including 94 Spanish-speaking workers in CPR and first aid and 102 seniors in evacuation procedures.
Strengthening emergency communication by installing five emergency radio repeaters and equipping fire brigades
Community Support & Disaster Relief:
Distributing $3.2 million in funding for disaster relief, environmental restoration, and community resilience programs.
Education & Sustainability:
Educating 2,500+ students through STEM programs, sustainability initiatives, and school gardens.
Restoring 150+ acres of wildfire-impacted land and planting 25,000+ native plants to help regenerate Malibu’s ecosystem.
Board & Community Leaders Honor Weber’s Impact
Co-Founder of the Malibu Foundation, Evelin Weber
Malibu Foundation Co-Founder Evelin Weber.
Weber’s leadership has been widely recognized by board members, community advocates, and sustainability leaders, who praise her commitment, compassion, and transformational impact on Malibu.
Michaeline DeJoria, Board Member:
“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.”
Lily Harfouche, Board Member:
“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:
“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!”
A New Chapter: Joe Flanigan Steps Up as Executive Director
As a founding member of The Malibu Foundation and a long-time Malibu resident, Joe Flanigan has played an integral role in the community’s recovery efforts since the Woolsey Fire. Having personally lost his home in the fire, Flanigan is committed to sustainable rebuilding, emergency preparedness, and preserving Malibu’s natural beauty.
“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.”
Under Flanigan’s leadership, The Malibu Foundation will continue its mission to build a more resilient, sustainable, and prepared community.
For more information on The Malibu Foundation’s initiatives, visit www.themalibufoundation.org.
