Kristin Bertell’s job title as vice president, institute relations for the Salk Institute for Biological Studies doesn’t conjure up a picture of a matchmaker, but that’s exactly how she sees the position.

“What I’m doing is pairing donors with a great organization,” says Bertell, 37. “That’s why I consider my job as something of a matchmaker. I’m passionate about sharing with people how they can make a difference. I want people to be involved and see the difference their contribution can make. It’s a magical connection.”

Inspired by parents who believed deeply in philanthropy, Bertell entered the fund-raising arena 15 years ago after earning a master’s degree in communications at USC. “This field truly is a calling,” she explains. “It’s not just a job. You don’t work this hard just because of a job.”

At Salk, Bertell is responsible for enhancing the individual philanthropic programs, executing scientific and community events and designing the institute’s communications and public relations activities. She oversees a staff of 20 and is gearing up for a major capital campaign, the first in Salk’s 40-year history.

Bertell serves on the board of Lupus International and the San Diego chapter of the March of Dimes. She is an active member of the San Diego chapters of the Public Relations Society of America and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has also taught a course in business communications at UCLA Extension.

“My job is a win-win situation,” she says. “It’s amazing that I get paid to do this.”

— Patricia Morris Buckley