Katherine Kennedy to head Scripps Research California Council

San Diego businesswoman and community leader Katherine Kennedy, founder and president of Relocation Coordinates, has been named chairwoman of the newly formed Scripps Research California Council to heighten awareness of Scripps Research Institute.

She will help to recruit and lead a group of prominent individuals from various businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to assist the institute in increasing philanthropic support for breakthrough science throughout the state and nation.

“It is crucial that people from our community be introduced to the science and the innovators at The Scripps Research Institute,” Kennedy said on accepting the volunteer position. “... The California Council has this as its mission: drawing people to Scripps Research who, when introduced, are awed by the work and who feel compelled to promote that work to others.”

Scripps Research President Richard A. Lerner said: “The institution will benefit greatly from her vision and leadership. Scientific research is expensive and federal funds so restrictive that we rely on philanthropy to fund our forward-looking science. Katherine will open doors, make a strong case to donors, and lend great enthusiasm and energy to our efforts.”

Those interested in knowing more about the council’s activities may contact Wendy Keeney at (858) 784-7083 or