Leadership

Michelle Le Beau

As the Senior Vice President of Advancement at the Mission, Michelle oversees donor development, marketing and events, community partnerships, grants and the volunteer program. Prior to joining the Mission staff in 2019 as the Director of Church Partnerships, Michelle spent the first half of her career in corporate marketing, communications and special events and the second half in church ministry. Michelle’s heart for “loving thy neighbor” — whether down her street, in the inner city, over the border or around the world — began at a young age but became the primary focus of her calling in recent years. She grew up in Los Angeles, where her father pastored a large Presbyterian church for nearly 30 years. Her passion is engaging the local Church in the work God is doing through the San Diego Rescue Mission, not only for the healing it is bringing to the marginalized and our region as a whole, but for the change it is bringing to the body of Christ as more people step confidently out of their comfort zones to truly live and love like Jesus. Michelle received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Communications from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. She has been married for over 34 years to Jim, a general contractor. Their sons are both full-time San Diego City Lifeguards. The family is active at St. Brigid’s Parish and also enjoys worshiping at other churches throughout the County.

Cara Mears

Cara is currently serving as the Interim Vice President of Community Engagement at the San Diego Rescue Mission. She has been part of the organization since 2020, when she launched the Corporate Partnerships program to engage local businesses in addressing homelessness through gifts of time, treasure, and talent. In her ongoing role as Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, she also oversees the Grants program, cultivating meaningful relationships with foundations that help fund the Rescue Mission’s life-changing services.

Before joining the Rescue Mission, Cara spent much of her career in IT and medical device sales. A proud Texas native, she earned her Journalism degree from the University of Texas. Cara and her husband are raising a teenage daughter and son who stay busy playing basketball and flag football. Her family attends St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In her free time, you’ll find Cara reading or cheering on her beloved Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys.

Kaitlin Payne

Kaitlin Payne joined the Rescue Mission in 2024 as the Director of Development. A native San Diegan, she brings to the Mission over a decade of experience leading fundraising and large-scale events. Before joining the Rescue Mission, she served as the Senior Vice President of Membership & Events with the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

Kaitlin is proud to be a part of an organization that contributes to her community and transforms the lives of others. Her faith is a very important part of her life, and she feels blessed with the opportunity to grow deeper in her relationship with God through following his calling to join the Mission.

Kaitlin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from California State University San Marcos and is actively involved within community organizations. She’s currently serving as a Red Coat of the Holiday Bowl and Sports San Diego. The Payne family lives in Escondido and attends church at St. Gregory the Great. In her free time, she enjoys making memories and traveling with her husband Daniel and son Jackson. Country music, attending sporting events, and exploring the beaches and mountains of California are some of her favorites.

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson is the Vice President of Programs and joined the San Diego Rescue Mission in 2023. He oversees leadership in outreach, Lighthouses, therapy, Mission Academy, and alumni programs. Brian prioritizes the development of exceptional staff who serve with both high skill and a passionate heart, helping people experiencing homelessness transform their lives.

He brings over thirty years of leadership experience. Since 1995, he has served in senior leadership and pastoral roles at three different churches. In 2023, he launched a low-barrier shelter in Oceanside for the San Diego Rescue Mission. He currently holds a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and is a Myers-Briggs certified facilitator.

Brian is married to Christine and has two adult children. A former Southern California lifeguard, he enjoys outdoor activities and being in the ocean as much as possible. His passion for Jesus drives his continued work in strengthening churches through preaching and pastoral development throughout Southern California.