John and Annette Romans Receive Distinguished Trustee Award
The board of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) was proud to present the Distinguished Trustee Award to John and Annette Romans at the annual Celebration of Philanthropy on October 7, 2026 at The Club at Pasadera (see event slideshow below). Board Chair Elsa Mendoza Jimenez began the program by thanking outgoing board members Dr. Rolando Cabrera, Adriana Malgoza, Romero Jalomo and Jennifer Walker.
President/CEO Dan Baldwin, who will be retiring in December 2026, welcomed incoming President/CEO Gina Dalma who will step into the role on November 9th. Dan then recognized Board Chair Elsa Mendoza Jimenez who will also be an outgoing member at the end of the year.
Dan spoke about Foundation accomplishments and introduced four CFMC scholarships recipient Elizabeth Flores Ramirez who shared her journey to becoming a first-generation, first-year student at UC Berkeley studying neuroscience.
John and Annette were honored for their enduring philanthropy, strengthening educational opportunities and enriching Monterey County through generous support of students, youth, historic preservation and community organizations.
President/CEO Dan Baldwin with Board Chair Elsa Mendoza Jimenez
Four CFMC scholarships recipient Elizabeth Flores Ramirez with incoming President/CEO Gina Dalma
John and Annette Romans with their sons and daughter-in-law
The Romans with Hartnell College President Michael Gutierrez
Born and raised in Monterey County, John and Annette, took to heart the call to “give where you live.” They often contributed their time, talent, and in-kind donations when they were younger. John was a major leader in the agricultural community, and after the success of Mission Ranches, the couple were looking to expand their generosity. They are quiet and unassuming, not giving for any recognition or accolades, just answering the call to make a difference in so many ways.
The Romans began partnering with the CFMC in their philanthropy in 2016, when they created the Mission Ranches Fund to facilitate their community giving. They’ve made generous grants through their business to meaningful causes ranging from education and youth to health.
In 2019 they created the John and Annette Romans donor advised fund to help simplify their personal giving. Their goal was always to strengthen their community by supporting local nonprofits. They stepped up during the pandemic to give generously to the COVID-19 Relief Fund in 2020, which supported organizations meeting critical community needs. The Romans also give back through the Southern Monterey County Foundation of the CFMC to strengthen nonprofits serving King City south to the Monterey County line.
John and Annette have been particularly loyal and generous supporters of Hartnell College, giving dozens of students the opportunity to complete life-changing internships. They played an instrumental role in the original campaign to construct Hartnell’s King City campus and provided additional support to open the doors for entire families to attend Hartnell in South County.
They’ve also generously supported nursing, the arts, scholarships, The Western Stage, the Salinas Valley Promise, Food Safety, K-12 STEM programs, the library and general operating expenses for both Hartnell College and the Hartnell College Foundation. John also donated his time by serving on the Hartnell College Foundation Board of Directors.
John and Annette have led by example, supporting a wide range of organizations through their generous personal and company giving including: First Tee Monterey County, Salinas Valley Heritage Foundation, Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua, Central Coast VNA and Hospice, Tatum’s Garden, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, King City and Palma High Schools and SunStreet Centers, to name just a few.
As Distinguished Trustees, John and Annette were able to designate a $10,000 CFMC grant to the nonprofit of their choice. At the celebration they presented a check for $10,000 to Hartnell College President Michael Gutierrez for the Hartnell College Foundation.
Noted Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, “Their generosity is truly inspiring and they have changed countless lives.”
Event Photos
Please enjoy our 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy slideshow and feel free to like and share the photos on Facebook as well.
