CEO at San Diego Center for the Blind
At Blair Search Partners, we know that the right leadership can unlock an organization’s full potential. Through our Project Impact series, we highlight changemakers placed in mission-driven roles and explore the transformative effect they’ve had on their organizations and communities.
Today, we’re excited to feature Marianela Camarillo, CEO at the San Diego Center for the Blind. In just one year, Marianela has brought new energy, transparency, and innovation to the organization. She led the transformation of programs, infrastructure, and funding streams while strengthening the sense of community at the heart of the Center’s mission.
Meet Marianela: A Leader Grounded in Service
Marianela began her career in the private sector, working in her family’s McDonald’s franchise. After they sold their restaurants in 2007, a volunteer opportunity with Ronald McDonald House marked her transition to nonprofit work. She eventually became house manager and began overseeing operations in a facility serving families during medical crises.
Her journey later led her to Miracle Babies, where she supported parents facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
When Sarah Thompson, Senior Director, Executive Search & Recruiting with Blair Search Partners reached out about the opportunity at the San Diego Center for the Blind, Marianela was interested, but cautious. She loved her work and wasn’t actively looking for a new role.
But something about the mission changed her mind.
The Opportunity: Rebuilding Systems, Reimagining Impact
While the mission drew her in, Marianela knew the Center faced real challenges. Financial instability, outdated infrastructure, and longstanding organizational habits had created barriers to innovation. But she saw potential, and came prepared to lead change.
Within her first year, Marianela led a series of impactful changes that significantly strengthened the organization’s operations and financial stability. She launched a new CRM and website, implemented strategic cost-saving measures, and introduced innovative revenue streams. A major shift involved restructuring the academic calendar to eliminate long, unproductive breaks between semesters—periods during which the Center could not bill for services but still had to cover payroll.
Marianela also consolidated staff into one central location, freeing up unused office space that is now leased to mission-aligned tenants. Beyond operational improvements, she focused on refreshing the physical environment. She had the building and signage painted at no cost and revitalized several spaces using donated furniture—creating a more welcoming, functional, and professional setting for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Perhaps most importantly, she opened lines of communication across the organization.
“Staff used to Zoom into meetings from their own offices down the hall. I brought everyone into one conference room so we could work together.” Marianela said, as she reflected one of the first changes she made to rebuild a culture of connection.
The BSP Difference: Trust, Transparency, and the Right Fit
When asked about her experience working with Blair Search Partners, Marianela describes the process as easy, casual and comfortable:
“I didn’t know what to expect, but Sarah made it easy. It was casual, friendly, and efficient, which was kind of my style. So I felt very comfortable with her.”
She adds, “I knew of Blair Search Partners’ reputation. They’re one of the top firms in the county. I was happy to take the call.”
That call led to the opportunity she didn’t know she needed—one that reconnected her with her purpose as a leader.
As Marianela shared,“I’m just thankful that Sarah recruited me, but also just thankful with the process itself. It was not intimidating. It was pretty quick.”
Expanding Community and Capacity
Under Marianela’s leadership, San Diego Center for the Blind is slowly transforming into a hub of connection.
She introduced a new food pantry and fresh food rescue program through the San Diego Food Bank, integrated hands-on training with assistive tech, and revitalized an underutilized cubicle to an open and vibrant shared space.
She also brought back events like the White Cane Luncheon, launched the Center’s first community walk, Strides for Sight —raising $40,000 in its debut—and is working to ensure the Center’s programming reflects the full diversity of the San Diego region.
For many clients, the Center is their only consistent community space. Students have shared that Center events are sometimes their only social outings.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy, Visibility, and Bold Ideas
As she looks toward year two, Marianela has a full slate of plans. She’s looking forward to leading participation in this year’s Pride Parade, organizing donor thank-you gifts, and developing a student-created holiday cookbook with QR-linked vision stories.
She’s also focused on board development and deeper outreach to ensure that both the Center’s leadership and client base reflect the full diversity of the San Diego region. Visibility and education remain key priorities, particularly around what it means to be visually impaired and how the community can better support and understand the experiences of those who use white canes.
Choosing Blair Search Partners: A Lasting Impact
For Marianela, the move to the San Diego Center for the Blind has been transformational—not just for the students she serves, but for her own sense of purpose as a leader. It’s a transition made possible by the thoughtful, values-driven match that Blair Search Partners is known for—aligning mission, timing, and leadership in a way that creates lasting impact.
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here
We’re incredibly proud of the impact Marianela is making at the San Diego Center for the Blind. It’s inspiring to see how she’s driving change and strengthening the organization’s ability to serve the community. Congratulations, Marianela!
If you’re an organization striving to make a difference by hiring a team of changemakers, or an individual looking for your next career move in the nonprofit sector, visit us at blairsearchpartners.com and let’s see what we can do together.
We’d love to help you find your next great hire.