Laura Lyon Gaon '81

New board chair looks to continue commitment to Catalina

For Laura Lyon Gaon ’81, the path to institutional service and trusteeship began shortly after college when she became involved in the Sacramento Junior League and the Sacramento Association of Realtors. For Lyon Real Estate, Laura held the positions of Director of Human Resources, Director of Marketing, Director of Relocation, Property Manager, and Vice-President for Special Events and Community Relations. Founding board member of California Musical Theater and Board Chair of B Street Theater, she further served on the governing boards of the Sacramento Symphony, the University of California Davis School of Medicine Community Outreach, and Sacramento’s Child Abuse and Prevention Council. Currently, Laura sits on the Board of Trustees for St. Michael’s Episcopal School as Chair of the Advancement Committee.

Over time, in addition to pursuing her own career, Laura realized that she had become involved in boards that pulled at her heartstrings. Serving as a devoted volunteer on behalf of Santa Catalina was a natural. In 1987, just six years after her own graduation, Laura joined the alumnae board. Immediately, she offered insights and perspectives to expand alumnae involvement and to further the board’s effectiveness on behalf of the school. During the last three years of her 16-year tenure, Laura served as president.

Asked to join the Santa Catalina School Board of Trustees in 2005, Laura once again poured her energies into bettering the school and its community. During these last 14 years, she has served on the development, trustee, and compensation committees. Giving thought to Laura’s talents and effectiveness, Board of Trustees Chair Nonie Ramsay ’71 commented, “Laura’s dedication to the school is a lightning bolt of clarity for all to feel. She understands the role of fact-finding and team building as preconditions for producing sound results. While in the mix, she makes it fun for all; her humor and her ability to rally a group is infectious.”

Santa Catalina looks forward to the leadership of Laura Lyon Gaon. Her experience, her ease and talent working with a team, and her energetic love of her alma mater will serve Santa Catalina well in the years ahead. In a recent conversation, Laura herself commented, “I am honored and humbled to be stepping in as Santa Catalina’s next board chair and I am aware that I have big shoes to fill. This position has been beautifully stewarded by Nonie, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the proverbial gavel is passed with style and ease. Mission accomplished.” Yes, Laura. Mission accomplished, indeed!

Laura Lyon Gaon '81 with Sister Claire