As she approaches 93, Jeanne McAlister still comes to the office daily, attending board meetings and visiting with clients, driven by the same passion that led her to found the McAlister Institute, one of San Diego County’s largest drug and alcohol treatment providers.
After nearly 50 years at the helm, McAlister recently handed the nonprofit’s reins to her granddaughter, Marisa Varond. Together, they form a powerful team bridging generations, unique perspectives and leadership styles.
Varond joined the McAlister Institute in 2011 and steadily expanded her responsibilities, serving as program services coordinator, director of development and executive director before becoming CEO…