Our Board of Directors
The SDCOS has a 9-person Board of Directors that governs society affairs. The BOD meets every first Thursday of the month. The meetings are no longer held in person in Room 104 in the Casa del Prado, Balboa Park, but rather virtually by Zoom. The meeting are open to members – if you wish to attend please email the President to obtain an invitation
Our Board Members
President: David Vandenbroek
I live in east Mission Valley and grow mostly species orchids outside and in terrariums. I have a special fondness for Neofinetia falcata, as you might’ve seen in last edition’s newsletter article which featured my journey to Japan to see them. Many of my orchids are small since I have ~60 sqft of usable growing space… But it’s amazing how many orchids you can fit in there!
I’ve been on the SDCOS Board of Directors since 2019 as Secretary and 1st VP and have been making this newsletter for the last 5 years.
I’ve been grateful for the help and support of the SDCOS members so far and am looking forward to serving the society as President for this next term.
I am also the Newsletter editor and Species Group Organizer.
I can be reached at president@ sdorchids.com.
1st Vice President: Ashley Grable
I have been growing orchids since 2016, when I received a Phalaenopsis I resolved to keep alive. In researching orchid care, I was fascinated to learn about the many types of orchids, each with its own cultural requirements. I enjoy growing a variety of species and hybrids, as well as experimenting with different growing setups, including semi-hydroponic media. I have served as Second VP since 2021, and I’m delighted to step into this new role.
I can be reached at 1stVP@ sdorchids.com.
2nd Vice President: Nate La Breche
I joined the SDCOS in February this year. I moved to San Diego five years ago but did not get into orchids until late last year. I started with a few unlabeled Phalaenopsis hybrids from Home Depot and quickly became obsessed due to the life and color they brought to my apartment. I now grow a variety of orchid species and hybrids inside because my small patio receives little sunlight. The photo shows a Bulbophyllum salmoneum that I mounted to a cork oak slab. I enjoy orchids for the diverse array of foliage and flowers they offer. There is something to suit virtually everyone’s tastes.
As Second Vice President for the upcoming term, I look forward to organizing the culture class and plant forum that occur each meeting.
I can be reached at 2ndVP@ sdorchids.com.
Past President: Debby Halliday
I was president of the SDCOS from 2020 – 2023. I currently remain on the board as Past President and serve as Show Chairman for our four yearly orchid shows. I am retired and live in Rancho Santa Fe where I grow orchids in a 20 x 40 ft greenhouse with attached shade house. I specialize in diversity with over 30 genera represented in my collection of around 700 species and hybrid orchids. I started growing orchids with my late husband in 1970 and have grown them off and on ever since. My current collection dates to 2010. I enjoy helping people get better at growing orchids and regularly lecture at local garden clubs and all of our shows. Orchids are what I do.
I can be reached at pastpresident@sdorchids.com.
David Vandenbroek
President
I live in east Mission Valley and grow mostly species orchids outside and in terrariums. I have a special fondness for Neofinetia falcata, as you might’ve seen in last edition’s newsletter article which featured my journey to Japan to see them. Many of my orchids are small since I have ~60 sqft of usable growing space… But it’s amazing how many orchids you can fit in there!
I’ve been on the SDCOS Board of Directors since 2019 as Secretary and 1st VP and have been making this newsletter for the last 5 years.
I’ve been grateful for the help and support of the SDCOS members so far and am looking forward to serving the society as President for this next term.
David is also the Newsletter editor and Species Group Organizer.
I can be reached at president@ sdorchids.com.
Ashley Grable
1st Vice President
I have been growing orchids since 2016, when I received a Phalaenopsis I resolved to keep alive. In researching orchid care, I was fascinated to learn about the many types of orchids, each with its own cultural requirements. I enjoy growing a variety of species and hybrids, as well as experimenting with different growing setups, including semi-hydroponic media. I have served as Second VP since 2021, and I’m delighted to step into this new role.
I can be reached at 1stVP@ sdorchids.com.
Nate La Breche
2nd Vice President
I joined the SDCOS in February this year. I moved to San Diego five years ago but did not get into orchids until late last year. I started with a few unlabeled Phalaenopsis hybrids from Home Depot and quickly became obsessed due to the life and color they brought to my apartment. I now grow a variety of orchid species and hybrids inside because my small patio receives little sunlight. The photo shows a Bulbophyllum salmoneum that I mounted to a cork oak slab. I enjoy orchids for the diverse array of foliage and flowers they offer. There is something to suit virtually everyone’s tastes.
As Second Vice President for the upcoming term, I look forward to organizing the culture class and plant forum that occur each meeting.
I can be reached at 2ndVP@ sdorchids.com.
David Vandenbroek
President
I live in east Mission Valley and grow mostly species orchids outside and in terrariums. I have a special fondness for Neofinetia falcata, as you might’ve seen in last edition’s newsletter article which featured my journey to Japan to see them. Many of my orchids are small since I have ~60 sqft of usable growing space… But it’s amazing how many orchids you can fit in there!
I’ve been on the SDCOS Board of Directors since 2019 as Secretary and 1st VP and have been making this newsletter for the last 5 years.
I’ve been grateful for the help and support of the SDCOS members so far and am looking forward to serving the society as President for this next term.
David is also the Newsletter editor and Species Group Organizer.
I can be reached at president@ sdorchids.com.
Ashley Grable
1st Vice President
I have been growing orchids since 2016, when I received a Phalaenopsis I resolved to keep alive. In researching orchid care, I was fascinated to learn about the many types of orchids, each with its own cultural requirements. I enjoy growing a variety of species and hybrids, as well as experimenting with different growing setups, including semi-hydroponic media. I have served as Second VP since 2021, and I’m delighted to step into this new role.
I can be reached at 1stVP@ sdorchids.com.
Nate La Breche
2nd Vice President
I joined the SDCOS in February this year. I moved to San Diego five years ago but did not get into orchids until late last year. I started with a few unlabeled Phalaenopsis hybrids from Home Depot and quickly became obsessed due to the life and color they brought to my apartment. I now grow a variety of orchid species and hybrids inside because my small patio receives little sunlight. The photo shows a Bulbophyllum salmoneum that I mounted to a cork oak slab. I enjoy orchids for the diverse array of foliage and flowers they offer. There is something to suit virtually everyone’s tastes.
As Second Vice President for the upcoming term, I look forward to organizing the culture class and plant forum that occur each meeting.
I can be reached at 2ndVP@ sdorchids.com.