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 meetings are open to members – if you wish to attend please email the President to obtain an invitation.
Barbara McCubbin
President
As a lifelong plant lover, I discovered my passion for orchids about eight years ago and have been captivated ever since. In the mild Rancho Peñasquitos climate, most of my collection grows outdoors under protective shade, while others flourish in the bright, filtered light of my sunroom. The incredible diversity of orchid species continues to fascinate me, and I’m still learning their unique characteristics while discovering new favorites along the way. As a member of the San Diego Orchid Society, I value being part of a knowledgeable, welcoming community that shares a deep appreciation for these remarkable plants.
I can be reached at president@sdorchids.com.
Peter Tobias
1st Vice President
I live in coastal Encinitas, about half a mile from the ocean, the perfect place to grow lots of orchids outdoors. I moved here in 1980 and joined the SDCOS about a week later. The orchid community has been a great place to make friends and annoy everyone else! I’ve been seriously invested in conserving orchids through both the SDCOS Conservation Committee and through the Orchid Conservation Alliance as well. I’ve traveled to many orchid rich biomes just to see what grows out there. My collection includes lots of species orchid plants that remind me of my travels, but none of them were gathered from the wild; everything has been obtained legally although, to paraphrase Jimmy Carter, I have certainly lusted after some plants seen in the wild. I’m hoping that as 1st VP I can bring some speakers to the society who will share some of my love of nature with those who are less able to travel.
I can be reached at 1stvp@sdorchids.com.
Paolo Garcia
Director-At-Large to 2027
Growing orchids has been my constant hobby since I was 12 years old and growing them in my dad’s garden. Today I live in Bankers Hill and grow miniature, fragrant, and Paphiopedilum species in my apartment and outdoor patio. I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity of orchid species and the different habitats they thrive in around the world. I joined the SDCOS in 2023 to meet other local growers and to learn how they grow orchids in our climate, and I am happy to join the board as a Director-at-Large in 2025.
I can be reached at DAL1@sdorchids.com.
Sima Perkins
Director-At-Large to 2029
I have been a passionate orchid grower for more than 20 years. I specialize in Cattleyas and Cymbidiums. I feel very privileged to serve on the SDCOS board since 2020.
I can be reached at DAL2@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, and have traveled to Japan several times 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 the newsletter since 2018.
I’ve been grateful for the help and support of the SDCOS members so far and am looking forward to continuing to serve the society as President.
I can be reached at pastpresident@sdorchids.com.
Myra de Tate
Treasurer
I bought my first Orchid in 1972, a paphiopedilum, from Clark Day Orchids in Cypress, CA. I joined SDCOS in 2013 for the education & conservation missions I found on the website. The society has provided much more. I thank all of the members who have helped me with their knowledge & friendship.
I can be reached at treasurer@sdorchids.com.
Nate La Breche
Secretary
I joined the SDCOS in February 2023. I moved to San Diego in 2018 but did not get into orchids for some years. 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. I enjoy orchids for the diverse array of foliage and flowers they offer. There is something to suit virtually everyone’s tastes.
I can be reached at secretary@sdorchids.com.
Debby Halliday
Past President
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.