THE OFFICIAL ONLINE HOME OF
THE MIRACLE LEAGUE OF SAN DIEGO
Meet Our Board of Directors
- Board of Directors -
Dan Engel is a dynamic and entrepreneurial financial, investment, operating and non-profit executive who is a community leader. Dan began his professional career as an investment banker, helped build a company that was sold to Berkshire Hathaway, became a non-profit junkie, and resumed his financial career managing a single-family office and launching its consulting practice. He is an author and an inspirational speaker who tells stories of perseverance. Dan is a stage four metastatic melanoma survivor who is one of the earliest immunotherapy success stories in America. In its Summer 2020 issue, Cancer Health magazine named Dan to its inaugural list of 25 Change Makers.
He co-founded the Miracle League of San Diego in 2005 after watching an episode of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Dan vividly recalls the segment with Frank Deford as changing the trajectory of his life. During the two-year period from founding MLSD until the field opened, he endured multiple treatments and surgeries, and enrolled in six clinical trials. Raising money to build the field, recruiting volunteers to help, finding the initial players, buddies and coaches, all served as inspiration and purpose during his battle. Engel Family Field opened in May 2007 just two weeks after Dan’s first clean scans in two years. He can be found every Saturday during the season at one or both of our field locations, sometimes coaching, and infrequently as a back-up announcer.
Dan grew up in Los Angeles, earned a BA in Economics from UCLA, an MBA from the Haas School of Business and a JD from Boalt Hall (Berkeley Law). He and his wife Robin live in Little Italy and have four children between them and one grandson.
The Miracle League of San Diego is my synagogue, my spiritual home. I’m proud of this extraordinary family and community we’ve built and grateful for the lasting friendships I’ve formed with families from all walks of life and everywhere in San Diego County. I also believe we serve a higher purpose with our buddy program where we are nourishing philanthropic souls. I believe that if a child learns at a young age how good it feels to help others that it becomes part of her DNA.
Dan Engel, Co-Founder
Mark Guglielmo
Having completed his 35th season with the Padres, Mark Guglielmo is Senior Vice President, Ballpark Operations / General Manager – Petco Park. He is responsible for all facility management and event operations at Petco Park, while also overseeing engineering, building maintenance and repairs, cleaning and janitorial services, playing field and exterior landscape maintenance, broadcast and transmission operations, guest services, security and transportation, ticket operations and capital projects.
A resident of San Diego since 1975, Mark earned a Business Administration degree from the University of Redlands and studied communications at the University of California, San Diego. He resides in the Mission Hills area of San Diego with his wife, Chris. He has three grown children and four grandchildren.
I joined the Miracle League San Diego Board of Directors because this organization understands the value and benefits of playing youth sports and provides a tremendous opportunity for those individuals and their families who might not otherwise have this experience. Whether it is hitting a baseball or running to Home Plate, the joy these simple acts provide our players is immeasurable and priceless.
Mark Guglielmo, Board President
Cheryl Gorman
Cheryl Gorman is a graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She spent 14 years working for professional sports teams and regional sports networks in various capacities including sideline reporting, writing and producing, creative development and sports marketing. Cheryl was part of the team that launched FOX Sports San Diego and oversaw the on-air promotions, marketing, digital content, and team partner relationships for the network. During her career in television she mentored young women in the industry and was a founding member of the San Diego Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE). Cheryl has received numerous accolades for her creative content including 6 Emmy awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Pacific Southwest Chapter. Cheryl also graduated with her Masters of Business Administration in 2007 with a focus on Systems Management.
In addition to her career, Cheryl believes strongly in giving back to the community. She has served as the Annual Support Campaign manager for the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA over a 3 year span. In that time she helped raise nearly $1M for the organization which supports predominately minority children in the Southeast San Diego area. Cheryl also volunteers with the Miracle League of San Diego which provides children with special needs the opportunity to play organized sports. In 2020 Cheryl and her husband Karl launched the Black Future Foundation, a non-profit focused on providing college scholarships to Black college bound students. In addition Cheryl and her husband created a real estate company focused on gentrifying Black and low income communities across the country.
Cheryl is originally from Shaker Heights, Ohio and has lived in San Diego since 2009. In her spare time she loves playing tennis, dining out and spending quality time with her husband and 3 children.
Cheryl Gorman, VP of Communications
Marisa Valencia
Marisa Valencia was born and raised in San Diego. She studied Accounting at the University of San Diego. She currently lives in Paradise Hills with her husband, 2 sons, and 2 dogs.
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After hearing about MLSD and attending one game, I knew this was a great organization. I love that barriers are removed to allow all children and parents to enjoy a baseball game.