York’s Board of Trustees includes alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and members of the local community who had no previous connection to York but who were attracted to the School by its record of achievement, its welcoming culture, and its commitment to serve students from a range of backgrounds.
Our trustees believe in the value of a York education for individual students, their families, and our communities.
Officers
Members
Advisors
Emeriti
In Memoriam
Alfred Diaz-Infante
Alfred, parent of a 2016 York graduate and President & CEO of Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc., (CHISPA) and CHISPA Housing Management, Inc. (CHMI) passed away abruptly in August, 2021. He was kind, compassionate, and thoughtful. Those who knew him experienced his ability to calmly approach challenging problems with clear-headed decision making.
As a York trustee, he served many years as the chair of the Committee on Trustees, recruiting talented board members to our school. He gave insightful guidance based on his business and housing development background about campus construction projects. Furthermore, he cared deeply about York’s mission to create a diverse community of creative, independent thinkers by championing York in the Salinas community.
Peggy Downes Baskin
Peggy Downes Baskin, PhD (1930-2023), was an author, lecturer, and retired professor of political science whose support and dedication were integral to the history and success of York School.
Fostering a relationship with York for over 45 years, Peggy served on the York Board of Trustees, was a parent and grandparent of alumni, (her daughter, Cammy Torgenrud, was a longtime York faculty member), and was married to former Head of School, Chuck Downes, with whom she shared a deep commitment to diversity in education.
Later, Peggy and her late husband Jack Baskin honored Chuck’s legacy through their long-term and generous support of York’s scholarship program. Over the course of their lifetime, Peggy and Jack contributed more than one million dollars to York, including the establishment of the Peggy Downes Baskin Scholarship Endowment, which focuses specifically on assisting young women of single mothers, a cause that was near and dear to Peggy’s heart. Peggy, herself, was raised by a single mother who fostered her daughter’s education and ambitions during a time when, as Peggy said, “women were more fit to be mothers and wives.” Advancing education opportunities for young women became a central issue for Peggy in her philanthropic efforts and especially at York.
Jim Tunney
Jim Tunney (1929-2024) was a York trustee emeritus and former interim Head of School. Jim had a great passion for York. In addition to the academic opportunities (which he believed are the best), he commented on the York ethos. Jim believed that York develops caring individuals, mentors, and role models.
Jim dedicated over 10 years of service to York’s Board of Trustees, providing steadfast support and thoughtful guidance. In addition to his impactful time at York, Jim was a legendary NFL referee and a longtime sports columnist for the Monterey Herald.
