If there was any such thing as the perfect candidate for
a position on the Mission Preservation Foundation’s Board of Directors, Paul Mikos would seem to be it.
The Board recently elected Mikos as its newest member, and considering his resume, it makes perfect
sense. Mikos is a 19-year resident of San Juan Capistrano, was a history major in college and has spent
his professional career figuring out ways to raise funds.
And he is thrilled about joining the Board.
“Walking through that front gate, when you see a plaque that says “Established in 1776,” that’s a magical
year in our country’s history,” said Mikos (pronounced Mike-us). “On one side of the country, we’re fighting
a revolutionary war to free us from Great Britain. And on the west coast, the Franciscan Missionaries are
walking up and down the coast establishing civilizations.”
Mikos, who has degrees from Loyola University Los Angeles and Harvard University, said California history
always “fascinated me. The missions are the heart of California history, first and foremost, and now that I
live in San Juan Capistrano, which is home to THE mission, it’s very exciting to be associated with it.”
The feeling certainly is mutual. Raising funds is at the heart of keeping Mission San Juan Capistrano
relevant. And it would be difficult to find somebody more adept. Mikos is the founder and president of
PsomasFMG, and was Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Remedy Temp,
Inc.
He recently completed 15 years on the Board of Trustees at Loyola Marymount University during which
time he headed a $350 million capital campaign.
“The key aspect of success that we had was to broaden our donor base,” Mikos said. “You shouldn’t
always go back to the usual suspects, but rather get other people involved. And part of that involvement is
the marketing and ability to get your issues front and center.
“I have primarily been a marketing person in my creation of companies. For me, to build the brand,
differentiate yourself and make your brand important is something I enjoy doing.”
With wife Suzi, Mikos has two daughters and two grandchildren, including one grandchild who attends
Mission Basilica School. And Mikos insists his seat on the Board will be more than simply another notch on
his resume.
“I don’t believe being a part of a board means just going to meetings, but rather participating and giving
ideas,” he said. “I don’t want to be a part of anything that rubber stamps, but rather helps create ideas and
push agendas forward.”
Mikos said he is looking forward to getting started.
“There seems to be a great group of people on the Mission Board,” said Mikos, who has a 20-year
friendship with Mission Preservation Foundation Board President George O’Connell. “Living in San Juan
Capistrano, you feel a stewardship towards the Mission.”
O’Connell is happy to have Mikos on board.
“Paul’s recent addition to the Foundation is exciting as the Mission continues to focus on key and
meaningful preservation projects,” O’Connell said. “His deep regard for the landmark and proven success
as a business and community leader makes him a perfect match for this terrific group of passionate, caring
and effective leaders.”
About Mission San Juan Capistrano:
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum
that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary
exhibits on a wide variety of topics.
The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in
the 18th century including the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the
South Wing.
The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the
twenty-one California missions established by Spain, and is Orange County’s only mission. Every year,
over 50,000 students visit the Mission and engage in an inspirational learning experience via the Mission
Matters programming, as part of their State required California history studies.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and is supported by the Mission
Preservation Foundation, which is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring
the long term preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding
from either the Church or the State of California and charges admission funds as a means of providing
public access.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Open
Daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon. Admission is $9
adults; $8 seniors (60 years or over); $6 children (ages 4 to 11); and children ages 3 and under are
admitted free. Free audio guide with senior and adult admission. For more information, call (949) 234-1300
or visit www.missionsjc.com.
