Founding Board Member Faye Girsh, EdD
Known as a “star of the right-to-die movement,” Faye has been leading HSSD for over 39 years. She practiced as a clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego for 18 years, and founded the precursor of the Final Exit Network, Caring Friends.
Co-President Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, FABM
Nancy is a retired Neonatologist and former Medical Director of Lactation for Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns, San Diego, CA. Nancy co-founded the non-profit San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition in 1994 and established the first Donor Human Milk Depot in San Diego. She has lectured on medical ethics in the NICU and has multiple personal experiences with hospice home care. She has been a supporter of medical aid in dying for over 45 years and had the privilege of hearing and meeting Derek Humphry in 1992.
Co-President Peter Kote, JD
Peter Kote is the founder of Professional Fiduciary Services (PFS), a group of individuals who serve as trustee, executor, conservator, or agent for the Advance Health Care Directive, Durable or General Power of Attorney for Asset and Property Management. Peter graduated from Western State University College of Law with a Jurist Doctorate degree and is a professional consultant in planned giving. He is a longtime member and supporter of the Hemlock Society of San Diego who joined the board in 2026.
Vice President Curtis Krock, MD
Curtis Krock, M.D. is an 89-year-old retired internal medicine physician who practiced at the Carle Clinic in Urbana, Illinois from 1972 to 2001, serving as chief of medicine for the Hospital and interim Chief of Medicine for the University of Illinois COM at Urbana-Champaign (2003 to 2005). The difficult deaths of his first wife from multiple sclerosis and of his second wife from esophageal cancer incited his interest in the issue of better ways to die.
Interim Treasurer Pat Fisher
Pat has been involved with the Hemlock Society since 2013 and has been a supporter of a right-to-die since 1975. She was appalled by the legal battle that ensued when Karen Ann Quinlan’s parents wanted to disconnect her ventilator and leave Karen in a natural state to die a natural death. Pat has been a tireless volunteer with Hemlock for many years and leads a Hemlock Circle that meets monthly.
Secretary Christie Golemb
In 2021, Christie took her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, to Switzerland for Voluntary Assisted Death. She feels strongly that no one should have to leave California to achieve a peaceful death. Christie is a well-respected REALTOR® in San Diego and for fun she plays on various tennis teams and indulges in her passion for fresh powder by going heli-skiing. Travel is in her blood and she loves exploring new places.
John McNew
John spent over 30 years in the tech industry as a software developer and manager before shifting focus to teaching yoga and meditation. With a deep commitment to mindfulness and well-being, John brings a compassionate approach to guiding others through stress management and self-care. As an advocate for personal autonomy in end-of-life decisions, he supports informed choices that honor individual dignity and self-determination. Through his work with the Hemlock Society of San Diego, John strives to promote open, meaningful conversations about personal agency and end-of-life options.