In April 2014, Kitty Whitaker, RN, MS, was named chief executive officer for Hospice by the Bay ( serving Marin, San Francisco, North San Mateo and Sonoma counties). She’s been with the organization for close to 20 years and served as COO since 2008. “I’m a nurse by profession,” she says. “I first worked in the skilled nursing facility environment, where I learned to work with older people. I was hired right out of that environment to work in hospice. I loved it and never left.”Now a resident of Corte Madera, Whitaker was born in Oak Park, Ill., and spent most of her formative years in Southern California. “I received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA, and I thought I wanted to go into social work,” she remembers. “I knew my passion was in caring for people, so I earned another bachelor’s, this time in nursing, from Dominican University. I later received my master’s from UCSF, where I completed my graduate degree in nursing administration.”
Do you have a big family?
I grew up in a family of boys—two older brothers, one younger. While we’re all scattered throughout California, we remain very close. Between my family and my husband’s family, I have lots of nieces and nephews. I love watching them all grow up and find their way.
Are you married?
I’ve been married for 33 years to Todd Whitaker, an architect who works in San Francisco. It’s the best decision I ever made.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Todd and I love to play golf, and we’re forever fixing up our house. I also love to cook. We also spend a lot of time going to see our adult children. Christopher, 29, teaches high school in Oregon. Molly, 27, is attending nursing school in Iowa. And Caroline, 27, is a paralegal for a law firm in San Diego.
Tell us about a favorite pet.
Right now, with Todd and I working and our children out of the house, we don’t have any pets. However, we always loved having dogs. My favorite was a big golden retriever named Ben. He was a retired companion dog, who was a lover. We still miss him.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
This one’s easy: Having our children. They always keep us young.
When is the last time you laughed out loud?
Five minutes ago. I laugh out loud a lot!
What animal are you most like?
A lioness: protective, focused, strategic, fearless
If you were to be successful in another profession, what would you want to do?
A professional chef in Italy
What would your ideal celebration look like?
It would be a big party with lots of friends and family, good music, food and dancing.
What’s something you regret having sold, lost or given away?
My extensive Barbie collection
What’s your favorite day of the week?
Saturday is a day to play.
What type of museum do you most like to visit?
I enjoy modern art.
If you could have any music group, past or present, play your next birthday party, who would you choose?
The Supremes
Who was your first celebrity crush?
David Cassidy
What’s your favorite quote?
“A good coach will make her players see what they can become rather than what they are.”
What do you think heaven is like?
I envision a reunion with my parents, where I get to share with them what I’ve loved about my life, and an opportunity to fly like the wind wherever I want to go.
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
Peach pie from scratch
What controversial subject do you relish debating?
Hillary Clinton, 2016
