Patte Kronlund to step down from CABS; new executive director announced.

Patte Kronlund will step down as executive director of the Community Association of Big Sur (CABS) on July 1 after three years in the role and more than two decades of service to the organization. The organization’s current program manager, Rachel Goldberger, will become the new executive director effective July 1.

“It is with some sadness, but much pride, that I step away from this role,” Kronlund said in a press release. “I trust I am leaving CABS in a strong position, with dedicated leadership, a committed board, and partners who care deeply about Big Sur. Rachel brings strong leadership, deep commitment to our community, and a fresh vision that will help move CABS forward while staying rooted in its mission.”

CABS is a nonprofit organization founded in 1965, originally known as the Coast Property Owners Association, that set out to protect the Big Sur region and community through land conservation, preservation and local governance. 

Over the years the nonprofit has built community support programs, from disaster relief programs born from fires and landslides that occurred over the years, to advocating for sustainable tourism and community-driven housing solutions.

Kronlund has helped guide the organization’s work in community advocacy, disaster preparedness and response, visitor stewardship, and regional collaboration. She succeeded her husband, Butch Kronlund, in 2023, who served as president since 2008 and died in February 2025 from complications from treatment for melanoma.

A Big Sur resident since 2017, Goldberger joined CABS as program manager in 2023 after two years working alongside the organization.

Her work has focused on improving community communications—especially during the record-breaking Highway 1 closure—coordinating public meetings on issues including visitor use management and land-use planning, and helping residents understand and engage with complex policy decisions. 

During the 2024 Rocky Creek slip-out and extended Highway 1 closures, Goldberger co-led relief efforts that distributed more than $300,000 in financial assistance to impacted workers. She also helped expand public access to traffic data collected through CABS’ Highway 1 traffic counter, giving residents, planners and community partners tools to understand visitation patterns and transportation challenges in Big Sur.

“I'm honored to step into this role and continue serving the Big Sur community,” Goldberger said. “I love this place deeply, and what I value most about CABS is its ability to bring people together around the challenges and opportunities facing Big Sur. I'm grateful for the foundation Patte, Butch and so many others have built at CABS, and I look forward to continuing that work alongside this community.”