It was her playful elegance that first caught my attention. There was an effortless grace about her, marked by a radiance that drew every gaze. She entered the grand rotunda of City Hall draped in a sublime ball gown, the soft folds of fabric seeming to float as she moved. With a presence both enchanting and genuine, she paused to greet each guest, her words imbued with a kindness that left an impression long after the moment had passed. “I want to know this woman,” I whispered to myself. That was years ago, and every time I get to spend time with Pam Preston, I leave feeling a little bit better about myself.
Pam co-hosted a lovely dinner at Villa Taverna for George Mark Children’s House, a few weeks later I asked if we could get together. It was a week before the SF Ballet gala that she was chairing and I was sure she would be unavailable, but true to her nature she said, “Yes!” Once again, I was blow away by her generosity of time during such a chaotic week. What transpired was an afternoon of genuine laughs, true vulnerability, and a deep love of San Francisco that she said I could share with you.
A Passion for San Francisco’s Legacy and Evolution
Born at UCSF, with her first glimpse of the world framed by the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, Pam’s bond with San Francisco is woven into the very fabric of her being. Her childhood visits to “the city” from the quiet charm of her Lafayette home were filled with memories of cultural treasures. Memorable experiences, like sipping tea beneath the elegant dome of Neiman Marcus’s Rotunda, annual visits to the magical performance of The Nutcracker, and a milestone 13th birthday at the eclectic Tonga Room wove her connection to San Francisco’s cherished traditions.
Growing Up with Community at Its Core
Pam’s mother was as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital and her father as a dedicated business executive and she absorbed the values of hard work and community service. Her childhood was anchored by the warmth and inclusivity of her family home. Open doors and open hearts cultivated an environment of connection and optimism.
“The door was always open,” Pam fondly recalls, painting a picture of the gatherings, shared meals, and supportive conversations that shaped her outlook on life.
This sense of belonging instilled in Pam a belief in the strength of community and laid the groundwork for her ongoing commitment to creating meaningful personal and professional connections.
Chasing Dreams in the Big Apple
With a bold vision of her future, Pam set her sights on New York City, determined to carve a path in one of the world’s toughest business landscapes. Landing a role as a business analyst in mergers and acquisitions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, she embarked on a career defined by exceptional resilience. Long, grueling days—sometimes stretching to 20 hours—tested her stamina and sharpened her acumen.
But for Pam, growth always meant stepping outside her comfort zone. Several years into her finance career, she transitioned to human resources—a move that awakened her passion for talent acquisition and mentorship. Helping young professionals launch their careers through campus recruiting programs brought purpose to her work. Reflecting on these experiences, Pam highlights the joy of working with undergraduates brimming with optimism and potential. “We ran programs for hundreds of interns,” she recalls. This focus on nurturing talent became one of the most meaningful chapters of her professional life.
Building a Family Guided by Science and Heart
During her time in New York, she fell in love with a Jack Preston who in just short seven months proposed to her. In the whirlwind of their nuptials, Jack was entrusted with taking Restoration Hardware public, a success that led to his appointment as CFO at their headquarters in Corte Madera. Reflecting on that chapter, she recalls, “We were building our lives in New York, he proposed, and before I knew it, we were heading back home to San Francisco.”
When Jack and Pam decided it was time to grow their family, they turned to IVF, the same path they had taken to conceive their son.
“The first time we conceived, everything fell into place effortlessly. It felt almost magical—like the universe was on our side, guiding every step. We even had embryos stored, ready for this second chapter. But life, as we’re often reminded, has its own plans.”
The road this time was different—more intricate, more heart-rending. They began with immense hope but encountered challenges that tested their resilience. “Two embryo transfers with our wonderful original carrier didn’t work out. Each time, there were tears and the crushing weight of “what if?” Questions lingered in our hearts—was this the universe asking us to pause? To reflect? To make peace with what we already had? Still, we forged ahead, steadfast in our belief that if it was meant to be, it would find its way.”
With guidance from their amazing doctor, Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Pam and Jack found a truly extraordinary gestational carrier. From the moment they met her, it felt as though the universe had gently knit their paths together.
This chapter of their story was an incredible collaboration—not just with science, which continues to amaze and humble them, but also with an incredible community of women who held their hands and hearts along the way. “Our closest friends celebrated us with a beautiful—and pink-tinged—shower, a gathering I will forever cherish. Though I was initially hesitant, fearing I might jinx something, the sheer love and support from my friends reminded me that celebrating hope is never wasted.”
Through it all—the tears, the hope, the setbacks, and the eventual triumph—what stands out most is the sense of community and connection. Whether it was friendships Pam nurtured over decades or incredible new bonds she formed in St. Helena and San Francisco, the collective strength around her made all the difference. “They say it takes a village, and in our case, it was a village overflowing with love, understanding, and encouragement.”
“Today, as I watch our children grow, I’m struck by the perfect imperfection of the path that led us here. It’s a story of faith—not just in science or the universe, but in the beauty of surrendering, trusting, and letting life unfurl in its own time. For us, this isn’t just the story of how our family grew—it’s a testament to the extraordinary connections, resilience, and love that shape who we are.”
A Life of Gratitude and Community
Pam’s reflection on her life and career shines a light on a powerful ethos—finding purpose in every experience and gratitude in every step of the way. Her time in New York and her return to San Francisco have been marked by an unwavering commitment to building bridges between people, challenges, and opportunities.
“You just have to keep going,” Pam shares. “Find joy in what you do, build meaningful connections, and trust the process.” Through those simple but profound principles, she’s created a life that inspires both herself and those around her.
Fostering Change Through Philanthropy
For Pam, community isn’t just where you live—it’s what you give back. Her dedication to philanthropy is rooted in a firm belief that collective effort can drive lasting impact. Passionate about causes in the arts, healthcare, and education, she advocates for starting small but meaningful initiatives, creating ripples of positive change that compound over time.
One cause particularly close to her heart is the San Francisco Ballet. As a devoted supporter since 2013, Pam admires the Ballet’s harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, which embodies the spirit of San Francisco itself. Through initiatives like the Young Patrons Circle and Bravo Club, she highlights how collaboration can ensure that art remains accessible and inspiring for future generations.
Elevating Lives Through the San Francisco Ballet
Pam’s connection to the San Francisco Ballet is woven into every chapter of her life. From her childhood memories of The Nutcracker to her present-day support of bold, artistic performances, the Ballet has been a consistent source of inspiration. Beyond the stage, she finds fulfillment in witnessing the Ballet’s outreach efforts that introduce underserved communities and students to the transformative power of dance.
For Pam, the Ballet is more than art—it’s a reflection of the city’s resilience, its cultural vitality, and its endless creativity. These values not only shape her passionate support for the Ballet but also anchor her vision of San Francisco as a city where innovation and tradition thrive side by side.
Cultivating a Legacy of Purpose
At its core, Pam Preston’s story is a testament to what’s possible when strong roots entwine with forward-thinking aspirations. San Francisco is not just where Pam has built her life—it’s a shared purpose she passionately supports. Through her dedication to enhancing the city’s vibrancy and her unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, Pam continues to uplift her community and inspire others to do the same.
Whether supporting artistic treasures like the San Francisco Ballet, fostering community through philanthropy, or cherishing the timeless traditions that first captured her imagination, Pam embodies the beauty of honoring the past while elevating the future. Her philosophy is simple yet profound—start with small steps, work together, and witness the ripple effect of meaningful change.
She warmly invites others to become part of this shared mission, celebrating San Francisco’s culture, creativity, and sense of belonging to ensure its magic endures for generations to come.
- Creative Director and Writer: TERESA RODRIGUEZ
- Photography: Vincent Gotti and Drew Altizer
- Hair Stylist: MAY SARDA
- Make-Up: SHANNON LE
- Location Assistant: TIFFANY ALLEGRO
- Copy Editor: KIEDO VILLANUEVA
- Art Director: NIGEL JOHN DEL MUNDO