Paul Goldring Garrett

Founder

Paul Goldring Garrett was a Southern California native who grew up knowing a gentler, less-crowded California. He was a graduate from UCLA. He was involved in all facets of real estate and agriculture, including roles as developer, investor, builder, broker, cattle rancher, agribusiness-man and organic farmer.

Paul started a “BetterWorld” when he was 24.  He kept the idea alive and relaunched it with his wife Diane in 2000 as the culmination of his lifelong dream and vision of intentionally creating a better world. 

Paul was a true venture philanthropist with broad interests ranging from: lending vehicles for incentivizing SME’s (small/medium entrepreneurs); foster youth; literacy initiatives throughout Africa; prenatal to third grade (P-3) early care and education initiatives in the US; training of community health workers in Africa; encouraging the development and expansion of renewable energy sources; and, supporting low-cost innovative housing initiatives. 

It was Paul Goldring Garrett’s objective to reduce poverty and improve the economic prospects of local economies with small and medium-sized entrepreneurs through concentrated investments of capital, debt, and expertise. Paul’s memory and legacy lives on through the good work of the BetterWorld Trust.

Diane Garrett 

Co-Trustee

Chairman of the Board

Global philanthropist, community activist, artist, businesswoman, and organizational leader are just a few of the roles currently managed by Diane Garrett. As Chairman and CEO of The BetterWorld Trust, Diane maintains an active voice in all local, national and international grant making and venture philanthropy initiatives.

Diane's core values (equality, compassion, a sense of fairness and a strong work ethic) were instilled early in her life. These values have evolved into a lifelong commitment toward progress pertaining to the survival, elevation and well-being of mankind. Her mission is to help advance the quality of life for all people and to strengthen the fabric of community. She is particularly dedicated to improving the value of education, based on her principal belief that a good education will help children enter adulthood more prepared to face the challenges and complexities of life. Diane is particularly inspired by the work of prominent economist and Nobel Laureate Dr. James Heckman for his renowned research about the significant impact that early care and education has on the future prospects of children. She leads BetterWorld Trust’s focus on early care and education.

In addition to her responsibilities at The BetterWorld Trust, Diane also serves on the Board of Trustees overseeing the land and real estate assets of her late husband Paul Garrett; founder of the BetterWorld Trust. Previously, Diane worked in the commercial insurance industry for 30+ years, beginning in Omaha, Nebraska with two Berkshire Hathaway insurance companies. During her extensive career, she owned and operated an insurance agency, worked as an independent agent, and managed the second largest agency in Southern California.

Diane has served as an advisor and active Board member for multiple non-profits in both Nebraska and California, most with a focus on helping women and children. She has also served as Chairman of a foundation working for the advancement of higher education. In her free time Diane enjoys creating art, painting, spending time in nature and on her Ranch, creating memories and moments with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Phillip M. Jones

Co-Trustee

President

Mr. Jones received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Design in 1975 from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and an Associate of Arts Degree in Architecture from Orange Coast College in 1972. He has been a California State General Contractor since 1976.

In 2013 Phil joined The Garrett Group as Vice President of the Land Division and currently serves as President, COO and Co-Trustee.  Phil’s experience with land entitlement and the development of the Garrett portfolio for over two decades, afforded him the rare opportunity to work closely alongside Paul Garrett, founder of the BetterWorld Trust, gaining a deeper understanding of Paul Garrett’s vision and objectives, allowing for valuable insight and the knowledge needed to assume the role of President and Co-Trustee of the BetterWorld Trust.

One of Phil’s favorite quotes by John Muir; “The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us”, perfectly describes his passion and deep connection to the sea and humanity.  Phil resides in Southern California, where he consistently makes time to enjoy the sunshine, surfing and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Phil’s desire for a cleaner earth, creating opportunities and inspiring growth for a BetterWorld make him an invaluable addition to the BetterWorld Trust team. 

Martin A. Weiss, J.D., LLM

Co-Trustee

General Counsel

Chief Legal Officer

Secretary

Marty Weiss has served as General Counsel (GC) to Paul Goldring Garrett, the Founder of Betterworld Trust and other companies for over 25+ years. Marty graduated from Harvard University cum laude while attending on a full-ride scholarship. After working in international business, he returned to study law and graduated cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law. Postgraduate he went on to earn a LLM from USD in Taxation and is admitted to all Courts of the State of California including the Federal District Court for the Southern District of California and the United States Tax Court.

In his role as General Counsel Marty provides exceptional expertise in real estate, tax, and estate law, as well as the ongoing implementation of Paul Goldring Garrett's vision of BetterWorld, including the complexities of managing the many assets of the portfolio, and the Foundation, which align perfectly with Marty’s guiding principal and understanding; “We’re all in this together”.   

Marty has decades long experience in the formation of non-profits, he has qualified and served on various 501c3 tax exempt organizations throughout his life and in his professional career. Marty currently serves as Co-Trustee, General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Board to the BetterWorld Trust. Marty and his wife Christina currently reside in San Diego County and enjoy spending time with their three children and grandchildren.

Cari Ann Zamora

Chief Operating Officer

Assistant - Secretary

For over 20+ years Cari has held a variety of positions under the umbrella of Paul and Diane Garrett and their many shared business ventures.   In her early role as Co-Director of the Community Program Cari worked closely with the Founders and the Board in the implementation and development of its programs, while cultivating strong relationships between BetterWorld Trust, the community and the many organizations BetterWorld has partnered with over the years.  Cari currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The Betterworld Trust.    

Cari is a Nebraska native from Southern California (in her heart). Prior to BetterWorld she worked as a licensed Insurance Producer and Area Manager for an independent Insurance Agency in Nevada. Later she served as the Assistant to the Director of the Nebraska Department of Health, Division of Disease Control. Recognizing the need for greater social equity and the vitality of our youth as the key to a better future, Cari helped create and establish a community based 501©3 non-profit foundation in 2010 located in Riverside County, CA whose mission is to provide access to enrichment opportunities for an underserved population of students. She has served on many other boards and various committees over the decades and volunteers her time with several organizations both locally and internationally.  When she’s not busy spending time with her family, including her 8 grandchildren, you can usually find her somewhere near the ocean with a good book in hand…enjoying the sunset.  

“Working with BetterWorld has given me such an amazing opportunity to cultivate a greater awareness and deeper understanding of our shared humanity.  I consider it a real privilege to work alongside such bright, like-minded people. It is a true honor to see Paul’s legacy and his vision of a ‘BetterWorld’ continue through our good work and collaboration”. 

“By working together with others we truly can make this a better world, now and for generations to come” - PG