Ben Montoya

Ben Montoya is the founder and President of the Downtown Fellowship (DF), a network of churches, ministries, and individuals with a vision to see downtown San Diego thriving in true community—where everyone contributes their gifts and the most vulnerable are uplifted. For over 12 years, DF has spearheaded impactful initiatives to serve the homeless and those in poverty. Highlights include funding the initial 72 Move-In Kits for PATH Connections Housing, partnering with Think Dignity to provide mobile showers and restrooms, helping launch Walk With Me at the San Diego Rescue Mission, and currently facilitating Circles San Diego, a program that builds lasting relationships and economic stability for families in poverty. DF also leads Life As It Should Be—a transformative community group at both the East County Transitional Living Center and PATH Connections Housing.

Ben also serves as Chairman of the Board for the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care, a national leader in education, research, and healing support for those who’ve experienced reproductive loss. His community leadership extends to his role as Elder at First Presbyterian Church San Diego, President of the City Tree Christian School Board, and Board Member at Westminster Manor, a senior living community in downtown San Diego. A lifelong advocate for practical service, Ben has also led over 40 house-building trips to Mexico through Amor Ministries.

Before fully devoting himself to ministry and community work, Ben spent over three decades as an engineer with San Diego Gas & Electric, where he began in 1986. He is a 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Engineering and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for five years. He earned his Professional Engineer license in Mechanical Engineering in 1989 and completed his MBA at the University of San Diego in 2009. In recognition of his leadership and service, he was appointed to the California Veterans Board by Governor Pete Wilson in 1993 and served as chair in 1996.