In July 2018, TLCBD elected several new board members as part of the annual meeting. We are proud to have received so many exemplary candidates.
We welcome Michelle Lin, representing Group i as a property owner board member. Michelle joins the board just as the highly anticipated and transformative 950-974 Market Street project undergoes construction. The project has been turning heads on the street with a colorful block-long mural on Turk Street.
We welcome Charles Deffarges of the SF Bicycle Coalition as an at-large board member. Charles is a native San Franciscan with a track record of advocating for safe streets. Recently, Charles worked directly with Tenderloin stakeholders in bringing the Turk Street bike lane to fruition.
We welcome Rene Colorado Jr as a business owner board member. In addition to an ownership stake at Larkin Street restaurant Pak Nam, Rene also works in a management role at several little Saigon dining establishments including flagship Ler Ros and newcomers Esan Classic and Lapats Thai Noodles Bar. Rene is hungry to get involved, make positive changes for the neighborhood, and to contribute to improving the vibrancy of the Larkin corridor.
The Board of Directors re-elected James Neal, property owner representative and chair of the Community Engagement & Communications Committee, Paula Fleischer At-Large representative with UCSF who has worked to provide technical assistance and resources to the Safe Passage Program, and Frank Manchen, property owner representative with Hilton Hotels, becomes Secretary.
We would also like to thank and recognize our outgoing board members, Pedro Torres, David Seward, Dan Williams, and Julie Burdick. Thank you for your service and continued partnership.
Pedro’s exit from the board is bittersweet, as he did not seek reelection due to constraints on his time after starting a new job with the Burning Man organization. Pedro dedicated many years to growing and improving Safe Passage and furthering a culture of safety in the neighborhood. We know we will find opportunities to work together in the future.
David Seward has dedicated many years to the neighborhood. His advocacy and support continue through his work at UC Hastings and beyond. David was not only integral to the original formation of the TLCBD, but has continued to support the organization through several terms in the intervening years. He now chairs the Renewal Steering Committee.
Julie Burdick, as a representative of Shorenstein Properties, was a key, funding partner to Operation Leadership, which ushered in unprecedented growth for the organization and allowed us to deepen our impact on the community.
Dan Williams joined the board as a business owner representing PianoFight and ultimately served as chair. Dan and his business partners have lead by an example in showing how a business can positively integrate into the neighborhood, getting to know neighbors, offering community-oriented programming, attracting visitors, hiring locally and partnering with local organizations.
Pratibha Tekkey, property owner representative, has accepted the nomination to Board President. She said, “As the new President of TLCBD board I appreciate the passion, compassion and dedication of the outgoing board members. Dan, David, Julie and Pedro volunteered countless hours of their time to make TLCBD a strong and integral part of the Tenderloin community. I am excited to continue the positive path TLCBD is on, and carry it into the future. I welcome our new board members.”
Lastly, while we had an overwhelming number of candidates in the at-large and property owner categories during the last election cycle, we were not able to fill a vacant resident seat. This is an excellent opportunity for a resident to have a direct impact on the work of TLCBD’s neighborhood-serving programs.
A special election will be held for this seat in September. Applications to join are due August 17th at 5:00pm. Click here for all pertinent details.
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