Participants
Organizers
BRIAN COLBERT
COUNTY SUPERVISOR
DISTRICT 2
District 2
Supervisor Colbert represents San Anselmo, Fairfax, Larkspur, Ross, Greenbrae and parts of San Rafael. A former attorney, entrepreneur, and educator, he has led initiatives to support small businesses, improve public spaces, and expand sustainable transportation. He previously chaired San Anselmo’s Economic Development Committee and played a key role in launching the Reimagining Creek Park project. He lives in San Anselmo with his wife and daughter and currently works as Director of Business Development and Patient Experience for a medical practice in San Francisco.
MARY SACKETT
COUNTY SUPERVISOR
DISTRICT 1
Supervisor Mary Sackett represents San Rafael on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. A licensed attorney and longtime Marin resident, she brings experience in law, environmental policy, and public service. Mary has built a reputation as a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader. As Board President, she helps set county priorities on affordable housing, transportation, climate resilience, and removing barriers that make government difficult to navigate. She also serves on regional boards including MCE Clean Energy, SMART, and the Great Redwood Trail Agency. Known for her approachable and pragmatic style, Mary is committed to fostering community vitality and a sustainable future for Marin.
DEREK JOHNSON
MARIN COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Derek Johnson is the County Executive for the County of Marin, leading a 3,000-person and $750M Budget organization and overseeing policy, operations, and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. He brings over two decades of public sector leadership experience, including serving as City Manager of San Luis Obispo before joining Marin. Derek is known for his collaborative approach to governance, with a focus on fiscal stewardship, climate resilience, and community-centered planning. He holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration and lives in San Anselmo with his family.
Attendees
List of trip participants will be added as we receive confirmation
Attendees are a mixture of business, thought, and community leaders in Marin
JONATHAN ELDRIDGE
PRESIDENT,
COLLEGE OF MARIN
Jonathan Eldridge, Ed.D, is the 11th Superintendent/ President of College of Marin, where he has served since 2013, most recently as Assistant Superintendent/Vice President for Student Learning & Success. He leads faculty, staff, and administrators in creating integrated educational programs rooted in equity and student success, building partnerships with organizations such as 10,000 Degrees, Canal Alliance, and the Marin Community Foundation. Dr. Eldridge holds degrees from Central Washington University, Colorado State University, and the University of Southern California. His leadership experience spans flagship, private, and regional institutions, and he currently serves on the North Bay Leadership Council and San Rafael Chamber boards.
KIAN MALEK
DIR OF DEVELOPMENT,
CITY VENTURES
Kian Malek is a Director of Development at City Ventures, overseeing entitlements, permitting, and construction for infill communities across the San Francisco Bay Area. He has led projects in more than 10 cities across 4 counties, with expertise in navigating complex land use changes in partnership with city, state, and federal agencies. Kian earned his B.A. from UC San Diego, and holds a Master in Real Estate Development + Design from UC Berkeley.
KAREN STROLIA
PRESIDENT & CEO,
SAN RAFAEL CHAMBER
Karen Strolia, President and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, brings over a decade of leadership in social impact, business, and community engagement. A proud San Rafael resident since 2005, she led North Bay programs focused on homelessness and workforce development, including Marin’s first mobile shower program. Her past roles include Regional Senior Director at Downtown Streets Team and COO of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin. She holds an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Karen is committed to uplifting local businesses, fostering inclusive collaboration, and driving economic vitality, infusing her work with heart, strategy, and a deep love for Marin County.
JOANNE WEBSTER
CEO,
NORTH BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Joanne became President and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council in November 2023. Previously, she led the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce for nearly 10 years and the San Rafael Business Improvement District for a decade. She also owned two Double Rainbow Café franchises for nearly 30 years. Joanne serves on several boards, including CA Forward–California Stewardship Network, CVNL, Housing Crisis Action Marin, Healthy Marin Partnerships, and Keep Marin Working. A Boston College graduate, she moved to California in 1985 and eventually lost the accent. Joanne has earned several honors, including Marin’s Small Business of the Year and North Bay’s Best Business Community Leader. She lives in Marin and enjoys mountain biking and hiking the watershed trails.
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REIDE BAXTER
VICE PRESIDENT,
BON AIR MANAGEMENT
Reide Baxter is Vice President of Greenbrae Management Inc. (GMI), overseeing a portfolio of shopping centers, residential, medical, and industrial properties, and leading the company’s digital transformation. His career spans private sector, defense, and public policy, including leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Department of State. He serves on the North Bay Leadership Council Board, is a two-term Parks and Recreation Commissioner, and supports housing and community initiatives across Marin. Reide holds graduate degrees in Strategic Studies, Asian Studies, and an MBA from the University of Virginia.
JIM WELTE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
MILL VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Once my NBA dreams were dashed at a young age (vertically, ahem, challenged), I pivoted into becoming an entrepreneurial writer, editor, content marketer and communications specialist who has generated engaging content for an array of publications and clients for nearly 25 years in the Bay Area. From the surgical to the whimsical, I tell good stories.
STEPHANIE MOULTON-PETERS
COUNTY SUPERVISOR
District 3
Supervisor Moulton-Peters represents southern Marin communities including Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Marin City. She brings decades of public service experience, having served three terms on the Mill Valley City Council and held leadership roles on regional transportation, housing, and environmental boards. She is Chair of the Marin County-City Sea Level Rise Collaborative and serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, BCDC, and the Marin Housing Authority, among others. She lives in Mill Valley with her husband and holds degrees from Stanford University and the Harvard Kennedy School.
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ANDREA HENDERSON
VICE PRESIDENT OF PHILANTHROPIC PLANNING,
MARIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Born in Thailand, raised in Hong Kong, and university-educated in the United States, Andrea brings a truly global perspective to her work. She is a dynamic and collaborative leader with proven success partnering with executive teams and sales organizations to drive results across diverse business frameworks.
Andrea’s background spans client management, marketing, community relations, data analytics, and strategic planning. Known for her ability to quickly understand complex business and customer needs, she delivers thoughtful, actionable solutions in fast-changing environments. A quick learner and natural connector, she thrives in multicultural settings and excels at turning insight into impact.
BRITTANY CERES
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER,
EAMES INSTITUTE OF INFINITE CURIOSITY
Brittany Brown Ceres, MFA (SPHR/SHRM-SCP) is the chief operating officer at the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity in San Antonio Valley, Sonoma County. She focuses on supporting company cultures of excellence, effectiveness, and fulfillment through relevant and holistic iterations in leadership and operations. Previously, as the chief people officer at Skywalker Holdings, LLC, she partnered with leaders to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups. With an MFA from SUNY, Purchase, and an M.A. from Stanford, she has worked in private, public, start-up, educational, non-profit, wilderness and municipality environments, catalyzing the human-dynamics that connects them all. Her impact spans businesses for tech entrepreneurs, artists, renowned experts, and high net-worth philanthropists, at the intersection of vision, equity, expansion, and wellness.
CARLA HANSEN
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER,
CITY OF NOVATO
Carla Hansen returns to Novato after nearly a decade with the City of Walnut Creek, where she most recently served as Deputy City Manager. In that role, she advanced economic development, environmental sustainability, parks and infrastructure improvements, and public safety and wellness initiatives. She was instrumental in passing a half-cent sales tax measure to enhance critical services, while also strengthening communications, expanding professional development for staff, improving customer service, and creating community preparedness and engagement programs.
Carla previously worked as a Management Analyst for Novato, coordinating the City’s budget, labor negotiations, recruitment, and policy development, while building strong partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Novato Business Association.
JOSH TOWNSEND
OWNER,
STRATEGIC 32
Joshua Townsend brings nearly two decades of public and private experience in leading specialized teams to engage communities to find success. His diverse expertise includes strategic outreach, marketing, governmental affairs, and crisis communication. He has trained and mentored staffs that are innovative in driving messages as well as its problem-solving ability. He has cultivated relationships through partnerships with non-profit organizations, government and corporate clients while serving on a number of business organizations Board of Directors, including Marin Builders.
JOHN WYNNE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE,
SKYWALKER PROPERTIES
John Wynne is the Executive Director of Real Estate at Skywalker Properties. He is responsible for overseeing leasing, operations, design, and construction at One Letterman, Skywalker Ranch and Summit properties. Prior to his current role, Wynne worked as an Architect at Lucasfilm, where he utilized his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati to contribute to the development of various projects in the Bay Area and internationally.
PAOLO PETRONE
CEO & FOUNDER,
PIAZZA HOSPITALITY GROUP
Paolo Petrone is the CEO and co-founder of Piazza Hospitality, where he blends a passion for food, design, and community into award-winning guest experiences. Growing up in his family’s restaurants and nightclubs in New York, he developed an early love of hospitality that continues to shape his work. In 2001, Paolo partnered with Circe and Merritt Sher to create Hotel Healdsburg, its spa, and Pizzando restaurant, transforming the downtown into a celebrated destination. He later helped launch h2hotel and Spoonbar, as well as Hoel SLO. Today, Paolo leads Piazza’s growth with a focus on eco-conscious boutique properties that act as cultural concierges, connecting guests to local art, food, wine, and outdoor life while strengthening the community fabric.
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MIKE GHILOTTI
PRESIDENT AND CEO,
GHILOTTI BROS. CONSTRUCTION
Mike Ghilotti has been president of Ghilotti Bros., the North Bay's fifth-largest commercial contractor, since 2000. Part of the third generation to run the 90-year-old general engineering contractor, Mr. Ghilotti started with the family business while a college student, lubricating machinery full-time during the summers. Upon graduating from St. Mary's College in 1984 with a degree in construction management, he began managing company operations as a project manager. After two years, he took the helm of the company's North Bay region. Meanwhile, studying at night and on weekends, he earned his MBA from Golden Gate University in 1987.
Mike was president of the Association of Engineering Contract Employers in 2000 and is co-chair of the California Save the Missions Foundation.
DAVE DONERY
CITY MANAGER,
TOWN OF SAN ANSELMO
David Patrick Donery was named Town Manager in December of 2016. In 2009, he became the Director of Community Services. David was promoted to Assistant Town Manager in January of 2013. Prior to joining the Town of San Anselmo, he served as Community Services Supervisor for the City of San Rafael where he managed the Pickleweed Park Community Center & Library (now the Albert J. Boro Community Center at Pickleweed Park). David was a central figure in the revitalization of the community center, which was renovated and expanded over a seven year period, reopening in 2006. David worked for San Rafael for just over 20 years, working in the Adult Sports division and managing the Youth Services division before taking on his role at Pickleweed. He holds bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from San Francisco State University.
HEIDI SCOBLE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR,
TOWN OF SAN ANSELMO
Heidi Scoble serves as the Community Development Director for the Town of San Anselmo, bringing over 25 years of experience in policy, planning, and community engagement across local government and the private sector. Her career has taken her from Planning Intern to Planning and Building Director, working with Marin County communities including Sausalito, Ross, San Anselmo, and the Marin County Community Development Agency, as well as the Town of Truckee during a time of vibrant economic growth. A certified planner since 2006, Heidi holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Education, dedicated to creating resilient, well-designed, well-functioning, and inclusive communities.
URBAN CARMEL,
COUNCILMEMBER,
TOWN OF MILL VALLEY
Urban Carmel was first elected to the Mill Valley City Council in 2020, re-elected in 2024, and served as Mayor in 2023-24. As a Councilmember, he has led major initiatives including the Housing Element update, affordable housing at Hamilton Drive, the Climate Action Plan, and infrastructure improvements through Measure L. He has also advanced business vitality as a longtime Chamber of Commerce board member, served on the Finance Committee—refinancing City debt to free $4 million for the East Blithedale project—and on the Police Oversight Committee. He represents Mill Valley on the Transportation Authority of Marin board.
As Mayor, Urban established the Traffic and Mobility Advisory Committee, launched quarterly Community Chats to improve transparency, and created the Volunteer All-Star program. Previously, he chaired the Planning Commission, revived the Mill Valley Library Foundation, and was deeply active in schools and youth sports. Professionally, Urban worked at McKinsey & Company and UBS before launching his own advisory firm.
TODD CUSIMANO
CITY MANAGER,
CITY OF MILL VALLEY
Todd Cusimano is the Mill Valley Town Manager, bringing 26 years of government experience. In his role, he plans, directs, and manages the activities and operations of the Town, recommends policy to the Town Council, and ensures Council directives are carried out. Under his leadership, Mill Valley has strengthened relationships with neighboring communities and improved the efficiency of shared services. Before becoming Town Manager, Cusimano had a distinguished career in law enforcement. He joined the Twin Cities Police Authority in 1995, where he worked alongside his father, Gary Cusimano. Over the years, he served as a patrol officer, detective, investigations supervisor, and in several other roles before being named police chief in 2010. As chief, he led the complex merger with the San Anselmo Police Department, consolidating dispatch services and patrol operations. That effort culminated in the creation of the Central Marin Police Authority in 2013.
CRISTINE ALILOVICH
CITY MANAGER,
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
Cristine Alilovich has more than 25 years of experience in municipal government and became San Rafael’s City Manager on June 1, 2023, after serving eight years as Assistant City Manager. Her career in public service began in mental health, where her passion for community impact grew into a commitment to large-scale positive change. Before joining San Rafael, she was Assistant Director of Finance for Marin County and held leadership roles in Sonoma County in human resources, risk management, and budget. As Assistant City Manager, Cristine oversaw Finance, Human Resources, Digital Service & Open Government, Parking Services, Emergency Services, Sustainability, community engagement, and the City’s DEIB initiatives. She led major efforts including construction of the Public Safety Center and Fire Stations 52 and 57, COVID-19 emergency response, the DEIB program, and San Rafael’s first public art program. Cristine holds an MPA from USC and a bachelor’s from Rutgers. She lives in Novato with her partner and three children.
MICAH HINKLE
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
Micah brings over twenty-three years of municipal government experience to this expanded role, including a decade in senior management across city planning, code enforcement, public works, economic development, and workforce development. He began his career as a City Planner with San Rafael’s Community Development Department from 1999 to 2006, later serving in development and administrative roles in Napa, Cotati, Hayward, and Oakland. Before returning to San Rafael in 2022, Micah was Deputy Director of Economic and Workforce Development for the City of Oakland. There, he co-led the industrial lands policy, re-launched the city’s business development program with a focus on equitable growth and data-driven strategies, and guided major initiatives including the Downtown Specific Plan, General Plan update, Equitable Climate Action Plan, and progressive business tax ballot measure. Micah holds dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and city planning from Sonoma State University and is active in several professional organizations, including CALED, INAPA, ULI, and APA.
STEPHANIE MOULTON-PETERS
COUNTY SUPERVISOR
District 3
Supervisor Moulton-Peters represents southern Marin communities including Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Marin City. She brings decades of public service experience, having served three terms on the Mill Valley City Council and held leadership roles on regional transportation, housing, and environmental boards. She is Chair of the Marin County-City Sea Level Rise Collaborative and serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, BCDC, and the Marin Housing Authority, among others. She lives in Mill Valley with her husband and holds degrees from Stanford University and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Staff
SARAH JONES
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
COUNTY OF MARIN
Sarah Jones is the director of the Marin County Community Development Agency, guiding a portfolio that spans land use planning, building and safety, environmental health, sustainability, and housing. She previously served as planning director at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and, before that, as Director of Environmental Planning/Environmental Review Officer at the San Francisco Planning Department. Sarah’s work centers on practical, community-focused solutions to land development, housing, infrastructure, mobility, and environmental stewardship. She earned a Master of City Planning from UC Berkeley and a BA in Urban Studies from Stanford University.
TALIA SMITH
INTERIM DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE,
COUNTY OF MARIN
Talia Smith is the Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs and currently Interim Deputy County Executive for the County of Marin, where she leads state and federal advocacy, and oversees West Marin and Marin City Municipal Serivces, Economic Vitality, and Climate programs. With over a decade in local and state government, she has secured millions in funding for community priorities, managed complex policy initiatives, and built strong intergovernmental partnerships. Talia holds a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School and a B.A. in Economics from UC Santa Cruz. She is passionate about civic education and mentoring the next generation of public servants.
NICOLAS NGUYEN
PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,
COUNTY OF MARIN
Mr. Nguyen has over 30 years of public and private sector experience in the public works and transportation arenas with a hands-on approach to long-range planning, project delivery, customer service, staff development, and public outreach here in Marin and elsewhere. He has led a variety of functions, including planning, CIP development, budgeting, engineering, construction management, and maintenance and operation. He has helped lead the completion of the $750 million US-101 Marin Sonoma Narrow freeway corridor project through Marin and Sonoma counties, as well as championing early Electric Vehicle adoption in Marin which earned him the 2021 Sustainability Hero award from the non-profit, Sustainable San Rafael. His sense of civic responsibility also extends into community work where he currently volunteers in a variety of non-profit organizations in Marin, including Rotary and Trips for Kids Marin. He is a licensed civil engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and Master of Business Administration from University of San Francisco and has lived and worked in Marin since 2006.
SUSANNAH MRAZEK
AIDE TO
SUPERVISOR COLBERT,
COUNTY OF MARIN
Susannah is a public servant with more than 20 years of experience in government, policy, and community engagement. She currently serves as Board Aide to Supervisor Brian Colbert, managing press, strategy, community relations, constituent services, and major district projects. Previously, Susannah worked in the White House as a Senior Analyst for President Barack Obama, where she helped establish the Office of Presidential Correspondence, drafted letters and proclamations, and managed the President’s “Ten Letters a Day” program. She also served as a Legislative Aide in New York, where she advanced policy initiatives on climate, energy, and community development while strengthening partnerships across state, county, and regional governments. A proud graduate of Cornell University, Susannah continues to volunteer with prospective students, sharing her experiences of campus life and the value of civic engagement.
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SOPHIE HELPARD
LEGISLATIVE ASSOCIATE,
COUNTY OF MARIN
Sophie serves as the Legislative Affairs Associate in the Office of the County Executive. She is a government affairs and public policy professional with eight years of experience serving public and nonprofit organizations. Sophie holds a Master of Public Affairs from the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, where she specialized in Technology and Public Policy, and has served as a Board Fellow for the Greenbelt Alliance.