Meet the team of park lovers and advocates who work to ensure that all parks and public spaces in San Francisco are vibrant, welcoming, and accessible to all, from Little Hollywood to Lands End.
Looking to get in touch with our staff? Visit our contact page here for details.
Executive Team
Drew Becher
Chief Executive Officer
415-801-4154
Drew Becher
Chief Executive Officer
Drew Becher has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Parks Alliance since 2017. In 2018 alone, Drew led the organization as it completed 20+ park projects, engaged 100,000+ residents in park programming, and helped raise $20M+ for capital projects. Drew has executed transformational projects in support of parks and green spaces across the country, and comes to SF Parks Alliance with over 20 years of experience in national and regional park planning and advocacy. Previously, Drew was President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), Executive Director of the New York Restoration Project, and Chief of Staff at the Chicago Park District. While at PHS and the New York Restoration Project, Drew spearheaded the most innovative and successful tree planting program in the country, the Plant One Million campaign and Million Trees NYC. At PHS, he also created the pop-up garden phenomenon that has been copied in many U.S. cities. In Chicago, Drew forged an acclaimed environmental and beautification agenda, which included the creation of Millennium Park. In his free time, Drew tends to his home garden, and spends time with his three dogs and husband. Favorite Park: Hilltop Park
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Sonia Gonzalez Banks
Chief Operating Officer, Development, Marketing & Programming
415-830-5568
Sonia Gonzalez Banks
Chief Operating Officer, Development, Marketing & Programming
Sonia Gonzalez Banks manages the Marketing, Development and Parks & Place department, leading the teams at SF Parks Alliance responsible for all of the organization’s fundraising, special events, marketing, and programming. Prior to this role, Sonia founded Golden Banks Consulting, where she supported many nonprofits in interim directorship roles and as the Producer of the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society’s 75th anniversary Community Day. Previously, Sonia served as the Individual Giving and Special Events Director at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where she created and launched a season of new programming for the 50th anniversary that continues on today. Sonia also brought success to the development and marketing departments of Jazz at Lincoln Center and American Federation of the Arts in New York City; and the Austin Museum of Art and the Austin Children’s Museum in Austin, Texas. When not at work, you can find Sonia building her indoor and outdoor gardens, thrift store shopping and spending time with her young children in San Francisco’s many parks and playgrounds. Favorite Park: McLaren Park
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Justin Probert
Chief Operating Officer, Finance & Administration
415-906-6238
Justin Probert
Chief Operating Officer, Finance & Administration
Justin Probert leads the financial and administrative operations at SF Parks Alliance. Justin has over twenty five years of nonprofit experience, as well as an enthusiastic passion for the mission of the organization. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Justin is committed to social justice, equity and public spaces. Favorite Park: Dorothy Erskine Park
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Kearstin Krehbiel
Chief Strategy Officer
415-801-4164
Kearstin Krehbiel
Chief Strategy Officer
Kearstin lives with her family in San Francisco’s Mission District and brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, civic work, and community engagement to SF Parks Alliance. She has served as Senior Director of Community Engagement at United Way Bay Area, an organizer for the 2016 Clinton Campaign, and Executive Director of SF Beautiful. For Kearstin, this is a homecoming of sorts as she previously served as the Director of Communications and Programming for SF Parks Trust almost 10 years ago, launching the Partner Program, Street Parks, and other signature programs. She is also the author of the report calling for the Citywide Public Space Initiative and has worked actively to realize that vision. Her favorite park depends on her mood, but she’s almost always in the mood for Dolores Park. Favorite Park: Dolores Park
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Staff
Alyssa Andrews
Accounting Specialist
415-513-5944
Alyssa Andrews
Accounting Specialist
Alyssa is eager to make positive contributions to her new community. Originally from San Diego, Alyssa began her career as a Member Service Representative with the Cameron Family YMCA. Her most recent position was serving as an Account Clerk for the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Golf Division. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys baking, reading, watching movies, and discovering new restaurants. She loves being outdoors and spending time with her husband and their miniature schnauzer, Luffy. As a new resident of the Bay Area, Alyssa is also looking forward to exploring her new home and visiting all of the beautiful parks that San Francisco has to offer! |
Thaïs Arjo
Manager, Senior Grants & Revenue
415-513-5907
Thaïs Arjo
Manager, Senior Grants & Revenue Manager
Thaïs provides financial and administrative support for a wide variety of government grants. Prior to joining the organization, she managed the finances and operations of a public opinion research firm. Thaïs grew up in the Bay Area and is thankful everyday for all of the outdoor spaces to enjoy here. Outside of work, she enjoys eating pizza, listening to podcasts, and walking all over the East Bay and San Francisco. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park!
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Chris Bannister
Associate Director, Development
415-874-1095
Chris Bannister
Associate Director, Development
In his role, Chris supports the Deputy Director and the External Affairs team with the acquisition and retention of donors. He also manages fundraising efforts, and oversees membership growth. Originally from a small suburb outside of Los Angeles, Chris has been living in the Bay Area for over a decade. Previously, Chris has worked as the Membership Manager at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition – one of the oldest and largest bicycling advocacy groups in the country – and was responsible for overseeing all membership-related aspects of the organization. As someone who utilizes the park almost every day, Chris admires the variety of outdoor spaces San Francisco has to offer and is looking forward to building this admiration amongst donors and members. Chris holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Human Sexuality Studies. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, watching movies, going to shows, and spending time with his dog, Mazzy. Favorite Park: the Chain of Lakes Meadow in Golden Gate Park
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Adrienne Bernardez
Project Coordinator, Parks & Place
415-906-6234
Adrienne Bernardez
Project Coordinator
Adrienne supports the Activation Team in the planning of events all across San Francisco. Previously, Adrienne worked at Marin County Parks as an Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, where she led volunteers through multidimensional habitat restoration projects throughout the Parks & Open Spaces of Marin. As someone who spends much of her time outdoors, Adrienne believes that parks should be safe and accessible for everyone – and she is eager and excited to serve the communities in San Francisco in this role. Outside of work, Adrienne enjoys biking around the city, reading in the park, and spending time with her dog. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park
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Deanne Bray
Director, Finance
415-830-5540
Aimée Callander
Manager, Policy & Advocacy
415-513-5056
Aimée Callander
Manager, Policy & Advocacy
Aimee joined SF Parks Alliance as an intern in 2021 before transitioning to a full time role. Originally from the UK, Aimee worked as a teacher in London prior to beginning her Masters in Social & Public Policy at the University of York. Since moving to the Bay Area, she has worked with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and become increasingly passionate about working to foster a more livable, equitable city for all San Franciscans. Outside of work, Aimee plays netball with the SF Stars, cruises around town on her bike, and is always on the search for the perfect sourdough pizza. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park (car-free JFK to Ocean Beach, specifically!)
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Camilla Cavallini
Staff Accountant
415-426-7153
Camilla Cavallini
Staff Accountant
Camilla joined the Finance & Administration team at SF Parks Alliance in 2021. Prior to joining SF Parks Alliance, Camilla managed accounting and HR for an online travel company specializing in multi-stop international travel. Camilla was born and raised in Sweden, and moved to the United States in 2002. Currently, she lives in the East Bay with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, Camilla enjoys traveling and watching the San Francisco Giants play at Oracle Park! Favorite Park: Ocean Beach
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Emily Chacon
Associate, Development
415-621-3260
Emily Chacon
Associate, Development
Emily joined the SF Parks Alliance in January 2023. She works with the External Affairs team by providing skilled administrative support related to development activities. Originally from Ventura, California, Emily moved to San Francisco to attend San Francisco State University where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Education. Before making her way to the SF Parks Alliance, Emily had internships with the Presidio Trust and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Through those positions, she saw the profound role parks and open spaces play in the lives of our urban Bay Area communities. In her free time, Emily enjoys practicing guitar, playing in a community soccer league, and being outside with her big, goofy dog, Frankie. Favorite Park: Stern Grove
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Steve Fredericks
Director, Development
415-830-5567
Steve Fredericks
Director, Development
Steve leads corporate sponsorship and engagement for events and initiatives, co-leads major donor cultivations, coordinates the fundraising efforts for the LetsPlaySF! initiative, and supports the Director of External Affairs in setting and executing overall development strategy for the organization.Prior to working at SF Parks Alliance, Steve served as the Director of Development for Bay Area Wilderness Training, where he led the fundraising strategy to double the organization’s budget and staff in his six-year tenure. This work included securing the funding to launch a major initiative with Oakland Unified School District to bring every middle school student on an outdoor trip as part of their school curriculum. Steve continues to be an advocate for outdoor access for all people, and greatly enjoys backpacking, snowboarding, running and cooking. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park
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Oscar Garcia
Senior Associate, Development
415-801-4160
Oscar Garcia
Senior Associate, Development
Oscar joined SF Parks Alliance in July of 2016. A native of San Francisco, he is always willing to field the “what is Hella?” question for those who grew up outside of the Bay Area. Oscar worked in a wide variety of industries and organizations before coming to the Parks Alliance. His previous employers include the Embassy of Jordan, Kiva Microfunds, Fenton Communications, as well as companies in the tech sector such as Zillow Group, Zenefits, and Cardpool. Oscar received his graduate degree in International Affairs at American University’s School of International Service, completed his undergraduate degree at San Francisco State University, and takes Data Science courses for fun. In his spare time, he can be found playing flag football, brewing and bottling beers, and taking way too many photos of his food. Favorite Park: Dolores Park
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Mark Hennon
Senior Project Manager, Parks & Place
415-906-6231
Mark Hennon
Senior Project Manager, Parks & Place
Mark Hennon is thrilled to be a part of the Parks & Place activation team working on Citywide events, including: repurposed streets, Sundown Cinema movies in the parks, Due South concert series and various other creative placemaking efforts to enhance the public realm. Mark has over 18 years of public space management experience in Los Angeles and Seattle, and he continues to work closely with business improvement districts, city agencies, non-profits, camps, and various green space management organizations to round out SF Parks Alliance’s portfolio of public space enhancement. As a fearless planner with a passion for positive public space, Mark’s interests lie in thoughtful outreach work, innovative partnerships and inspired event programming. In his free time, Mark enjoys reading (and watching) too much science fiction, exploring new parks, riding his bicycle and attending festivals. Favorite Park: Kite Hill
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Leigh Hiura
Senior Manager, Administration
415-513-5098
Leigh Hiura
Senior Manager, Administration
Leigh joined SF Parks Alliance in March of 2020. She oversees all of External Affairs’ databases and assists the team in streamlining their procedures. She most recently worked at the San Francisco Botanical Garden as the Development Operations and Database Manager, where she migrated over 7 different databases and data sources to a single Salesforce-based platform. In her spare time, Leigh enjoys baking, yoga, and hiking. She is passionate about nature and making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park (Stow Lake)
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Madeline Johns
Senior Associate, Marketing
415-830-4614
Madeline Johns
Senior Associate, Marketing
Madeline joined SF Parks Alliance as their External Affairs Associate in the spring of 2021. Madeline graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Business Management and Marketing in 2020. Throughout her studies and time spent interning in retail, she decided to use her degree to pursue mission-based work. As a native San Franciscan, she is proud to be of service to the communities that she grew up in. Madeline is a certified yoga instructor and former D1 volleyball player, and enjoys doing anything active in her spare time. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park (Botanical Gardens)
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Hollie Jones
Manager, Human Resources
415-801-4151
Hollie Jones
Manager, Human Resources
Hollie serves as the first full-time Human Resources Manager at SF Parks Alliance, overseeing the management and coordination of all HR functions in conjunction with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Hollie comes to SF Parks Alliance with over 16 years of experience working in the non-profit realm. She has a passion for working on behalf of causes that make a positive impact on companies and communities. Hollie was born and raised in Hawaii and moved to the Bay Area in 2011. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, exploring new parks, watching movies, attending comedy shows, and trying new eateries. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park
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Sarah Katz-Hyman
Manager, Community Partner Network
415-801-4149
Sarah Katz-Hyman
Manager, Community Partner Network
Sarah is responsible for supporting and building connections between community groups across the city, and planning the annual Public Space Summit. Prior to joining SF Parks Alliance, Sarah worked as the Visitor Engagement Specialist at the Presidio in San Francisco, undertaking logituditional visitor research, data management, systems creation, and event support. She has a background in public space research, community-centered education, outreach, and events and project management. Sarah graduated from the University of Maryland with a dual-degree in Environmental Science and Broadcast Journalism. She moved to San Francisco in 2016 and loves to explore new neighborhoods, support local businesses, go to live music and theatre performances, and hike to the tallest hill and take in the views. You’ll often find her performing improv, petting dogs, or talking about Sister Act I & II (the greatest films ever set in San Francisco!). Favorite Park: Buena Vista Park
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Gina Kotos
Area Manager, North
415-513-5363
Gina Kotos
Area Manager, North
Gina joined SF Parks Alliance in August 2022. She works with the Stewardship Team to support and build connections between community groups in the northern half of San Francisco. Originally from Los Angeles, Gina moved to the Bay Area to study Environmental Biology and Public Health at UC Berkeley. She has dedicated her career to equity in sustainability and has experience working with environmental non-profit organizations, climate tech, and local and state government. Prior to joining SF Parks Alliance, she consulted cities across California on General and Specific Plans, Climate Action Plans, and Environmental Impact Reports as a Planner at Dyett & Bhatia. Gina is passionate about the power of parks and public space to promote optimism, fight climate change, and cultivate a sense of place and community. When she’s not exploring San Francisco’s parks and cultural activities, Gina enjoys running, practicing yoga, and doing ceramics and other creative hobbies. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park
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Paula Martin
Program Manager, Benches
415-801-4161
Paula Martin
Benches Program Manager
Paula manages the Commemorative Bench program at SF Parks Alliance. She comes to the organization with over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector. Although Paula’s first love is donor database administration, she also has years of experience writing direct mail appeals, producing special events, and cultivating donor relationships. As a San Francisco native, working on the San Francisco Parks Alliance Commemorative Bench Program gives Paula the unique opportunity to be out and around in Golden Gate Park, as well as other amazing areas of the City. Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park (Lily Pond)
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Ricky Matthews
Administrative Coordinator
415-424-4295
Ricky Matthews
Administrative Coordinator
Ricky joined SF Parks Alliance in November 2022.
Ricky was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, attending high school in the city and graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2019. Since then, Ricky has worked in various schools and nonprofits, most recently at Downtown Streets Team where he managed a workforce development program for people experiencing homelessness and people who had previously been incarcerated. Ricky is passionate about making San Francisco a more equitable place for everyone, and that includes access to beautiful parks and open spaces. In his free time Ricky likes playing and watching sports, camping, and spending time in all the incredible parks in San Francisco.
Favorite Park: Golden Gate Heights Park |
Isa Medina-Kim
Associate, Marketing
415-426-7145
Isa Medina-Kim
Associate, Marketing
As a born-and-raised San Franciscan Isa has always been dedicated to serving her city. After joining the SFPA as an intern in the fall of 2021, her passion for SF’s public spaces has blossomed and become her full-time job. Isa is proud to support the External Affairs team by designing and curating content for social media, maintaining the SFPA website, and facilitating brand growth. With a B.A. in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, her humanities background informs her approach as she works to create a more equitable San Francisco for all. Isa enjoys photography, sewing, and finding the best oat milk mocha in the Bay Area! Favorite Park: Golden Gate Park (Stow Lake)
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Yuliza Parra
Area Manager, Southeast
415-830-5541
Yuliza Parra
Southeast Area Manager
In her work at the SF Parks Alliance, Yuliza supports the Stewardship Team and many members of the Community Partner Network. Originally from Los Angeles, parks have always been spaces that Yuliza cherished and found comfort in. Growing up, her family spent much of their time in parks and public spaces, learning how to appreciate and celebrate life in these places. Yuliza attended the University of California, Merced, and received her Bachelors in Political Science and Community Research Services. Before joining SF Parks Alliance, she worked at an Immigration Law Firm in San Francisco where she found her love for community advocacy. Across all of her work, she enjoys building relationships, helping community members reach their goals, and utilizing the power of storytelling to create connections. In her free time, Yuliza enjoys hiking with her dog, Chiquita, and tending to her garden and houseplants. Favorite Park: Muir Woods
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Jake Ramirez
Associate Director, Marketing
415-830-5569
Jake Ramirez
Associate Director, Marketing
Jake joined the SF Parks Alliance in August 2022. He leads on a variety of marketing and media initiatives and supports the greater external affairs team. Prior to joining the SF Parks Alliance, Jake worked in the agency world, providing public relations and communications support to clients in industries including agriculture, music, tech, and CPG. Previously, he worked in marketing and communications with mission-driven nonprofits. He is an off-and-on music journalist. Outside of work, Jake enjoys running in the Panhandle, counting banana slugs on hikes, and catching old David Lynch films at the Roxie. Favorite Park: Pan Handle
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Maya Rodgers
Senior Project Manager, Parks & Place
415-906-6275
Maya Rodgers
Senior Project Manager, Parks & Place
Maya Rodgers comes to SF Parks Alliance with over 10 years of extensive park advocacy, activism, and community engagement experience. Maya is a fierce community advocate who founded Parks 94124 in 2010, a local parks advocacy group, as well as the Bayview Parks Collaborative. Throughout all of her work, she believes that collaboration is the key to developing and maintaining sustainable and dynamic parks and public spaces. Maya holds a Masters in Social Work from San Francisco State University, and is a proud San Francisco native and current resident. |
Laura Rothman
Project Coordinator, Parks & Place
415-906-6235
Laura Rothman
Project Coordinator, Parks & Place
As a member of the Capital team within the larger Parks & Place department, Laura helps to plan and execute a variety of capital campaigns and programming across San Francisco.
Working in tandem with other internal teams, as well as with partners and groups across the city, Laura finds joy in bring people together in parks and public spaces. Firmly believing that these places belong to everyone, she works to ensure that all communities feel welcome in the many incredible green spaces that San Francisco has to offer.
Originally from San Francisco, Laura moved to the Midwest to study English and Philosophy at Kenyon College in Ohio. She has since worked in publishing, as a pastry cook, and as a community manager at a shared art space. When not working, you can find Laura out walking and in constant amazement of the hawks, coyotes and wildlife in her local parks.
Favorite Park: Corona Heights Park
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Jess Smith
Associate, Research & Development
415-874-1218
Jess Smith
Associate, Research & Development
Jess joined SF Parks Alliance in 2022. Working her way through the parks system, she’s been lucky to explore her interests in community and public spaces interaction.
Jess came to San Francisco in 2021 from Tennessee and fell in love with the diversity and community found in the Bay. She looks forward to utilizing her BS in Geography and her minor in Urban Planning to serve the city of San Francisco through innovation, connection, and activism. Away from work Jess can be found skating, sewing, exploring libraries, and hunting for the best Iced Chai / warm pastry combo in the city.
Favorite Park: Dolores Park
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Savannah Schoelen
Area Manager, Southwest
415-801-4163
Savannah Schoelen
Area Manager, South-West
Savannah joined SF Parks Alliance in August 2022.
Originally from Lake Elsinore in Southern California, Savannah made the move up north in 2014 where she attended UC Berkeley to study Sociology and City Planning – and hasn’t left the Bay Area since. Prior to SF Parks Alliance, Savannah spent four years at Downtown Streets Team supporting the unhoused and at-risk community in San Francisco. Savannah strongly believes in the importance of parks and public spaces, and that everyone has the right to enjoy them. She is excited to support initiatives that are grounded in community, and make San Francisco the beautiful city it is.
Outside of work, Savannah can be found exploring San Francisco parks with her dog, sewing with up-cycled materials, or watching the sunrise/sunset from the dunes at Ocean Beach. Favorite SF park: Ocean Beach!
Favorite Park: Dolores Park |
Luke Spray
Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships
415-801-4156
Luke Spray
Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships
Luke joined SF Parks Alliance in 2018. He is a 12-year resident of San Francisco, and he received his degree in Urban Planning from San Francisco State University. Prior to joining the Parks Alliance, Luke worked in the Portola neighborhood, where he supported the Garden District’s small businesses and community groups with projects ranging from the creation of new gardens to the renovation of the historic Avenue Theater marquee. Luke is excited about creating environments where people can thrive by harnessing the power of passionate neighbors to improve their communities. When he’s not thinking about the future of San Francisco’s public spaces, he can be found riding his bike, baking sourdough bread and hosting a morning radio show about falling in love with San Francisco. Favorite Park: Tank Hill
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Anna Stewart
Community Partner Network Coordinator, Parks & Place
415-906-6232
Anna Stewart
Project Coordinator, Parks & Place
Anna joined the SF Parks Alliance in May 2022. She previously brought environmental education experiences into Bay Area classrooms as the ZooMobile Instructor for the SF Zoo & Gardens. She grew up close to nature in the mountains of Sonoma and enjoys any chance she can to get out in nature and sit in parks. As part of the Activation Team, Anna helps bring a variety of programs to public spaces across the city keeping equity and accessibility in mind. In her free time she enjoys long drives with friends, dancing like a goofball, eating cheese, petting other peoples’ dogs, listening to folk rock, learning from people, drinking too much coffee, and trying to grow plants. Lately she has taken up film photography and is inexperienced but enthusiastic nonetheless! Favorite Park: Grandview
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Cassie Tarbox
Associate, Programs & External Affairs
415-513-5526
Cassie Tarbox
Programs and External Affairs Associate
Cassie joined SF Parks Alliance in December 2022. She supports the Programs and External Affairs departments by streamlining processes and managing operational activities for the executive team. Prior to working at SF Parks Alliance, Cassie was an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a private equity company in Dallas, TX. She was born and raised in Northern California and is excited to help improve the parks and green spaces that she loved so much as a kid! Outside of work Cassie can usually be found hiking and exploring parks with her husband, playing pickleball, or finding a new restaurant to try. Favorite Park: Alta Plaza
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Shameka Williams-Hurt
Assistant, Human Resources
415-801-4158
Shameka Williams Hurt
Assistant, Human Resources
As the Human Resources Assistant, Shameka assists with day-to-day HR functions at the SF Parks Alliance. Shameka comes to Sf Park Alliance with over 10 years of experience working in HR. Shameka enjoys beautiful parks with lots of trees and beautiful flowers. Shameka was born and raised in San Francisco in the Bernal Heights area. She enjoys spending time with her family traveling and exploring different places with her husband and children. Favorite Park: Dolores Park
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Philip Winn
Director, Parks & Place
415-801-4150
Philip Winn
Director, Parks & Place
Philip Winn joined SF Parks Alliance in April of 2020. Philip previously served as Vice President at Project for Public Spaces (PPS) where he developed, designed, managed, and implemented a broad variety of projects and programs. While at PPS, he helped lead the Southwest Airlines Heart of the Community Program, an initiative that provided direct grants and technical assistance to public space activation projects in over 20 cities in the United States and Mexico. Philip brings a special expertise in facilitating community-led public space activation projects, as well as his skills as a facilitator, project manager, and advisor to projects around the world, from Providence and Detroit to Kuala Lumpur and Mexico City. As a public speaker and session leader, Philip has facilitated workshops and presented at conferences for Walk/Bike/Places, Placemaking Week, the Placemaking Leadership Council, Net Impact, New Partners for Smart Growth, Future Cities Collaborative, and multiple municipal governments and community groups. Prior to joining PPS, Philip worked as a project manager at OpenPlans where he coordinated a series of transportation advocacy projects in collaboration with founder Mark Gorton and the staff of Streetsblog and Streetfilms. Philip has also worked as an Art Director and Art Department Coordinator in the New York film production community. |