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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-24 | Special Meeting (Interviews) CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING—COMMISSION INTERVIEWS Call and Notice of Special Meeting: INTERVIEWS FOR THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 3:00 PM Council Chambers 1315 Valley Drive Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 CITY COUNCIL Rob Saemann, Mayor Mike Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Jackson, Councilmember Michael D. Keegan, Councilmember Dean Francois, Councilmember David Pedersen, City Treasurer APPOINTED OFFICIALS Steve Napolitano, Interim City Manager Todd Leishman, Interim City Attorney EXECUTIVE TEAM Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director Myra Maravilla, City Clerk Alison Becker, Community Development Director Lisa Nichols, Community Resources Director Landon Phillips, Police Chief Joe SanClemente, Public Works Director AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) are available for check out at the meeting. If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, you must call or submit your request in writing to the Office of the City Clerk at (310) 318-0204 or at cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting. PARTICIPATION AND VIEWING OPTIONS Hermosa Beach City Council meetings are open to the public and are being held in person in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Public comment is only guaranteed to be taken in person at City Hall during the meeting or prior to the meeting by submitting an eComment for an item on the agenda. As a courtesy only, the public may view and participate on action items listed on the agenda via the following: Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89968207828? pwd=bXZmWS83dmxHWDZLbWRTK2RVaUxaUT092 • Phone: Toll Free: (833) 548 0276; Meeting ID: 899 6820 7828, then #; Passcode: 472825 • eComment: Submit an eComment no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time.• Supplemental Email: Supplemental emails are available for agenda items only and must be sent to cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov. Supplemental emails should indicate the agenda item and meeting date in the subject line and must be received no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time. Emails received after the deadline but before the meeting ends will be posted to the agenda the next business day. Emails received after the deadline but before the meeting ends will be posted to the agenda the next business day. Writings distributed to all, or majority of all, of the City Council after the agenda has been posted shall be available for inspection at the City Clerk's Office located at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 during regular business hours. • Please be advised that while the City will endeavor to ensure these remote participation methods are available, the City does not guarantee that they will be technically feasible or work all the time. Further, the City reserves the right to terminate these remote participation methods (subject to Brown Act restrictions) at any time and for whatever reason. Please attend in person or by submitting an eComment to ensure your public participation. Similarly, as a courtesy, the City will also plan to broadcast the meeting via the following listed mediums. However, these are done as a courtesy only and not guaranteed to be technically feasible. Thus, in order to guarantee live time viewing and/or public participation, members of the public shall attend in Council Chambers. Cable TV: Spectrum Channel 8 and Frontier Channel 31 in Hermosa Beach • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofHermosaBeach90254 • Live Stream: www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda • Cablecast App: Available on supported devices and smart TVs• If you experience technical difficulties while viewing a meeting on any of our digital platforms, please try another viewing option. View City Council staff reports and attachments at www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda. Page 2 of 52 Pages PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Mayor of the City of Hermosa Beach has called a Special Meeting of the City Council to take place at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to consider and take action on only those matters set forth on the agenda below. 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ROLL CALL 3.PUBLIC COMMENT This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council on item(s) listed on the special meeting agenda only. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. This will be the only public comment taken. 4.INTERVIEWS 4.a INTERVIEWS TO FILL THREE TERMS ENDING JUNE 30, 2029, ON THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION 4 (City Clerk Myra Maravilla) Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council conduct interviews of the following applicants in the order listed below: Thomas Moroney1. Todd Tullis2. Katherine Walden3. Cammie Herbert4. Frankie Szynskie5. Lauren Pizer Mains6. Jani Lange7. Elka Worner 8. Isabel Rodriguez9. An item to appoint three members to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission will be heard during the June 24, 2025 regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. 5.ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 52 Page 4 of 52 Page 5 of 52 Page 6 of 52 Page 7 of 52 Page 8 of 52 Page 9 of 52 Page 10 of 52 Page 2 of 3 I have and expect to continue to be a "pro" (non-parent) coach for Hermosa Baseball. Activities/Memberships: ~20 years as a baseball coach for community/recreational & high school teams (last 4 years with Hermosa Baseball as a "pro" coach for ages 13+) ~10 years as Board Member, San Francisco Little League Professional: ~15 years as a product manager for clinical research software - working directly with hundreds of customers to identify their key challenges, establish priorities, and deliver associated software features/functionality ~10 years on the Steering Committee for the "Trial Master File Reference Model" (a clinical research industry standards body with 1000s of members) - led and guided initiatives in a consensus-driven environment ~10 years as a business consultant, leading business process & technology improvement projects for companies like Amgen & Pfizer while managing scope, time, resources, and quality Education: B.S. Genetics - University of California, Davis Do you have any current or past obligations or responsibilities, which could be construed as a conflict of interest with the position you are applying for? NO If yes, please explain below: Please add your education, employment, memberships, past activities, or other experience you feel qualifies you to serve on the Board/Commission. Page 11 of 52 Page 12 of 52 Page 13 of 52 Page 14 of 52 Page 15 of 52 Page 16 of 52 Page 17 of 52 Page 18 of 52 Katherine Walden WORK EXPERIENCE Google,Mountain View CA —Data Marketing Strategist, Online Panerships MARCH 2020 - PRESENT Led global infrastructure development to facilitate and track new product rollout to a multibillion-dollar pofolio of digital adveising paners at scale. Operated as the key decision-maker and negotiator in discussions between Product Managers, Engineering, Legal, Sales, UX Design, and Finance. Notable achievements include: ●Lead the data site design and global internal and external rollout of a new paner-facing marketing and education digital plaorm, managing new featurerequests across Engineering and Product Marketing teams. ●Designed and executed the 2021 global strategy for digital events engagementacross Ad Manager, owning the build of two data sites for results tracking, identifying $100B in engaged revenue and reducing analyst tracking time by 75%. ●Identied and developed ve global marketing optimization campaigns based on priority paner focus areas, incorporating paner feedback, leading the launchacross Sales and Marketing teams, representing 30% incremental upli globally. ●Built commercialization strategy and content calendar for Ad Manager YouTubechannel launch Visa International,San Francisco CA —Business Associate, Merchant Rotation Program AUGUST 2018 - FEBRUARY 2020 One of twelve analysts accepted into Visa’s merchant rotational program. Rotation 1: Product analyst, Co-Brand Panership new card SolutionsRotation 2: Product Manager, Innovation and User Experience, building net new payments products and payment experiences for the 2020 Olympics.Rotation 3: Product Manager, Global Loyalty and Marketplace Solutions. Visa International,San Francisco CA —Associate Business Analyst MAY 2018- AUGUST 2018 Using analytics to transform data into action for the Cybersource plaorm’s400,000 merchant base, I shaped the go-to-market strategy for a previously undened market segment representing more than 20% of revenue. Built SQLworkows and Tableau data visualizations to provide targeted recommendations. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Visa Women’s Network,San Francisco, CA —Chief Lead/Director DECEMBER 2018 - FEBRUARY 2020 Lead establishment of group lead activities, communications, and priorities to align with the VWN mission to build connections and provide oppounities forcareer growth within Visa for the 500+ individual organization. EDUCATION Brigham Young University,Provo UT —Economics (Major)/Business Management (Minor) AUGUST 2014- APRIL 2018 Vice President for the BYU Women in Economics Organization. Relevant courses include Economic Statistics, Econometrics, Macroeconomics, Finance, Marketing Management, and Economic Growth. Member of the BYU Student-Alumni Association, Women in Economics Association, and Women in Business leadership. AWARDS 5 Google Peer Bonuses- awarded for excellence in cross-functional collaboration 2 Google Spot Bonuses - recognizing global achievement as the top contributor to product objectives Two-Time Outstanding Delegation Award - National Model United Nations- awarded to the top 5 percent of delegations at the annual National Model United Nations Conference in New York City BYU Economics Depament Full-Tuition Scholarship -awarded to top students in the BYU economics program NOTABLE HARD SKILLS SQL (Advanced) Digital Product Design (via Invision) Python Data Visualization soware(Data Studio, Tableau) Adobe suite CERTIFICATIONS Learning Data Science through Python, Stanford Data Visualizations with Python, Stanford Leadership in the Workplace, Stanford HOBBIES Creator, “I Want To Be” Podcast Volunteer, Girls Who Code Volunteer, La Cocina SF Page 19 of 52 - Select Board/Commission - Bring the Fun Hermosa Beach may be small, but it's packed with opportunities for connection, movement, and joy. This Commission has a history of making it happen for 90254. We’ve got the fun and I want to be part of that.While we continue to promote and highlight our classic Surfer’s Walk of Fame, volleyball tournaments, movie nights and excursions, let’s expand our future possibilities: Olympics and World Cup are coming and the opportunities to have local events will be abundant. Looking locally, it’s more important than ever to remind each other of what makes Hermosa special and FUN! It’s bikes and beaches, the concerts and theater; it's the community. We all need a reason to get out, get off our phones, and get together to enjoy what’s right here. Contribute Meaningfully I love the Parks (I've put to use all 10 throughout the years, plus the parkettes). I love the Rec (Tennis and beach tennis are part of my weekly routine). I love the Community Resources (my family has taken classes, my groups have rented spaces). South Park: 4 moms, 8 years, meetings with just about every city department, commission, lawyer, corporation, natural and park designer and resident and we made it happen and I was proud to be part of it.Chamber of Commerce: 3 years of volunteering has given me invaluable exposure on business needs and wants.As an involved mom, neighbor, and long-time local, I believe I’m more informed than the average resident. I bring firsthand experience with a willingness to listen, collaborate, compromise and contribute. CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH BOARD/COMMISSION APPLICATION Name of Board/Commission Name Address Email Occupation/Profession Employer Name & Address PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITITY RESOURCES ADVISORY Phone Number REFERENCES (Please List Three References) Personal: Professional: Other: COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND SERVICE (Past and Present) Why do you wish to serve on the Board/Commission? Last Updated 03/22/2023 Page 1 of 4 Dunham Stewart, former HBLL Board member, realtor, Jessica Guheen, former Parks & Rec Commissioner, Annie Seawright, classic Hermosa resident, Hermosa Beach Excellent Mom/Exceptional Volunteer Cammie Herbert Page 20 of 52 The most important responsibility for me is cooperation: working with other governmental agencies, engaging with civic groups. And providing guidance for special events. The mixing of government, business and residence is what makes Hermosa thrive—and the PRC is a great “advisor” for all. Cooperation brings Participation We have a highly engaged city council, motivated and creative residents with more young families than ever before. Encouraging interaction and participation of all our informal groups with the various city departments can improve our programming, policies and play. Getting more people involved means more buy in from residents and the city alike. I have served on multiple committees as both a mom and as a resident. While running the HVPTO Halloween Carnival and raising over $200k for the school district, I implemented the now famous dunk tank splashing together council members, police and fire personal and a few teachers. "South Park Moms” hosted over 10 resident input meetings where we gathered and implemented feedback from the community for the benefit of the community. The “buy-in” to South Park was critical to its initial success which we also still have today. LISTENING Let’s up the public participation—I want to hear their passion projects. What have I heard? • Too much going on at the beach—how about “Spotlight Parks” for less impact at the beach and more geographic diversity. • We love our events and classes. -Could instructors have an open house for their classes to encourage more Hb residents to try something new? -Mommy & Me classes needed -Pop up Health & Wellness cooking class in collaboration with BCHD? • Streamline the permitting process for small events. As an example, Friends of the Parks Movie Nights to be at multiple parks throughout the city. Plan Hermosa and 30 Ideas in the Economic Development Strategy is already a great start for what residents and businesses thought would help. I was highly involved in every meeting for the ideas in those documents. Residents had specific list of things they wanted done and this successful collaboration got the list through to Parks & Rec and to City Council. Which duties and responsibilities of the Board/Commission are important to you and why? Page 2 of 4 Page 21 of 52 None Do you have any current or past obligations or responsibilities, which could be construed as a conflict of interest with the position you are applying for? NO If yes, please explain below: Please add your education, employment, memberships, past activities, or other experience you feel qualifies you to serve on the Board/Commission. EXPERIENCE with all the various city departments, councils and commissions. Understanding compromise and the value of cooperation. Through my diverse group affiliations (moms, sports, businesses) I’ve built a broad network of connections and gained appreciation for what makes Hermosa uniquely the 90254. My experience with South Park Moms from day one through the next 8 years of designing, implementing, advising, discussing and fundraising for the remodel of South Park playground will be an asset for the Commission. Important COMMITTEE work has included • Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC) 2022-24 -Project ideas for the Chamber of Commerce and City Council to consider for growth of businesses and foot traffic. -30 Strategic actions were given to the city and some actions have been implemented. • Friends of Economic Development (FrED) 2013-2014 -Community dialog group to discuss what businesses and events the residents wanted. -Ultimately created a “Decision-Making Tool” that allowed city staff, subcommittees and council to follow specific steps in deciding “does this new business request meet our city plans/goals for Quality of Life”. -Led city to hire an Economic Development person for first time -Helped city realize need to update General Plan and Parks Master Plan • Cannabis Advisory Group (2022) -One of six community representatives chosen. Utilizing research, citizen, questions, interviews, data on revenue and safety, the group submitted findings to the City Council before they decided about putting Cannabis shops on the ballot. MEMBERSHIPS • Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce -Volunteer at booths on large events, Boards Across America • Friends of the Parks -Volunteer for movies at the park, Pumpkins in the park -Involved with Fort Lots O’ Fun re-design and playground equipment • HVPTO -Halloween Carnival Coordinator, 7 years for largest fundraiser event for HVPTO. Planned and coordinated games, food court and music, using over 100 parent volunteers Awards: Leadership Hermosa “Community Organization” winner 2017 Page 3 of 4 Page 22 of 52 I have read the roles and responsibilities of the Board/Commission I am applying for. If required, I will submit proof of my voter registration status at the time I submit my application (voterstatus.sos.ca.gov). I understand a resume must be submitted to the city clerk's office at the time I submit my application to be considered for the position. Board/Commission Meeting Location Meeting Schedule Building Board of Appeals City Council Chambers Second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. This five-member board provides reasonable interpretations of the Building Code [HBMC 15.04.020] Civil Service Board City Council Chambers Third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. This five-member board serves as the City’s Review Board pertaining to personnel functions and Civil Service Rules and Regulations, including review and approval of job specifications and eligibility lists [HBMC 2.76.060- 2.76.090]. Parks, Recreation & Community Advisory Commission City Council Chambers First Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. This five-member commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the Community Resources Department; cooperates with other governmental agencies and civic groups on the advancement of sound leisure, cultural, social services and educational programming; provides guidance and approvals for City special events; and formulates policies on the services, programs and lease agreements of the Department, subject to approval of the City Council [HBMC 2.28]. Planning Commission City Council Chambers Third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. (in December meeting is on the second Monday) This five-member commission is governed in all respects and performs duties as prescribed by applicable state and local laws. The primary purpose of the Commission is to maintain and enhance the environment of the community, which entails advance or long-range planning (updating of the General Plan and specific elements), current planning (short-range projects), and land use controls (administering to the code and review of all subdivisions and zoning petitions). The Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council on all matters pertaining to zoning, conditional use permit process, etc. [HBMC 2.32]. Public Works Commission City Council Chambers Third Wednesday of odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September, and November) at 7 p.m. The duties of this five-member commission are to review and make recommendations to the City Council on all capital improvement program projects, assist with developing and updating design guidelines for public improvements and other matters referred to the Commission by the City Council [HBMC 2.80]. Do you foresee any scheduling problems that might cause you to miss meetings? NO How long have you lived in Hermosa Beach? Additional comments: Signature: Date: https://www.hermosabeach.gov/our-government/city-officials/boards-commissions Page 4 of 4 26 years Page 23 of 52 Cammie Herbert PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Accomplished and engaged Hermosa resident with 20 years of civic collaboration. Passionate about Hermosa’s activities and resident involvement. Experience • Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC) 2022-24 o Project ideas for the Chamber of Commerce and City Council to consider for growth of businesses and foot traffic. o 30-point plan was given to the city and some actions have been implemented. • Friends of Economic Development (FrED) 2013-14 o Community dialog group to discuss what businesses and events the residents wanted. o Ultimately created a “Decision-Making Tool” that allowed city staff, subcommittees and council to follow specific steps in deciding “does this new business request meet our city plans/goals for “Quality of Life”. o Led city to hire an Economic Development person for first time • South Park Moms 2011-18 o Designing, implementing and fundraising for the remodel of South Park playground • Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce civic member 2021-present • Cannabis Advisory Group 2022 o Utilizing research, interviews, data on revenue and safety, the group submitted findings to the Council • Friends of the Parks member 2018 o Volunteer for movies at the park, Pumpkins in the park o Involved with Fort Lots O’ Fun re-design and playground equipment(2004) • HVPTO member. 2008-2016 o Coordinator for Honor Roll awards, 8th grade Graduation event, Read Across America and Teacher appreciation week • Halloween Carnival Coordinator 2010-2015 o Coordinator for largest fundraiser event for HVPTO • School Site Council Advisory Committee, parent rep 2015 o A requirement of the State to review progress and set measurable solutions for Student achievement • Volunteer for HBLL, AYSO, HV Run Club, club soccer and baseball Employment • Badham Group 1990-2002 o Co-Producer o Responsibilities: Script development, C-unit movie director, Post-Production advisor, Liaison with agent, actors and studio executives Awards • Leadership Hermosa “Community Organization” Winner 2017 Education: USC, BA Journalism, BS Business Marketing 1985-1990 Page 24 of 52 Page 25 of 52 I am eager to learn more about policies and permitting for services and programs in Hermosa Beach, particularly how decisions affect facilities management, parks and recreation staff, the public, and other local departments. I also want to understand how external groups, such as the California Coastal Commission and neighboring communities, influence programming and events. I’m passionate about creating spaces for kids to learn and engage. As an artist, I believe in providing children with opportunities to explore art. Having grown up with a parent who was an athletic director, I was involved in sports from a young age. Supporting and advocating for children in the community would be a priority for me in this role. My older sister has profound developmental disabilities and keeping various groups of people in mind when approaching issues in spaces and events is always a priority for me. This perspective is something I bring into my roles, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity are integral to programming and public spaces. My background in art and graphic design helps me promote programs, services, and fundraisers. Since moving, I’ve actively sought out information on local events and noticed which ones were well-marketed and which were harder to find. I’d love to use my skills to support outreach efforts. In Virginia, I worked events on large properties and participated in capital improvement discussions. I understand what visitors need and can identify areas for better access and efficiency. I’m particularly interested in annual budget development and capital improvement programs. Hermosa Beach has some of the best communication about scheduled and ongoing projects compared to anywhere I’ve lived, and I want to contribute to future improvements. Which duties and responsibilities of the Board/Commission are important to you and why? Page 2 of 4 Page 26 of 52 Do you have any current or past obligations or responsibilities, which could be construed as a conflict of interest with the position you are applying for? NO If yes, please explain below: Please add your education, employment, memberships, past activities, or other experience you feel qualifies you to serve on the Board/Commission. Education & Certifications Bachelor of Arts in Biological & Pre-Medical Illustration, Minor in Anthropology – Iowa State University Natural Science Illustration Certificate Program – Rhode Island School of Design (Expected Fall 2025) Professional Experience Event Manager & Executive Assistant University of Virginia College & Graduate School of Arts & Sciences -This position allowed me to work at a high level within the University, supporting the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in event production and administrative work. I managed confidential documents and details while overseeing the execution of an event program that included 34 events. I also developed a training guide for event managers to use during my time in this role. Event & Venue Coordinator – Morven Sustainability Lab, University of Virginia -Managed 10 venue facilities across 3,000 acres, organized 180+ annual events, and oversaw financial transactions -Developed and executed events providing access to properties and gardens for 200+ students and local communities, including Outdoor Film, Student Days, and Gazpacho in the Garden I worked closely with the estate manager on policies, procedures, and upcoming projects across the 3,000-acre property. Together, we created public events that allowed guests and students to access the property, which had previously only been open once a year during Historic Garden Day. I managed events across 10 different venue facilities and provided support across the estate. Education Manager – Virginia Discovery Museum -Created programming for children ages 2-10 and transitioned in-person programming to digital formats during the pandemic -Advocated for underserved communities by executing paid programming to sustain the sponsored admissions program (free admission) -Led high-quality, engaging free daily programs for children ages 2-7 Page 3 of 4 Page 27 of 52 Page 28 of 52 FRANKIE SZYNSKIE Hermosa Beach, California | | linkedin.com PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Experienced event professional with 6 years in venue management and high-level event execution in university and non- profit settings. Adept at planning and delivering engaging, high-value events that drive brand loyalty and revenue. Proven ability to manage budgets, coordinate logistics, and enhance guest experiences while fostering community engagement. KEY SKILLS • Event Planning and Execution • Budget Management and Expense Reconciliation • Advanced Logistical Coordination and Timeline Development • Proficient in Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams) EXPERIENCE Professional Development and Transition August 2024 – May 2025 • Provided critical support to family following a personal loss. Handled complex administrative tasks for a sibling with special needs, including Medicaid renewal, Social Security updates, financial transitions, and guardianship filings through the state of Nebraska. • Managed a cross-country relocation while staying engaged in professional development and creative projects. • Continued honing design and storytelling skills through Rhode Island School of Design coursework and professional artist contest submissions. • Managed rental property operations, overseeing financial transactions, tenant coordination, and maintenance scheduling. Event Manager and Executive Assistant August 2023 – July 2024 College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Dean’s Office, University of Virginia ● Developed the inaugural College of Arts & Sciences investiture event for endowed chairs, including creating artwork for nickel medals used as graduation regalia for years to come. Managed a $200,000 budget and coordinated 180 attendees, including prominent University donors, President, and Provost. ● Supported the Dean’s mission of belonging by creating a monthly hybrid meeting program for faculty and staff. ● Managed venues, audiovisual needs, drafted run-of-show scripts, and liaised with local audiovisual companies to produce professional meetings for 200+ online and 50-75 in-person attendees. ● Established a Pavilion II event program to activate and engage departments throughout the college. Coordinated with local caterers to host cocktail-style or seated dinner events. Hired and trained student assistants and created rules and regulations for the space. ● Produced a training guide outline policies and procedures throughout the College and University. ● Collaborated with a contracted creative director to create communication materials for multiple Arts & Sciences events. Event and Venue Coordinator August 2021 – August 2023 Morven, University of Virginia’s Sustainability Lab ● Organized all site needs for the 180+ events hosted on the property each year, including facility scheduling, venue walkthroughs, contract production, audiovisual support, and day-of-event execution. ● Managed 10 venue facilities on the 3,000-acre property. Communicated with maintenance on building needs and upcoming space improvement projects. Assisted in research and completion of projects, including the first lactation room on the property and audiovisual technology upgrades in venues. ● Briefed the University of Virginia Foundation on all event rentals and activities. Updated a shared calendar with guest and event logistics. ● Performed all aspects of event planning for public and student events, including developing and monitoring a budget, confirming and managing venue vendors, and ensuring programs are completed day of. ● Generated over $115,000 in annual revenue for programs department. EXPERIENCE Education Manager June 2019 – August 2021 Virginia Discovery Museum, Charlottesville, VA ● Planned and executed educational programming for children ages 6 months to 8 years, including free drop-in programming, summer and spring break camps, date night drop-off programs, and off-site outreach events. ● Transitioned museum programming during the pandemic by creating educational and digital content for virtual Page 29 of 52 programming. Managed zoom calls, technical issues, and multiple cameras for demonstrations. ● Created supply kits for virtual summer camps and other programs. ● Ensured logistics for sign-ups and supplies were completed without error using an online database. ● Designed graphics for educational programs and promotional content for social media platforms. Events Assistant August 2018 – June 2019 James Monroe’s Highland Museum, Charlottesville, VA ● Managed the full lifecycle of wedding venue rentals, from initial booking and contract negotiation to day-of execution, ensuring a seamless experience for couples while preserving the integrity of the historic property. ● Collaborated with event clients, catering teams, and coordinators during venue walkthroughs and on event days to ensure seamless execution. ● Supported the education department by assisting with school tours and community events, fostering engagement and outreach efforts. ● Led the planning and execution of weddings and public events during a team transition, ensuring continuity and high-quality event experiences. McGuffey Artist Residency August 2018 – June 2019 McGuffey Art Center, Charlottesville, VA ● Completed a one-year residency program for emerging artists, gaining access to studio space and professional development opportunities within a collaborative arts community. ● Supported the gallery committee by assisting in exhibition installations, including curating and hanging personal artwork in the studio hallway. ● Participated in the planning and coordination of an annual group exhibition, showcasing original works created during the residency. EDUCATION Natural Science Illustration Certificate Program Expected Fall 2025 Rhode Island School of Design Summer of Science Illustration Summer 2023 California State Monterey Bay ● Paleoart: Illustrating Extinct Animals ● Comics for Nature and Science Storytelling Bachelor of Arts in Biological and Pre-Medical Illustration May 2018 Minor in Anthropology Iowa State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences VOLUNTEER Certified and Insured Therapy Dog Team October 2022 – December 2024 Green Dogs Unleashed, Troy, VA ● Certified therapy dog handler for two dogs, having completed over 30 hours of coursework and training visits. ● Experienced in facilitating therapy dog visits across diverse settings, including after-school programs, classrooms, assisted living and memory care facilities, college campuses, emergency response initiatives, and fundraising events for the rescue organization. ● Successfully organized the ‘Perfecting Your Pets’ therapy dog event in partnership with Jefferson Madison Regional Library and the Tom Tom Festival, welcoming over 70 adults and children to engage with therapy dogs and interactive activities. Page 30 of 52 Page 31 of 52 They are all important. First, the obvious. In my advisory role to the Council, I come to the meetings prepared. Particularly when a new policy/event will be reviewed, I will go beyond what is sent in the staff report to obtain additional background so I can make a more fully informed and fair decision on an issue. I attend each meeting with an open mind welcoming the opportunity to respectfully engage with residents, businesses, event producers, non-profits, my fellow commissioners and staff. To better serve community uses of our parks and public facilities, the Commission has been advocating for more communication between the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Public Works Commission and staff, in compliance with Brown Act, in areas of overlap. I think this is a critical part of planning. Our city has a tremendous amount of deferred maintenance. We are making progress. The Clark Building is about to reopen as an improved and beautiful venue. I served on the Clark subcommittee. This project benefitted from the joint planning and communication between Parks and Public Works Commission members, and both city departments. An example of a current project that could have benefitted by more Parks Commission engagement is CIP 603 South Park Slope and Irrigation project. Another duty I feel is important is balance. We have limited space and resources. We need to ensure we are making decisions that offer a variety of events and cultural experiences that are inclusive of all ages and interests. Included in the mission of the Community Resources Department is a call out to “promote preservation and interpretation of historical, cultural resources, the natural environment and human resources.” Our city does not have an Arts and Culture Commission. I think we can do a better job in uplifting, promoting, and supporting arts and cultural resources in our city. Working on the renovation of the Clark Building was important. I also served on our subcommittee, with Commissioner Lange, on the Community Theatre assessment. We really should prioritize renovation of our theatre. You have expertise on the Parks and Recreation Commission that can work on furthering an arts/pubic arts master plan. Why wasn’t our Commission brought into the mix regarding the utility box arts project as a partner with Public Works? Which duties and responsibilities of the Board/Commission are important to you and why? Page 2 of 4 Page 32 of 52 Do you have any current or past obligations or responsibilities, which could be construed as a conflict of interest with the position you are applying for? NO If yes, please explain below: Please add your education, employment, memberships, past activities, or other experience you feel qualifies you to serve on the Board/Commission. In my current employment position, I serve as the Consultant to the Joint Committee on the Arts for the CA State Legislature, working directly for Senator Ben Allen, who is the chair of this committee. Senator Allen and I have been part of our state’s Creative Economy Workgroup, developing a statewide plan in support of the arts and creative industries/workforce. He also chairs the Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Olympics and World Cup Soccer. I am part of our staff working group for this committee. I have worked on prior Olympics and with the IOC. I’d like our Commission to work, at the direction of the City Council, in exploring ways we can engage with LA28. I recently met with the French Consul General for a debriefing on the Paris Games. As we’ve seen, as event venues are announced, there are ways to activate areas outside the host city can be engaged. This was done very successfully for the Paris Games. I serve as Senator Allen’s surrogate to the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and represent him at the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board meetings. I have experience in event planning – from small to 10,000 person events, in advocating for educational arts programs (volunteered at Valley School, appointed to educational working groups, was a co-founder of Hermosa Beach Youth Music, a non–profit to bring music education back into Hermosa Beach schools), have been a consultant for and worked with other local non-profits (served on board of the Hermosa Beach Fine Arts Festival). My experience aligns with the duties of this Commission. Page 3 of 4 Page 33 of 52 Page 34 of 52 Page 35 of 52 Page 36 of 52 Page 37 of 52 Page 38 of 52 Page 39 of 52 Page 40 of 52 Page 41 of 52 Page 42 of 52 Page 43 of 52 Page 44 of 52 Page 45 of 52 Page 46 of 52 Page 47 of 52 Page 48 of 52 Page 49 of 52 Page 50 of 52 Page 51 of 52 Page 52 of 52