Economic Vitality Roadmap

Brian is a community leader with a background in law, public policy, and international education. A graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Chicago, where he earned degrees in law and public policy, Brian practiced law before teaching international relations at the Izmir University of Economics in Turkey. Since settling in San Anselmo in 2011, he has contributed to local economic development, spearheading the Reimagining Creek Park project and supporting local businesses. He previously chaired the town’s Economic Development Committee and serves in leadership roles with the Transportation Authority of Marin and Marin Transit. Professionally, Brian directs Business Development and Patient Experience for a San Francisco medical practice.

Mary Sackett was elected to represent Marin County’s District 1 on the Board of Supervisors in June 2022 and re-elected to a second term in June 2026. Before becoming Supervisor, Mary practiced law in Marin and served as a District 1 Board Aide beginning in 2017. She currently serves on numerous regional boards, including Marin Transit, the Transportation Authority of Marin, Marin Housing Authority, and SMART. Mary is committed to expanding workforce housing, addressing homelessness, improving bicycle and pedestrian networks, strengthening disaster preparedness, and protecting the environment. She is passionate about outdoor recreation, community engagement, and developing the next generation of civic leaders.

Andrea Henderson is VP of Philanthropic Planning for the Marin Community Foundation. In this role, she leads a team that engages with individuals, families, and organizations, along with their professional advisors, to develop customized philanthropic plans aimed at optimizing donor charitable giving and delivering outsized impact. Prior to joining the Marin Community Foundation, Andrea spent nearly two decades in financial services developing and executing strategic marketing and growth initiatives for business lines serving small business, middle market, and corporate banking customer segments. Additionally, she has focused on busines development, financing, and portfolio management within the sustainable technology sector.

Andrew W. Reddie is a faculty member at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and Founder and Faculty Director of the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab. He also serves as a non-resident fellow at Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories, a Future Security Scenario Lab Fellow at New America, and Senior Advisor for Global Risk and AI at the Federation of American Scientists. Additionally, he serves as Senior Director of the Bridging the Gap Project. Andrew holds a BA and MA from UC Berkeley, an M.Phil. in International Relations from Oxford University, and a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, earned in 2019.

Dr. Armika Berkley serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Kaiser Permanente’s San Rafael Market, she leads multisite operations serving Marin County and Petaluma. Her mission-driven leadership emphasizes equitable care, financial stewardship, and empowering teams to improve patient and community outcomes. She serves on the boards of By the Bay Health, North Bay Leadership Council, and Planned Parenthood Northern California. Dr. Berkley holds a Doctor of Science in Health Services Administration and Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Master of Public Health, and a bachelor’s in Psychology.

Beau started at the nonprofit California Film Institute in 2009 as the Development Coordinator for the 32nd Mill Valley Film Festival and has since risen to Associate Director of Institutional Giving, overseeing over $3M annually in sponsorships and grants. A graduate of the University of Southern California in Journalism and Cinema, he previously worked producing on the studio side with Sony Pictures and Columbia Pictures before returning to the SF Bay Area in 2008 to focus on independent, foreign, and documentary films.

Brittany Brown Ceres, MFA/MA (SPHR/SHRM-SCP), is Chief Operating Officer at the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity in San Antonio Valley, where she focuses on organizational excellence through effective leadership, strategic operations, and workplace fulfillment. Previously, she served as Chief People Officer at Skywalker Holdings, partnering with leaders to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups. Her experience spans private, public, startup, educational, nonprofit, wilderness, and municipal environments. Throughout her career, Brittany has worked with entrepreneurs, artists, experts, and philanthropists, bringing a people-centered approach to leadership, organizational growth, equity, and workplace well-being.

Carlo “Carlito” Berg is a founding partner of Alta Pacific Housing Company and a principal at his multigenerational family office. He is passionate about investing in entrepreneurs and businesses across industries, particularly human-centered businesses that improve everyday life. With an early background in agriculture, construction, ranching, and forestry, Carlito developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset. He also gained business experience restoring and reselling classic vehicles. He holds a BBA and BS in Economics from Loyola Marymount University and has completed executive programs at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and the University of Washington.

Carolina Martinez is CEO of CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity), a statewide association representing 400 lenders, training programs, chambers of commerce, and organizations supporting nearly 200,000 small businesses across California. With 20 years of experience in economic development and business consulting, Carolina has worked with nonprofits and universities throughout North and South America. She has developed bilingual entrepreneurship programs, coached startups, built international partnerships, and helped underserved communities create wealth through entrepreneurship. Carolina serves on the boards of MEDA and the California Coalition for Community Investment and advises several financial institutions. She holds an MBA and a BA in Industrial Engineering.

Christina Mendes is CEO of the Novato Chamber of Commerce, where she works to support local businesses, strengthen regional partnerships, and advance economic vitality. A Marin County native, she brings more than a decade of Chamber experience and a commitment to economic development. Christina serves as Vice Chair of Novato’s Economic Development Commission and Co-Chairs the Marin Council of Chambers. Her work connects business leaders, public agencies, and community organizations around opportunities and challenges. She brings experience in tourism, visitor services, and community engagement. Christina is passionate about shaping a countywide economic development roadmap that supports thriving businesses throughout Marin County. 

Dave is founder of Plan to Place, a community engagement and communications firm established in Marin County in 2016. A native Marinite, he brings over 20 years of experience leading award-winning community planning initiatives. His expertise includes strategic planning, placemaking, and community outreach. Notable projects include Marin County’s Objective Design and Development Standards, San Rafael’s Downtown Precise Plan and General Plan Update, Housing Element updates across Marin, and climate adaptation and fire safety initiatives. The Town of Corte Madera Housing Element Update received both Northern California and State American Planning Association Awards for Public Engagement.

David G. Klein, MD, MBA, is Chief Executive Officer of MarinHealth, an award-winning nonprofit health system serving the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 30 years of healthcare experience, including 14 years as a general surgeon, Dr. Klein has a strong track record of transforming hospitals through strategic leadership, financial growth, and improved patient care. Previously, he served as CEO of Dignity Health’s Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, as well as President of Baylor Scott & White Health’s All Saints Medical Center in Texas. He serves on several regional and statewide healthcare and community boards. Dr. Klein earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from UC Irvine. 

Emily Sinclair leads Corporate Communications at The Pasha Group, overseeing media relations, executive and crisis communications, community engagement, workforce development, and maritime advocacy. She serves on the planning committee for the Women in Maritime Leadership Conference at Cal Poly Maritime Academy and previously served as Press Officer for WISTA USA. Emily also launched and expanded Pasha’s employee volunteer program across six locations. Active in her community, she volunteers with Novato Junior Horsemen and local school initiatives. She holds degrees in English and Advertising and completed the Certificate Program in Legislative Studies at Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute.

Ian Leibert is a fourth-generation San Franciscan who grew up in Mill Valley and has lived throughout Marin. He now owns a home, works, and raises his family in Novato with his wife and two sons. As Director of Operations at Mike's Bikes, where he has served since 2011, Ian brings 15 years of operations leadership spanning community engagement, facility design, fulfillment, acquisitions integration, and sustainability tracking. He is trained in industrial design and fluent in data-driven decision making. Outside work, Ian enjoys cycling, running, art, and nature. He is honored to contribute a local small-business and operations perspective to Marin's economic future.

Joanne Webster has served as President and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council since November 2023, bringing nearly 40 years of experience in business leadership, economic development, and advocacy. Previously, she led the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade, served as Executive Director of the San Rafael Business Improvement District, and owned and operated two Double Rainbow Café franchises for nearly 30 years. Her accomplishments include Marin’s Small Business of the Year and Spirit of Marin awards, as well as the 2021 North Bay Best Business Community Leader Award. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys mountain biking and hiking.

John Wynne started his career as an Architect working in San Francisco completing several campus, building and tenant improvement projects. In 2001, John joined Lucasfilm as the Design Manager for the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio now known as One Letterman. Over subsequent years John was responsible for projects at Skywalker, Big Rock and Grady Ranches in Marin County as the Director of Design and Construction. He was also integral to the development of projects in Los Angeles, Singapore and Italy. Currently as the Executive Director of Real Estate, John leads design, construction and operations, at all Bay Area campus locations. John and his wife Marcella have lived in Mill Valley since 1997.

Dr. Jonathan Eldridge serves as College of Marin’s 11th Superintendent/President, supporting a diverse group of faculty, staff, and administrators to create a truly coherent and integrated educational program for students. His commitment to student success is rooted in recognizing historical and systemic disparities in opportunity and outcomes, and ensuring resources are directed at eliminating those disparities. Dr. Eldridge has a history degree from Central Washington University and a doctorate in Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. He serves on several boards in service to the Marin community and lives in Lucas Valley with his wife and daughter.

Executive Director at Tradeswomen, Inc., leading outreach, recruitment, retention, and leadership programs for women in construction. Connects women to apprenticeship pathways and union job opportunities via virtual workshops

and online videos. 40+ years of construction experience as a land survey professional and manager.Background in construction management, estimating, and accounting, along with OSHA 30. CPR/safety, and Field Superintendent certifications.

Recently teamed up with Marin Housing Authority and Burbank Housing to run an apprenticeship program for Golden Gate Village residents, graduating 21 participants in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry to work on upcoming local housing revamps.

Karen is CEO of the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, bringing over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience and supporting nonprofit resilience and volunteerism across four North Bay counties. Previously, she served as President and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, where she advanced its first strategic plan in over a century and led the organization to earn the 2026 Chamber of the Year award from the California Chamber of Commerce. Her experience also includes serving as COO of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin and senior leadership at Downtown Streets Team. Karen holds a BA in Psychology and an MBA from UC Berkeley.

Kate Colin is the first woman to serve as Mayor of San Rafael since its incorporation in 1847. Elected to City Council in 2013 after eight years on the Planning Commission, she brings over two decades of public service and community leadership. Her priorities include public safety, housing stability, homelessness, infrastructure resilience, and mobility. In 2024, she was selected as one of six mayors nationwide for the Mayoral Fellowship at Harvard Graduate School of Design through the Mayors’ Institute on City Design. She also chairs the San Rafael Sanitation District and represents the city on regional transportation and environmental boards.

Leila Monroe is a lawyer and small business owner working in the areas of real property, land use, housing, hospitality, ocean and coastal resource management and conservation. She is currently a Marin County Planning Commissioner for District 4 and serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Point Blue Conservation Science and President of the Bolinas-Stinson Beach School Foundation. She holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.S. from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. She enjoys music, surfing and adventuring with her husband and two young sons.

Lily Verdone is Executive Director of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, the nation’s first agricultural land trust. A collaborative leader and trained climate scientist, Lily has spent 25 years scaling solutions to environmental and social challenges. Her career spans global organizations and community-based land trusts, always working at the intersection of people and nature. She has protected and stewarded natural and working lands, led habitat restoration projects, and helped communities adapt to climate change through partnership building, public policy, and securing public and private funding. Lily holds a bachelor’s in environmental studies and master’s in biology from Sonoma State University.

Lynsey has spent her career at the forefront of government affairs and health policy driven by a singular mission: addressing unmet medical. As Associate Director of State Government Affairs at BioMarin, she oversees state legislative engagement to expand access to diagnosis and care for the millions of children living with rare diseases. Previously, Lynsey advanced health policy at Medicines360 and Transcripta Bio. She also oversaw the rare disease portfolio at the World Economic Forum. Early career roles included serving in the UK Parliament's House of Commons and in California Governor Jerry Brown’s Administration. Lynsey holds an MSc in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA in History from Claremont McKenna College.

Michael Steinwender is General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center, Vice Chair of the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau, and a Board Member of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. He brings over 30 years of hospitality experience, including more than 25 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, holding executive leadership roles across luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and convention properties in California and Hawaii. His expertise includes hotel operations, business development, guest experience, and organizational leadership. Michael is passionate about strengthening Marin County’s position as a premier destination while supporting local tourism and hospitality.

Michael M. Ghilotti is President and CEO of Ghilotti Bros., Inc. (GBI), a fourth-generation, family-owned heavy civil construction company serving Northern California for over 112 years. Under his leadership, GBI has become one of the region’s respected contractors, recognized for safety, quality, innovation, and collaboration. Michael is committed to preserving the company’s family values while guiding its continued growth. His leadership emphasizes employee development, operational excellence, and strong relationships with clients and communities. He takes pride in building upon the Ghilotti family legacy of integrity, hard work, and excellence for future generations.

Mishel Kaufman is Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative & Risk Officer at Redwood Credit Union, where she has served for 19 years, and also serves as Board President of the RCU Community Fund. She provides executive leadership across operations, risk, technology, and strategic initiatives, with a focus on responsible growth and organizational resilience. Mishel is passionate about creating economic opportunity, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the communities RCU serves. A longtime North Bay leader, she brings a collaborative, practical perspective to complex challenges and a deep commitment to advancing financial well-being and fostering a strong, inclusive, and vibrant Marin economy.

Omar Carrera has served as CEO of Canal Alliance since 2016, after joining in 2003. A community-centered leader, he brings more than two decades of nonprofit, business, and strategy experience. Born and raised in Ecuador, Omar holds degrees in accounting and business management and completed executive education at Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford Graduate School of Business. He serves on the boards of Marin Promise Partnership, Marin COED Soccer League, and Canal FC, and contributes to regional coalitions on housing, climate change, and Latino prosperity. Omar builds cross-sector partnerships advancing equity for immigrant and Latino communities in Marin and beyond.

Paul Austin is a community activist, youth advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of Play Marin, a nonprofit established in 2019 to help young people build life skills through play and hands-on experiences. Rooted in the Sausalito and Marin City communities, Paul holds a degree in psychology and brings years of experience as a teacher and coach to supporting youth development.

Under his leadership, Play Marin provides inclusive enrichment programs across the North Bay, including summer camps, after-school activities, sports, video editing, LEGO engineering, and design thinking. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, Paul expands opportunities for youth while promoting character development, positive behavior, and a strong sense of belonging.

Rick is responsible to the membership and Board of Directors for the strategic direction of the Marin Builders Association. He oversees business planning, management, operations, facilities, and financial performance. Rick specializes in organizational management and building sustainable organizations that create positive community impact. He has led teams at the San Rafael and Vallejo Chambers of Commerce. Rick holds a B.A. from UC Davis and an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School. Rick lives in San Rafael with his amazing wife and two energetic children. 

Saul Hernandez Sahagun lives in Mill Valley and serves as an Executive Business Mentor at Stanford Graduate School of Business. An entrepreneur for more than two decades, he founded NORTE Financial Systems, which gives independent restaurants a complete outsourced finance function, from bookkeeping to monthly CFO guidance. He previously founded Herman Pro AI and, in Mexico City, a digital agency later acquired by Publicis Groupe. He has also helped organizations, from global brands to growing companies, rethink how they work and use AI in practical ways. He is eager to support Marin's small businesses and economic future. 

Stephanie Plante is President and CEO of CPi Developers, a family-owned East San Rafael business founded in 1970. CPi owns the Shoreline Center, home to Target, Home Depot, BMW San Rafael, and Marin Honda. Under her leadership, the company has expanded to include one of the world’s largest Tesla Supercharger stations in Kettleman City and a Starbucks in Oroville.

A former television broadcaster, Stephanie hosted the award-winning We Are One Marin and In Her Business podcasts. She serves on the Redwood Credit Union Board and Riverview School Board in Massachusetts, where she is helping lead a school expansion. She also founded and chairs the East San Rafael Working Group, a San Rafael Chamber committee supporting local businesses.

Tom serves as CEO of Monahan Pacific Corporation, bringing more than four decades of experience developing award-winning real estate projects throughout the Bay Area. Monahan Pacific is a fully integrated real estate firm specializing in property acquisition, design, development, construction, and management. Under Tom’s leadership, the company has built a strong reputation for navigating the complexities of the Bay Area real estate market through a hands-on, relationship-driven approach. With expertise across the entire development process, Tom is committed to creating high-quality, sustainable real estate assets that benefit communities. His success is grounded in strategic vision, lasting relationships, and a commitment to excellence.

Urban Carmel has served on the Mill Valley City Council since 2020, including as Mayor from 2023–24. During his tenure, he has led key initiatives in affordable housing, the General Plan Housing Element, and the Climate Action Plan. As a member of the Infrastructure Task Force, he championed Measure L in 2024 and spearheaded the 2026 Municipal Services Tax renewal campaign (Measure T). Urban has also led the Finance, Police Oversight, and Business Vitality committees and serves on the Transportation Authority of Marin board. Previously, he chaired the Planning Commission and established the Mill Valley Library Foundation’s multi-million-dollar endowment. A Wharton alumnus, he has lived in Mill Valley since 1999.

Vince is a longtime labor leader with Laborers Local 261, where he has held numerous leadership roles since joining in 2004, including Executive Board Member, Recording Secretary, and Special Assistant. He has championed workforce development and helped establish apprenticeship programs in public works, horticulture, and arboriculture. Vince also serves as Vice President of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council and on the San Francisco Labor Council Executive Committee. His public service includes political advocacy, government relations, and serving on the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission from 2010 to 2019. A UC Santa Cruz graduate with a law degree, Vince is committed to strengthening organized labor and empowering workers.

Zach founded Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV) in April 2020 to strengthen the North Bay’s economic future by investing in its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Today, MSIV manages over $17.7 million in assets across two venture capital funds and 22 portfolio companies. Its community arm has supported more than 450 local startup founders. Zach’s professional experience includes executive roles at SmithRx and Glassdoor in Mill Valley, as well as work on Cisco’s global government affairs team. He began his career on Citi’s New York City trading floor. His political experience includes the U.S. Senate, The White House, and Senator John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign.