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our team

Our team

LEADERSHIP

Betsy Brennan

President & CEO

Bio

As President and CEO, Betsy leads the Downtown San Diego Partnership, a member-based
organization focused on promoting an economically prosperous and culturally vibrant urban center for
Downtown’s residents, visitors, and employees. A graduate of the University of San Diego School of
Law, Betsy previously worked as Chief of Staff for then-Council President Scott Peters. She also held
executive-level positions at the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, Tahoe Forest Health
System, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and San Diego State University. She has served on several local
nonprofit boards of directors, including her current positions on the boards of the San Diego Regional
Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, University of San Diego School of Law Board of Visitors, and the Columbia Community Foundation. Betsy and her husband, Eli, and children are grateful to enjoy living in and discovering San Diego

Justin Apger

Chief Operations Officer

Bio

As Chief Operations Officer, Justin leads the day-to-day operations of the Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP), where he drives future growth and strategy for the 84-employee organization. Justin obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin-Wallace College with a major in International Business. He went on to attend Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he obtained his Master of Arts in Intercultural Relations with a concentration in Training and Consulting. Justin has a proven track record of stabilizing, systemizing, and growing businesses. He was a founding member of Mission Edge, one of the largest management consulting organizations for social enterprises and nonprofits in San Diego. He has served as an executive coach for local leaders, board strategist and startup specialist. Justin has also served in other operations and finance leadership roles, and as a human resource and operations consultant for event planning companies and restaurants. His community involvement includes Board membership on prominent community organizations, committee roles, and membership with the Society for Human Resource Management. Justin and his partner, JC, enjoy the theatre scene in San Diego, all the hiking opportunities our region offers and trying new restaurants in San Diego’s growing culinary space.

Alonso Vivas

Senior Vice President &

Executive Director

Clean & Safe

Bio

Alonso Vivas is the Executive Director of the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe Program. He appreciates working with community members to provide a safe, clean, and pleasant environment, and working alongside Clean & Safe’s Maintenance and Safety Ambassadors every single day. Alonso was born in Santa Ana, California, and grew up in Tijuana and Chula Vista, where he managed his family’s businesses (a tortilla shop in Tijuana and an automotive business in Chula Vista). He and his wonderful wife have three incredible daughters who are three, eight, and 12 years old.

Kaitlin Payne

Senior Vice

President

Membership & EventS

Bio

Kaitlin serves as Senior Vice President of Membership and Events for the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Her primary focus is on member recruitment, engagement, and events. She is charged with maintaining membership retention and guiding member participation in Partnership initiatives and activities. In addition, Kaitlin is responsible for ensuring excellent member experiences across the organization. She is a graduate of California State University, San Marcos (where she received a bachelor’s degree in Communication), and a member of the YoungPro Elite San Diego Chapter. Kaitlin is a native San Diegan, and - in her free time - she enjoys riding her beach cruiser along the beach and bay, exercising, hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and exploring the sites, sips, and bites throughout Downtown San Diego.

Sarah Brothers

Vice President of Marketing

& Communications

Bio

Sarah oversees the Marketing & Communications department for the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Her responsibilities include connecting residents, businesses and stakeholders to the DSDP’s stories of impact, advocacy and growth, showcasing DSDP marketing initiatives and campaigns, and managing the development of creative assets to promote Downtown’s prominence in the region. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego. With her combined history in both public service and public relations she brings a strong background in communications, marketing and government to the DSDP. She is a graduate of the LEAD Impact program and spends her spare time performing with a local choir.

THE DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO PARTNERSHIP TEAM

Terri Johnson

Director of Finance &

Administration

Bio

A graduate of San Diego State University with a BS in Accounting, Terri Johnson has an active CPA license in the state of California. With over 25 years of experience managing the financial health of non-profit organizations, Terri brings valuable leadership experience and technical knowledge uniquely relevant to the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Her responsibilities include managing all aspects of financial health for DSDP including budgeting and forecasting, strategic financial planning and reporting, interfacing with executive team and governing bodies, annual audit and tax filings, reporting and compliance for contracts and agreements with funders, managing the organization’s processes and internal controls to ensure the safeguarding of assets, and supervising day-to-day accounting activities.

April Hill

Director of People & Culture

Bio

April Hill is the Director of People & Culture at the Downtown San Diego Partnership where she serves as the top people leader responsible for the vision, strategy, development, and execution of organizational effectiveness, talent, and culture management programs aimed at advancing the mission and enhancing organizational results. April has 10+ years of human resources and managerial experience, and specializes in employee engagement, development, and training. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Tennessee State University and her Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Management from Argosy University. April has a passion for community and serves as committee chair for two nonprofits where she has an enormous impact on the youth. In April’s spare time she loves to travel and explore new beaches around the world.

Taylor Stahl

Director of Special Projects

Bio

As the Director of Special Projects, Taylor supports the organization by driving growth-focused initiatives and executing multi-year strategies. Taylor oversees key initiatives and manages a portfolio of long- and short-term projects to achieve the organization’s goals and vision. She has a passion for process improvement and enjoys collaborating with internal and external stakeholders alike. Taylor graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a focus in Spanish Linguistics. She is a graduate of the LEAD Advance program (19) and obtained her Project Management certification from Cornell University. Taylor is passionate about sports, photography, and travel. When she’s not working, you can find her battling it out on the pickleball courts, working on a home DIY project, or spending time with friends and family.

Ernesto Romo

Director of Maintenance

Services

Clean & Safe

Bio

Ernesto began his journey with the Downtown Partnership as a Maintenance Ambassador in 2008. His
time on the maintenance team gave him great insight into the different dynamic communities in Downtown San Diego. His hard work and dedication to improving Downtown quickly led Ernesto to a supervisor role, then to Operations Manager for the Clean & Safe program. Now, Ernesto manages maintenance, landscaping, power washing, special projects, volunteer events, and contractors. Outside of work, he spends time every week volunteering at Cornerstone Church of San Diego. Ernesto thoroughly enjoys being an active member of both his church and Downtown communities. He
appreciates having the opportunity to make a difference in creating a clean, safe, enjoyable Downtown San Diego.

Dani Garcia

Director of Safety Services

Clean & Safe

Bio

Dani’s journey with Clean & Safe began in 2014 when she started as a maintenance ambassador, detailing the streets of East Village and City Center. Five years later, after being promoted to both Captain and Supervisor, Dani now serves as the Clean & Safe Operations Manager and is proud to contribute to the success of her team alongside her colleagues. Raised in National City and a San Diegan at heart, Dani comes from a large family and grew up playing soccer. Now, she coaches her nieces’ soccer teams – they are undefeated champions! Dani also likes traveling to different national parks to find peace and quiet in nature. Locally, she enjoys attending small-venue concerts and Symphony performances at the Tower or the Embarcadero.

Sean Warner

Director of Community

Enhancement

Clean & Safe

Bio

Sean is responsible for overseeing the Downtown San Diego Business Improvement District, Commercial Enhancement Program, and charitable foundations, as well as neighborhood placemaking and activations. Prior to joining the DSDP team, Sean served as Placemaking Manager at the Downtown Long Beach Alliance. In this role, he initiated experiential placemaking and pedestrian enhancement projects, such as crosswalk art, pedestrian wayfinding signage, and a temporary urban park space called The Loop at Pine Ocean. Sean is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he received his degree in City and Regional Planning. He is an active member of the International Downtown Association, where he participated on the inaugural Pedestrian Improvements Council. As a recent transplant to San Diego, Sean enjoys exploring Downtown and its unique neighborhoods and experiences with his wife and their young son.

Kathryn Newstead

Director of Events &

Programs

Bio

As the Downtown Partnership’s Membership Development and Programs Manager, Kathryn manages all aspects of the organization's member events and programs. She is also responsible for supporting the Downtown Partnership's membership recruitment and retention efforts. Kathryn is a San Diego native and has spent the majority of her career in the hospitality and event industry in Downtown. She loves that her work provides the opportunity to work creatively to deliver memorable experiences. Kathryn received her bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of California, San Diego. Outside of work, she enjoys going to concerts, practicing yoga, spending time with friends and family, and trying out different restaurants around San Diego.

Regina Nolte-Ware

Operations Manager

Clean & Safe

Bio

Regina started working for Clean & Safe as a maintenance ambassador in 2005. Now, after having served as both an assistant supervisor and a supervisor, Regina manages the operations of financial functions for the program in her role as Finance and Operations Specialist. Regina received her A.A. in Behavioral Sciences and a Certificate in Mental Health from San Diego City College in 2013. She also received her B.A. in Liberal Arts (with an emphasis on Social Work – Gerontology) in 2019, and plans to return to SDSU for a Masters in Social Work. When not in the office, Regina enjoys traveling, going to the movies, and spending time with her family. She volunteers for the City of San Diego’s Therapeutic Services where she works at events hosted for mentally challenged adults, as well as at the Neighborhood House Adult Day Health Center. working with the seniors.

Joel Hermosillo

CITY CENTER BUSINESS

IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

MANAGER

Bio

As the City Center Business Improvement District Manager, Joel oversees the management and execution of the marketing and development efforts for the City Center Downtown Improvement District (BID). Prior to joining the DSDP team, Joel was part of the City of Menifee’s Office of Economic Development, where he oversaw business retention, attraction, and expansion for the City. His passion in working with businesses comes from being part of a small business owning family and knowing the challenges given to businesses. When Joel is not working, you can find him playing golf in one of many beautiful golf courses in San Diego.

Rio Sison

Accounting Manager

Bio

Rio currently serves as the Accounting Manager for the Downtown San Diego Partnership. She graduated San Diego State University in 2014 with a Bachelors in Accounting and is currently working towards obtaining her CPA license. Prior to joining the DSDP team, she has had over 7 years of experience in the tax & accounting industry and connected with many small business employers to assist in providing bookkeeping and payroll services. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her baby blue nose pitbull, rock climbing, and practicing yoga.

Danielle Cobb

Marketing & Communications

Manager

Bio

Danielle Cobb is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Downtown San Diego Partnership where she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s earned and owned communications channels, supporting the execution of marketing and communications strategies to tell DSDP’s story, and establishing KPIs to track success. Prior to this role, she built her career in some of San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle’s top PR agencies as an earned media specialist working with brands in food and beverage, lifestyle, travel, consumer technology, and nonprofits. Danielle received her bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from San Diego State University.

Sam Ramirez

Marketing Designer

Bio

Sam is the Marketing Designer for the Downtown San Diego Partnership where he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s brand and digital marketing content. Sam works closely with every department to create and bring to life their visual needs such as logos, graphics, website, and social media visuals. Sam received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in digital marketing.

Carolyn Perkins

Executive Assistant & Board

Liaison

Bio

Carolyn serves as the Executive Assistant and Board Liaison for the Partnership. She is responsible for keeping up with the CEO’s “chock-full” calendar and prepares for the Officers, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors meetings, happily assisting in all Partnership events. Prior to joining the Partnership, Carolyn served on staff for City Council District 2. Carolyn grew up in beautiful Claremont, California and received a B.S. in Environmental Design from San Diego State University. Her passion for San Diego started in a class entitled “Geography of Cities,” and she has worked for several civil engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture firms in San Diego. Carolyn thoroughly appreciates being part of the team helping to keep San Diego “America’s Finest City.” In her spare time, she enjoys her three young-adult kids, puttering around in her yard, and spending time at the beach - especially when the ocean is warm.

Charity Jones

Office Coordinator

Clean & Safe

Bio

Charity is the Office Coordinator for the Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean & Safe program. Her responsibilities include assisting the program director and managing the day-to-day needs of the office staff. Prior to joining the Downtown Partnership Clean & Safe team, she worked in the legal field for 15 years. Charity is a San Diego native and likes all things music, live shows, collecting records, and discovering new sounds. She also thoroughly enjoys a good horror film.

Anya Meave

DATA COORDINATOR

Clean & Safe

Bio

Anya joined the Clean and Safe team in 2022 as a Data Coordinator. She brings a range of experience in mixed method data collection and researching community frameworks. Previous research conducted includes demographic analysis for the Red Cross San Diego Chapter and food insecurity issues experienced by college students for the University of North Texas. Anya graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology in 2020, and she is currently working toward her Master of Science degree in Applied Environmental Anthropology from the University of North Texas. Although she has lived in San Diego for many years, she continues to explore the region and its various natural landscapes. In her spare time, Anya enjoys spending time with her family, photographing the outdoors, observing nature, and growing food in her urban garden.

Joseph McKay

Human Resources Generalist

Clean & Safe

Bio

As the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s HR Generalist, Joseph assists in several areas of human resources for the organization including recruiting & onboarding, compliance, benefits administration, and employee relations. A born and raised San Diegan, Joseph attended and graduated from Biola University in Los Angeles with a B.A. in Cinema & Media Arts. Prior to joining the DSDP team, Joseph served in a variety of HR and talent acquisition roles in the theme park, event marketing, and healthcare industries. Joseph enjoys improving processes and procedures to not only be more efficient but also to provide a better customer experience for everyone. When he isn’t at work, Joseph enjoys volunteering with his church as a youth leader and being a part of their various community initiatives. In his free time, Joseph enjoys going to Disneyland with his family, visiting national parks, and cheering on his hometown Padres.

Jenny Brenner

Events and Programs

Coordinator

Blake Nachtsheim

Membership Coordinator

Bio

Blake serves as the Membership Coordinator for the Downtown San Diego Partnership. His responsibilities include assisting with membership growth and retention efforts, as well as providing support to current members. Blake graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in business management and his prior experience includes work in operations, the brewing industry and firefighting. He began working in the non-profit sector with the San Diego Housing Federation and is excited to continue down that path at the Downtown San Diego Partnership. In his free time, he likes to surf, play music, and go backpacking with friends.

Rose Harris

Program Manager of

Unhoused Care Team

Bio

Rose joins the Downtown San Diego Partnership with years of diverse experience in the social services field as both a volunteer and as an employee. Her most recent work includes service as a Supervisor of Residential Care at Father Joe's Villages. In that role, she oversaw 324 male beds all in one large hall. Rose’s past experience also includes work as an IT and Operations Analyst at a county organization, work for nonprofits, marketing agencies, and fundraising organizations, and even time teaching meditation techniques at Los Colinas Women's Reentry Facility. Rose loves to paint, box, rock climb, go solo backpacking and paddle board. She was born and raised in San Diego.

Jocelyn Johnson-Wilson

PROGRAM SUPERVISOR OF

UNHOUSEDCARETEAM

Bio

Jocelyn comes to the Downtown San Diego Partnership with 14 years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness. Prior to joining the Downtown Partnership team, Jocelyn was a Case Manager III for Lutheran Social Services of Southwest out of Phoenix, Arizona. During her time at Lutheran Social Services of Southwest, she oversaw the women’s shelter in Mesa, Arizona and the men and women’s shelter in Surprise, Arizona. Jocelyn brings a great deal of compassion, dignity, respect and experience to her work with the less fortunate. During her time out of the office, she enjoys traveling and exploring new things!

Roger Flores

Unhoused Care Team Data

Entry Coordinator

Megan Fowler

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

Bio

Megan joins the Downtown San Diego Partnership team with her most recent experience as both a resource and then an outreach specialist with Father Joe’s. Megan enjoys playing soccer and computer games, and spending time with her two cats. She is proud to have been born and raised here in San Diego.

Dunia Mobley

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

Turquoise Teagle

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

Bio

Turquoise joins the Downtown San Diego Partnership team with her most recent experience as both an intake coordinator with PATH and veteran advocate for Veterans Village of San Diego. When she's not working, Turquoise enjoys playing Call of Duty on Xbox and spending time with her two guinea pigs. She is proud to be from Philadelphia but is currently enjoying the West Coast.

Keith Gerow

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

Bio

Keith joins the Downtown San Diego Partnership team with a track record of experience working with and for marginalized communities through his work at PACE, National University, the San Francisco AIDS Program, and the National Institutes of Health. He hails from Royal Oak Michigan but was lucky enough to spend his childhood summers here in San Diego hanging at the zoo, riding boogie boards, or hopping around the tide pools at Ocean Beach. When he's not working, Keith enjoys going to the swap meet, cooking, sewing, or finding any reason to peddle somewhere on his bike.

Sabrina Washington

Unhoused Care Team

Travel Specialist

Bio

Sabrina joined the homeless outreach team in September of 2019 as the Travel Coordinator. Before her journey to the Partnership, she worked as a college advisor through UC San Diego’s TRiO Outreach Program, where she guided and advised first generation, low income high school students in their pursuit of higher education. Sabrina graduated from UC San Diego in 2018 with a B.A. in Ethnic Studies, which led to her interests in community and outreach work. She has always been passionate about changing her community in a positive way and helping others be the best version of themselves. Since working in Downtown, Sabrina has learned there is always something new to see, but most of all, she loves being able to help a community that people often ignore or shame. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with a focus on black trauma and PTSD. When Sabrina is not at work she loves to read, paint, and learn new skills.

Diana Guzman

Unhoused Care Team

Travel Coordinator

Cesar Lara

Operations Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Mark Springer

Operations Supervisor

Clean & Safe

John Bolin

Operations Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Peter Hernandez

Operations Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Johnnie Long

Operations Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Devante Sharpe-Shropshire

Operations Supervisor

Clean & Safe

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