Main Menu

Membership
Advocacy
Events & Programs
Explore
About
Clean & Safe

Powered By

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.

Josh Coyne

Vice President of Policy

Bio

As Vice President of Policy, Josh leads a team that elevates the mission and vision of the Downtown San Diego Partnership by cultivating and maintaining critical relationships to advance transformative policies and projects. Josh received his undergraduate degree from Niagara University and his master’s degree from Canisius College. Additionally, Josh is a graduate of the San Diego Leadership Alliance and a current board member for San Diego LGBT Pride. For self-care, Josh and his partner John enjoy traveling, walking their rescue dog Lucy along the beach, and enjoying a glass (or two!) of wine.

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.

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.

Kathryn Newstead

Director of Events &

Programs

Bio

As the Downtown Partnership’s Director of Events, 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.

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.

Nathan Bishop

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

Bio

As the Downtown Partnership’s Director of Economic Development, Nathan leads the organization’s efforts in developing strategic initiatives that cultivate the economic vitality and growth of Downtown San Diego. He actively promotes investment and real estate development in Downtown through tenant recruitment strategies and market analysis. Prior to joining the DSDP team, Nathan served as Economic Development Director at the Denver South Economic Development Partnership in Colorado and has over a decade of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. He received his undergraduate degree from Murray State University and his graduate degree in Urban & Regional Planning from University of Colorado - Denver. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, golfing, traveling, and exploring new local restaurants with his wife and daughters.

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.

Skyler Johnson

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER

Bio

As Government Affairs Manager, Skyler works to develop and maintain critical relationships with business and community leaders to ensure a vibrant, safe and prosperous Downtown San Diego. A Southern California native, Skyler grew up in Orange County and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His passion for public policy is informed by his extensive experience working in politics around the country from Las Vegas to Washington D.C. And if you like tennis, so does Skyler — he plays often on courts all over town.

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.

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.

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 and Operations

Specialist

Clean & Safe

Bio

Anya joined the Clean and Safe team in 2022 as a Data and Operations Specialist. 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

Bio

Jenny works as the Events and Programs Coordinator for the Downtown San Diego Partnership. She assists in all aspects of planning the organization’s member events and programs, community events, and experiences for the Downtown community. Jenny received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from San Diego State University. During her time there, she was a part of the event planning team for an organization on campus which sparked her love for events and hosting. In her free time, Jenny likes to explore the newest trending spots in San Diego, have competitive game nights with friends, and get active through hiking and yoga.

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

Bio

Roger joins the Unhoused Care Team with a background in behavioral health programs in San Diego. Prior to his time at the Downtown San Diego Partnership, Roger worked at Telecare mental health center where he developed a huge heart for helping those who need a little extra care. When he’s not working, Roger loves giving back to the community in any way he can, spending time with family, working out, biking, playing sports, and gaming.

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

Bio

Dunia “Dee” Mobley joins the Downtown San Diego Partnership with previous experience working at Serving Seniors and Veterans Village of San Diego Emergency Housing Shelter. She has a passion for helping others and brings that to her role of Unhoused Care Team Coordinator. Dee was born and raised in San Diego. When she’s not working, Dee enjoys cooking, laughing, and spending time with family and friends.

Crystal Brown

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

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.

Elijah Cohen-Saperstein

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

Bio

Elijah joins the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Unhoused Care Team with a background in clinical case management and psychosocial rehabilitation.  Elijah also brings expertise as a first responder to their work, with more than 20 years of experience serving the community. Elijah is a military veteran, having served in the Israeli Defense Force, and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Psychology. They enjoy volunteering and are actively involved in community activism. Elijah is a proud member of the American Psychological Association, where they play a role in the Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, and also serves on the leadership team at San Diego Pride. When they are not assisting the unhoused in Downtown San Diego, they spend most of their time with family and friends, volunteering, and cooking something delicious.

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.

Kenia Ruiz Torres

Family reunification

outreach Coordinator

Oliver Vera

Unhoused Care Team

Coordinator

Peter Hernandez

Senior Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Bio

Peter started working on the Clean & Safe team in 2015 on a cart in the City Center and Columbia neighborhoods getting a lay of the land. Ready to take on more responsibility, he became a driver in the East Village to assist with service calls in 2016. As a result of his commitment to hard work and persistence, Peter was promoted to supervisor in 2019, a position he still holds today. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies, cooking, and playing chess.

Mark Springer

senior Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Bio

Mark began his journey on the Clean & Safe team in 2012 as a maintenance ambassador. He originally started as an ambassador in the Marina District and was then promoted to Cortez captain which expanded his responsibilities within the company. Shortly after, he was promoted to the role of swing shift supervisor. Mark takes great pride in his work when it comes to maintenance in all areas of Downtown. When he’s not working, Mark enjoys cooking and barbequing.

John Bolin

Operations swing Supervisor

Clean & Safe

Bio

John began working at the Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean & Safe program in 2017 as a maintenance ambassador. Since then, he has worked as a Project Lead for enhanced services in the East Village community and was later promoted to his current position of Operations Supervisor. He is proud to be a part of an organization that takes care of and respects the community it represents. John was born and raised in Chula Vista and his previous experience includes work in construction, plant nurseries, and building maintenance. During his off hours, John likes to spend time with his fiancé visiting the beaches and restaurants in San Diego.

Cesar Lara

Operations graveyard

Supervisor Clean & Safe

Bio

Cesar’s journey with the Clean & Safe team began in 2014 as a swing shift trash truck driver focusing on pulling trash throughout all the city grids. During this time, he worked alongside SDPD assisting with clearing encampments, illegal dumps, and painting over graffiti. Later, he transitioned to the graveyard shift trash truck driver and was then promoted to graveyard shift supervisor. Cesar has enjoyed working with a team who is continuously seeking knowledge and can learn from each other’s skills, experience, and wisdom. He is proud to be part of such an important organization that is responsible for keeping our beautiful urban neighborhoods clean and safe.

Johnnie Long

Operations graveyard

Supervisor Clean & Safe

Luis Leon

Operations Dispatcher

Clean & Safe

Bio

Luis has been with the Clean & Safe program since 2014. He began as a maintenance ambassador and moved into a training position where he prepared new hires for the field before moving into Special Projects. Now, Luis serves as the Operations Dispatcher for Clean & Safe where he manages incoming inquiries from the community and deploys team members to address them. In his spare time, he coaches adult and youth soccer teams throughout San Diego and has even recognized by the Latino newspaper for his mentorship of youth soccer. Raising his extraordinary 11-year-old son, mentoring kids, and giving back to his community in San Diego are what drive
him most.

0 Shares

Stay informed

Email Address*

Find us on

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube

Main Menu

Membership
About
Downtown
Events
Contact
Clean & Safe