Mayor Todd Gloria has appointed and reappointed members to the city of San Diego’s International Affairs Board. The advisory board’s main focus is to develop an international strategy for the city, guiding international engagement over the next decade.
The appointees will serve two-year terms ending on March 1, 2025 in community member seats. Some of the appointees include:
– Hampton Brown, the Vice President/Chief Revenue Officer of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority. His previous experience includes private sector aviation consulting and project logistics planning for the telecommunications industry.
– Aron Davidson, the director for San Diego and Imperial counties with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Davidson leads a team that supports regional businesses by providing export programs and services.
– Benjamin Eastman, the senior director of tourism development of the San Diego Tourism Authority. He is responsible for promoting San Diego as a top destination for leisure travelers.
– Dr. Luc Lenain, an associate research scientist and the director of the Air-Sea Interaction Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. His research focuses on topics such as physics, fluid mechanics, air-sea interaction, and surface wave dynamics.
– Dr. Shahrzad Kamyab, the president of the San Diego-Tijuana Sister City Society within the San Diego International Sister City Association. She has a background in international education and has written about youth unemployment and higher education issues in the Middle East and North Africa.
– Suzanne Svahn, a licensed realtor and the president of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce. She is also involved in various organizations like the House of Sweden and the SWEA Swedish Women Education Association.
– Mary Abad, a relationship manager serving middle market companies and non-profits based in San Diego with BBVA, a global banking group.
– Richard Bainter, a legal representative for international organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses. He has advised international organizations on matters related to internal administration, diplomatic and organizational immunities, and external relations.
– Paul Marttila, a vice president of global business development with the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors. He is responsible for leading international business and corporate initiatives.
– Joel Valenzuela, the director of maritime at the Port of San Diego. With his extensive experience in the global maritime industry, he plays a crucial role in trade and international business development.
– Dennis-Michael Broussard, who serves on several nonprofit boards and committees, including the USS Midway Museum and the San Diego International Sister Cities Association.
– Miri Ketayi, the director of Israel & Overseas issues with the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. She previously directed programs at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
These appointments bring together a diverse group of professionals who will contribute to the international engagement of the city of San Diego.