____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: _______________________
Disposition: ___________________________
Agenda Item No: SM 1.a
Meeting Date: October 6, 2025
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Clerk’s Office
Prepared by: Lindsay Lara, City Clerk City Manager Approval: ______________ TOPIC: BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES INTERVIEWS
SUBJECT: INTERVIEW APPLICANTS AND MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AND THE FIRE COMMISSION TO THE END OF OCTOBER 2029 RECOMMENDATION:
Interview applicants and make appointments to the Board of Library Trustees, Fire Commission, Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, and the Planning Commission.
BACKGROUND:
The City of San Rafael actively recruits community members to serve on its boards, commissions, and committees to ensure broad representation and public input in City policy and decision-making.
Vacancies occur periodically due to term expirations, resignations, or newly created positions. The following members’ terms are set to expire at the end of October 2025:
Alex Vahdat, Board of Library Trustees (1st of two terms) Jaimi Cortez, Board of Library Trustees (2nd of two terms – terming out) Ken Johnson, Fire Commission (1st of two terms)
Donna McCusker, Fire Commission (1st of two terms)
Daniel Alm, Police Advisory & Accountability Committee (1st of two terms) Fatai Tokolahi, Police Advisory & Accountability Committee (1st of two terms) Marilyn Alvarez, Police Advisory & Accountability Committee Youth Member (1st of two terms) Jill Rodby, Planning Commissioner, District 1 (1st of three terms) Additionally there is a vacant seat on the Planning Commission for District 4, of which we have received no applications to date.
The City Clerk’s Office conducts outreach for each vacancy through the City’s website, social media channels, email subscription lists, and MarinIJ. Interested residents submit an application, which is reviewed and scheduled for interviews by the City Council.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
The following vacancies were recently advertised:
Body Number of Seats Term Expiration
Board of Library Trustees 2 10/2025
Fire Commission 2 10/2025
Police Advisory and Accountability Committee 3 10/2025
Planning Commission, District 1 1 10/2025
Planning Commission, District 4 1 07/2025
All applications received by the filing deadline were provided to the City Council in advance of this meeting.
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommends the City Council interview applicants, and make appointments to two terms on the Board of Library Trustees and two terms on the Fire Commission, and any alternate terms as needed.
Board of Library Trustees Fire Commission
Alexander Vahdat Donna McCusker
Caroline Doyle Kenneth Johnson
Michael Polk Robert Mittelstaedt
Board of Library Trustees:
The term of Alexander Vahdat and Jaimi Cortes is set to expire at the end of October 2025. Alexander Vahdat is eligible for another term, however, Jaimi Cortes was ineligible because she has completed two consecutive terms and is terming-off of the Board of Library Trustees. Seven applications were received for the Board of Library Trustees; however, two applicants withdrew, and two applicants never responded to Staff to schedule interviews and confirm interest in serving.
The term of Donna McCusker and Kenneth Johnson is set to expire at the end of October 2025. Both incumbents are eligible for another term and have both reapplied. Six applications were received for the Fire Commission; however, one applicant withdrew, and two applicants never responded to Staff to schedule interviews and confirm interest in serving.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The recruitment process was publicly noticed on the City’s website, through social media, in the City Manager’s newsletter, and Marin IJ. Outreach was also extended to community partners and stakeholder groups to encourage broad participation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Make appointments to each legislative body following the interview; including alternate members as needed.
2. Direct the City Clerk’s office to continue recruitment for certain Boards, Commissions and Committees.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Interview applicants and make appointments to the Board of Library Trustees and the Fire Commission.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Board of Library Trustees applications
2. Fire Commission applications
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Alexander Vahdat Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94903
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 4/Northern / Distrito 4/Norte
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
8 Q4
Business Information
Company Berman Tabacco
Address
City/Town San Francisco
ZIP/Postal Code 94104
#121
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 3:10:42 PM
Last Modified: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 3:15:13 PM
Time Spent: 00:04:30
IP Address: 162.231.99.49
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
Current Board member
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Board of Library Trustees
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? San Rafael Board of Library Trustees
Marin County Bar Association - Programs Committee Chair Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
San Rafael Board of Library Trustees
Marin County Bar Association - Programs Committee Chair Q20
Education:
BA, UC Davis (2007)
JD, UC Davis School of Law (2012)
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I am looking forward to continuing my service on the Library Board as the Carnegie Branch reopens and to help shape the vision for the new Library building in my next term. The Library is such an integral part of our community, and I want to ensure that it continues to be a cornerstone of San Rafael as it and the city grow.
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
N/A
Q23
Upload your resume.
Respondent skipped this question
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards and Commissions Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information
First and Last Name Caroline Doyle
Address
Address 2
City/Town San Rafael
State/Province CA
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
Email Address
Phone Number
Q2
What district do you currently live in?
District 2/Western
Q3
What Board would you like to apply to?
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee,
Board of Library Trustees
Q7
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
I haver lived in San Rafael for twenty-eight years.
#5
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Sunday, April 23, 2023 6:52:09 AM
Last Modified: Sunday, April 23, 2023 11:05:12 AM
Time Spent: 04:13:02
IP Address: 174.160.9.209
Boards and Commissions Application
2 / 3
Q8
Business Information
Company Bright Horizons
Address
City/Town San Rafael
ZIP/Postal Code 94903
Q9
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
I received an email from the library.
Q10
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? No, I do not.
Q11
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
None.
Q12
Education:
I gave a degree in early childhood education and theater.
Q13
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I've lover the San Rafael public library and I have been a member for my whole life.
Q14
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I don't anticipate that I'd have any.
Q15
Upload your resume.
Work%20Resume%20Winter%202020.pdf (79.7KB)
Boards and Commissions Application
3 / 3
Q16
Ethnicity
Q17
To which gender do you most identify?
Q18
How old are you?
Caroline Elizabeth Doyle
Profile:
I am a graduate of the College of Marin where I studied theater and subsequently Early Childhood Education. I have always been bright, creative, nurturing, confident, well spoken and well read, gentle, inclusive, and very joyous. I have found these traits to align well with connecting with and educating children.
Experience:
Teacher
November 2015 to Present
For the past five years I have been a teacher in a two’s classroom at the Marin Commons campus of Bright Horizons. Throughout most of this time I have team taught under a lead teacher, but I have maintained my classroom independently. In my five years I have built an early learning environment that has successfully and beautifully fostered the development of each child and which celebrates them. I supported this in the writing and implementing of age appropriate weekly curricula and facilitating and documenting the learning, joy, and milestones of my students. I built mindful and loving relationships with children and their families and other teachers as well and I kept open communication both written and verbally.
Resource Teacher
November 2015 to November 2016
Between two Bright Horizons campuses; Marin Commons and Marin Day School I provided flex assistance in each of their classrooms ranging from the infant program through kindergarten preparation. I had a unique opportunity gain familiarity, knowledge, and love of a wide variety of ages and people.
Program Leader
September 2013 to Present
I provide before school care at a local San Anselmo based elementary school through the Marin YMCA. In this position I provide supervision and structure yet bring a bright and engaging element to each day. I work with children aged four to ten.
Extracurricular Work and Accomplishments
Reading Buddy
September 2017 to Present
I volunteer at the San Rafael Public Library once per week where elementary school aged read children aloud to me. The program is designed mainly to support students who are learning English as a second language and provides them an opportunity outside of school to develop their reading abilities. In addition to gaining weekly practice at reading and speaking in English I strive to help these children build vocabularies and increase their retention and understanding.
College of Marin Drama Department Secretary, 2011 to 2013 College of Marin Drama Department Most Outstanding Contribution, 2011 Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Michael Polk
Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94901-1646
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 2/Western / Distrito 2/Oeste
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
26 years
Q4
Business Information
Respondent skipped this question
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
City Manager's Newsletter
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Board of Library Trustees
#127
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Monday, July 28, 2025 6:02:26 PM
Last Modified: Monday, July 28, 2025 8:05:46 PM
Time Spent: 02:03:19
IP Address: 76.133.31.142
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? Marin History Museum historical events, walks, lectures; Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society events; County fair, Farmer's Markets, West End Neighborhood events, West End community events.
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Marin History Museum; Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society.
Q20
Education:
San Rafael High School, 1963-1967
College of Marin, 1967-1969 (AA)
San Diego State University, 1969-1972 (BA)
Michigan State University, 1976-1979 (MA)
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I enjoy engaging in activities surrounding libraries, I visit the SR library often to check out books, DVDs, do research. I also do extensive historical research at the Marin Library, many university and public libraries in the Bay Area and elsewhere in the country. I worked several library settings including establishing a library for the Anthropology Department at San Diego State and in a paid clerical position in the Science Library at Michigan State University. Also, having established and operated my own business in the cultural resources management business for 30 years, I served on many organizational boards during that time. I enjoyed and thrived those settings, serving as secretary and then president in a national trade association, and as a board member on another. In those positions I planned and carried out agendas and oversaw many different projects and activities.
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
Q23
Upload your resume.
Michael%20R%20Polk%20short%20resume.pdf (136.8KB)
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
1 MICHAEL R. POLK
San Rafael, California 94901
EDUCATION
M.A. Anthropology Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 1979 Study Anthropology Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 1973-75 B.A. Anthropology San Diego State University, San Diego, California 1972
LIBRARY AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE
2005 Founding member and Board Member of the American Cultural Resources Association. Secretary 2005-2006; President 1996-1997 and 2007-2009.
2001- Board Member of the Society for Historical Archaeology. Chair of Business Committee. 2004
1999 Conference Chair of Society for Historical Archaeology Annual Conference, Salt Lake City. 1981- Operation of branch office of cultural resources firm which, in 1983 became a firm owned and 2013 operated by my wife and myself. This involved office management, employee hiring and oversight, fieldwork, and report writing.
1979- Field Director, Tombigbee River Waterway Project, Archaeological Excavation, West Point 1980 Mississippi.
1978- I was employed as full-time a clerical assistant to the Science Librarian at the Michigan State 1979 University Library. My duties included correspondence, catalog maintenance, book inventory, book catalog restoration, and evaluation of book stack condition and establishment of new book space.
1971- Another student and I put together a library for the San Diego State University Anthropology 1972 Department. I was also employed part-time as Anthropology Department Laboratory Director.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2017- I serve as Principal of Aspen Ridge Consultants, L.L.C. I have undertaken and continue work on archaeological and historical projects in northern Utah and coastal California. One of my focuses is on research and fieldwork on Chinese workers at transcontinental railroad camps in Utah, Nevada and coastal California.
2013-16 Regional Director, Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc., Ogden, Utah. 1983- Principal Archaeologist/Owner, Sagebrush Consultants, L.L.C., Ogden, Utah; solicited and 2013 managed cultural resources contracts, other environmental work; conducted fieldwork and report preparation; managed and conducted surveys, monitoring, excavation, and historic evaluation projects (including HABS and HAER) in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, 2 Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, and California; completed more than 1000 projects.
1981-83 Western Regional Manager, Environment Consultants, Inc., Ogden, Utah. 1980-81 Project Manager, ECI, Addison, Texas.
1979-80 Program Supervisor for Field Archaeology on Tombigbee Historic Townsites Project, West Point, Mississippi.
RECENT SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS
Polk, Michael R.
2024 Chinese Railroad Grade Interments in Utah. Paper Presented at the 56th Annual Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology, Oakland, California, January 3-6.
Anatomy of a Branch Line, West End and Highland Stations. The Northwesterner 38 (1).
The San Rafael and San Quentin Railroad Depot: 1870 San Rafael Lithograph.
The Northwesterner 38 (2).
2023 Chinese Railroad Worker Interments in Nevada and Utah, 1868-1869. Senior author with Christopher W. Merritt. Paper Presented at the 55th Annual Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology, Lisbon, Portugal, January 4-7.
Anatomy of a Branch Line: San Rafael-San Anselmo, Part 1. The Northwesterner 37 (1).
Anatomy of a Branch Line Part II: The Depots – B Street Station. The Northwesterner 37 (2). 2022 Archaeologists and Historic Railroad Resources in the United States. Society for American Archaeology, Advances in Archaeological Practice 10(2): 227-236.
Tales of Railroad Ghosts in Marin County. The Northwesterner 36(1).
Railroad Abandonments in Marin County 1960-1996. The Northwesterner 36 (2).
Finding Things Where Least Expected: Excavation of an Historic Plank Bridge in Salt Lake City. Article in Utah Archaeology.
2021 Rails East to Ogden: Utah’s Transcontinental Railroad Story. Senior author with Christopher W. Merritt with contributions by Michael Sheehan, Kenneth P. Cannon, and Molly Boeka Cannon. Cultural Resources Series No. 29, Bureau of Land Management, Salt Lake City, Utah. https://issuu.com/utah10/docs/rails_east_to_ogden/261
2020 Book Review of: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Utah: Remembering Nine Years of Achievement, 1933-1942, by Kenneth W. Baldridge, In: Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. 88, No. 1.
3 Spatial Relationships at Ethnic Chinese Dominated Section Stations in the Western United States. Paper presented at the 53rd Annual Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology, Boston, Massachusetts. January.
2019 Chinese Workers at Central Pacific Railroad Section Station Camps, 1870-1900. Web Exclusive Essay, Stanford University Chinese Railroad Workers of North America Project. https://web.stanford.edu/group/chineserailroad/cgi-bin/website/chinese-workers-at-centralpacific-railroad-section-station-camps-1870%e2%88%921900/ Chinese Maintenance Workers and The Central Pacific Railroad, 1870-1900. Presented at the International Symposium of the Transnational Life of Chinese Railroad Workers in North America, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China, June 5-6, 2019. 2018 Unintended Consequences of Digitalization in Archaeology: A Cautionary Tale. Paper presented at the 51st Annual Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology, New Orleans, Louisiana. January.
2017 Rolling to the 150th: Sesquicentennial of the Transcontinental Railroad. Junior author with Christopher W. Merritt, Kenneth P. Cannon, Michael Sheehan, Glenn Stelter, and Ray Kelsay.
Utah Historical Quarterly 85 (4): 352-363.
2016 Chinese Workers at Central Pacific Railroad Section Stations, 1870 to 1900. With Christopher Merritt. Paper presented at the Chinese Railroad Workers 2016 Conference, Stanford University, California. April.
2014 Interpreting Chinese Worker Camps on the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah. Historical Archaeology 42 (3).
2013 Resource Transformation: The History and Status of the Cultural Resource Management Industry in the United States. Chapter In: Training and Practice for Modern Day Archaeologists, edited by J.H. Jameson and J. Eogan, Springer Science Business Media New York.
2012 From Lampo Junction to Rozel: The Archaeological History of the Transcontinental Railroad across the Promontory Mountains, Utah. Michael R. Polk and Wendy Simmons Johnson.
Sagebrush Consultants Report No. 1614 (April 2012).
ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
-American Cultural Resources Association (1995-present); Board of Directors; Secretary 1995- 1996; President 1996-1997; 2007-2009
-Society for Historical Archaeology (1980-present); Board of Directors 2001-2004; Conference Chair Salt Lake City Meeting 1999; Southwest Editor for SHA Newsletter; continuing committee work.
-Register of Professional Archaeologists (1999-present); Grievance Coordinator Elect (2015- 2016); Grievance Coordinator (2017-2018)
-Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
-Society for California Archaeology
-Marin History Museum
-Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Donna McCusker
Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94903
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 3/Eastern / Distrito 3/Este
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
70 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Morgan Stanley
Address
City/Town Folsom
ZIP/Postal Code 95630
#125
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Thursday, July 24, 2025 4:13:32 PM
Last Modified: Thursday, July 24, 2025 4:19:50 PM
Time Spent: 00:06:17
IP Address: 73.252.241.84
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
currently serving on SRFC
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Fire Commission
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? Volunteer for SRFF
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Marin Needle Arts Guild
Q20
Education:
BA degree
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? Continuing my work on behalf of the SRFD
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
none
Q23
Upload your resume.
Respondent skipped this question
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Kenneth Johnson Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94901
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 2/Western / Distrito 2/Oeste
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
15 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Risk Management & Insurance Address
City/Town San Francisco
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
#130
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Saturday, September 06, 2025 1:30:33 PM
Last Modified: Saturday, September 06, 2025 1:54:55 PM
Time Spent: 00:24:22
IP Address: 136.226.78.194
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
Currently on Fire Commission
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Fire Commission
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? Volunteer at St. Anthony's Foundation volunteer at St. Francis Dining Room Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
RIMS—the Risk and Insurance Management Society—is not a civic organization in the traditional sense (like a neighborhood association or public advocacy group), but it plays a vital role in shaping public and private sector risk strategies that impact civic life.
Q20
Education:
San Francisco State University B.A.
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? Having served on the San Rafael Fire Commission for the past three years, I remain deeply committed to advancing fire safety and resilience in our community—especially given our location in a high-risk wildfire zone. With over 30 years of experience in risk management for large real estate portfolios across the United States and internationally, I bring a broad understanding of how communities can prepare for and respond to natural disasters, including wildfires.
My work as an insurance broker involves advising clients across diverse regions on risk mitigation strategies, emergency planning, and property protection. This global perspective allows me to contribute informed, forward-thinking insights to the Commission’s work —grounded in both best practices and real-world application. I’m passionate about continuing to serve San Rafael by helping shape policies and initiatives that protect lives, property, and the long-term resilience of our city.
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I do not have any known conflicts of interest with the City of San Rafael. I do not hold any financial interests, contractual relationships, or affiliations that would interfere with my ability to serve objectively and in the best interest of the community. My professional work in risk management and insurance is conducted with full transparency and does not involve any direct business with the City itself. I remain committed to upholding the integrity and impartiality required of this role.
Q23
Upload your resume.
Ken%20Johnson%20Resume%2010_2025.pdf (174.5KB)
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
KENNETH P. JOHNSON
Cell:
San Rafael, CA 94901
PROPERTY CASUALTY BROKING
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT |BROKER PRODUCTION | CLIENT MANAGEMENT Senior Area Vice President with a proven 30+ years of track record of delivering sustainable revenue gains, profit growth, and market-share increases. Served a global risk management insurance brokerage and recognized for maintaining a history of exceeding goals for large and complex clients / partners, providing services of a $2.6M book, and developing strategies for complex multinational insurance and risk management programs in collaboration with national / multinational teams. Skilled at managing complex layered property programs, fostering a team approach to external and internal business relationships, and developing business sales plans for the identified targeted prospects and existing clients in both hard and soft market environments.
“Eager to learn new skills in sales and cross-selling; motivated to provide customer service excellence; excited to networking with new people”
VALUE OFFERED
Broking Production
Business Development
Sales and Development Planning
Sales and Marketing Strategy
Transportation / Logistics
Contract Review Evaluation
Risk Management
Risk Mitigation
Resource Allocation
Client Satisfaction
Revenue Growth
Innovative Solutions
Prospect Analysis
Inventory Accuracy
Cross-Cultural Client Management
Multi-Entity Insurance Program
Management
Relationship Building / Strategic
Partnership
Team Management/ Collaboration
Strong Communication
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP: Ability to identify the barriers, develop innovative and cost-effective solutions, collaborate with Property and Transportation broking teams.
OPTIMIZE EXECUTION AND RESULTS: Prioritize resources and solutions to ensure achievement of client business objectives and client satisfaction while providing exceptional services. Proficiency in cultivating revenue generating opportunities by developing sales and marketing strategies.
PROMOTE A CUSTOMER-FOCUSED ENVIRONMENT: Proactive at building and maintaining strong client relationships aligned with Property Casualty business targets.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS: Skilled at identifying prospect needs, producing new business with a focus on broking production.
COMMUNICATION: Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels including senior management, direct reports, stakeholders and clientele; able to logically articulate point of view while reinforcing company initiatives.
KENNETH P. JOHNSON
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ARTHER J. GALLAGHER & CO. RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES 16 YEARS (PRESENT) Team Collaboration: Client Service Supervisors, Service Managers, and Account Managers - 19; Risk Engineers - 3; Claims Professionals - 5 |Commercial Insurance Account Revenue: $2.6 Million | Captive Development Senior Area Vice President – San Francisco, CA (April 2021 to Present) Area Vice President – San Francisco, CA (October 2018 to April 2021) Area Vice President – San Francisco, CA (December 1997 to December 2008) Pertain to the industry specialization that includes Specialty Real Estate, Non-Profits, Transportation and Captive Insurance formation.
PROVEN SUCCESS
Developed and maintained a book of commercial insurance accounts of $2.6M most recently. Orchestrate risk management clients by serving as a central Coordinator and Supervisor of international local service teams.
Manage the Gallagher Internship Program for San Francisco Bay Area Risk Management Office ultimately hiring 6 of 12 interns.
Combine locally existing policies and programs for the coverage in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia accurately and effectively.
ISU INSURANCE SERVICES. - SAN FRANCISCO, CA 5 YEARS (PAST) Commercial Insurance Account Revenue: $1.5 Million
Managing Director – San Francisco Bay Area (October 2014 to September 2018) Vice President – San Francisco Bay Area (December 1989 to December 1997) Managed the development of revenue reports, budgets, and strategic planning. Maintained a frequent communication board while ensuring ISU insurance services’ operations remained in compliance with rules and regulations.
PROVEN SUCCESS
Earned recognition for the top sales performance while directing the Property and Casualty division for multiple years.
Built and maintained a $1.5M book of commercial insurance accounts including non-profits, restaurants, and several affinity programs.
Developed and implemented company’s business strategies and supervised investments, key relationships, and revenue growth.
ALVAREZ & MARSAL - SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA 3 YEARS (PAST) Manager – San Francisco Bay Area (October 2011 to September 2014) Delivered business performance improvement, turnaround risk management, and insurance brokerage advice to AAA NCNU that catapulted the revenue and accelerated results.
PROVEN SUCCESS
Provided management services as a member of the Risk Transfer Group. Built Lighthouse Risk and Insurance Solutions Inc. for AAA NCNU. Provided recommendations for risk mitigation and prepared a detailed report to the senior management to evaluate the outcomes.
Reported directly to the AAA NCNU Board for the completion of several projects / tasks within timelines and budgets while ensuring compliance with company rules & regulations.
KENNETH P. JOHNSON EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BACHELORS OF SCIENCE – MAJOR IN MARKETING
SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
CERTIFICATION / LICENSES / PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREPARATORY
FIRE COMMISSIONER, SAN RAFAEL, CA
CALIFORNIA PROPERTY & CASUALTY LICENSE| 0677465
MAINTAIN PROPERTY & CASUALTY LICENSES | ALL 50 STATES
CALIFORNIA ACCIDENT & HEALTH AGENT | 0677465
CALIFORNIA SURPLUS LINES BROKER
CERTIFIED PROPERTY & CASUALTY UNDERWRITING (CPCU) EXAMS 1- 9, SAN FRANCISCO STATE
UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
THE OLYMPIC CLUB – SAN FRANCISCO – MEMBER FOR 40 YEARS
ST. ANTHONY’S FOUNDATION - VOLUNTEER
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido robert mittelstaedt Address / Dirección
City / Ciudad San Rafael
State / estado CA
ZIP/Postal Code / Código postal 94904
Email Address / Dirección de correo electrónico
Phone Number / Número de teléfono
Q2
What district do you currently live in?¿En qué distrito vive actualmente?
District 1/Southern / Distrito 1/Sur
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
23 years
Q4
Business Information
Company retired
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
City Council Agenda
#114
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Tuesday, April 08, 2025 3:39:18 PM
Last Modified: Tuesday, April 08, 2025 3:48:31 PM
Time Spent: 00:09:12
IP Address: 69.181.240.51
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee,
Fire Commission,
Marin Commission on Aging,
Park and Recreation Commission,
Planning Commission,
Police Advisory & Accountability Committee
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? Yes. I've been active with the non-profit I co-founded, E-Bike Access, and have appeared before almost all city/town councils and school board to advocate for safe e-bikes. I was a member of the MMWD Citizen Advisory Committee on E-bikes; the Marin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force; and the San Rafael Homelessness Solutions Working Group. I was also a Discovery Facilitator for the Marin County Superior Courts. And I coach the Tam High mock trial team.
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
See No. 7.
Q20
Education:
College and law school
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I was in private law practice for almost 50 years. As a retiree, I'm looking to give back to the community where I live. I've found community service to be fascinating and rewarding, and want to continue doing so.
Q22
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q23
Upload your resume.
cv.pdf (25.6KB)
Q24
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q25
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q26
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
ROB AEDT
San Ra 94904
I am a recently retired corporate trial lawyer with interests and experience in public policy relating to electric bicycles, climate change, human rights, education and ESG/governance issues. I served in the Peace Corps in the Truk/Chuuk district and have a continuing interest in the Pacific Islands region. I am exploring volunteer and service opportunities where I can be productive and contribute to improving lives.
EDUCATION
Claremont Men’s College, graduated 1969
University of Virginia School of Law, graduated 1973
EXPERIENCE
Peace Corps Volunteer, Pulap Island, Truk/Chuuk, 1969-1970 Judicial clerkship 1973-1974. Federal District Court, Central District of California Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, partner 1974-2003
Jones Day, partner. 2003-2022
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Member. MMWD Community Advisor Committee on E-bikes, 2019-2020 Co-founder of Ebike.Access.Org, dedicated to the safe and responsible riding of electric bicycles
Member, Marin County Human Trafficking Task Force
Lawyers Without Borders training for judges and prosecutors in Tanzania on enforcement of human trafficking, 2019
Training judges and prosecutors in Thailand on enforcement of human trafficking laws, 2019
Pro Bono practice focused on representing victims of human trafficking Speaker on enforcing human trafficking laws at 8th Asia Pro Bono Conference & Access to Justice Exchange, Nepal, 2019. (My participation was sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation/US AID)
Past director of San Francisco Bar Association
Past officer of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
Extensive travel in Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe and USA References provided upon request.