____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
Agenda Item No: SM 1
Meeting Date: October 5, 2026
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Clerk’s Office
Prepared by: Lindsay Lara, City Clerk City Manager Approval: ______________ TOPIC: BOARD, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS
SUBJECT: INTERVIEW APPLICANTS AND MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO OCTOBER 2030 AND THE PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD TO OCTOBER 2030
RECOMMENDATION:
Interview applicants and make appointments to the Park and Recreation Commission to the end of October 2030 and the Public Art Review Board to the end of October 2030; including alternate members as needed.
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 have resigned:
Ariel Gutierrez, Park and Recreation Commission (set to expire 10/2026) Morgan Schauffler, Public Art Review Board (set to expire 10/2026) Kristyn Merritt, Public Art Review Board (set to expire 10/2026) 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.
The following vacancies were recently advertised:
Body Number of Seats Term Expiration
Park and Recreation Commission 1 10/2030
Public Art Review Board 2 10/2030
All applications received by the filing deadline were provided to the City Council in advance of this meeting.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend the City Council interview applicants and make appointments to one unexpired term on the Park and Recreation Commission and one term on the Public Art Review Board.
Park and Recreation Commission:
The term of Ariel Gutierrez is set to expire at the end of October 2026 and she is not eligible to reapply as she has served two full terms. Nine applications were received for the Park and Recreation Commission; however, 6 applicants withdrew. Staff recommend interviewing the following applicants:
Park and Recreation Commission
Dimitri Shikaloff
Douglas Sides
Masoud Nilforoush
Public Art Review Board
The terms of Morgan Schauffler and Kristyn Merritt are set to expire at the end of October 2026. The City Clerk’s office received five applications for the Public Art Review Board during the recruitment period; however, one applicant withdrew. Staff recommend interviewing the following applicants:
Public Art Review Board
Alexa Apallas
Carrie Montgomery
Morgan Schauffler
Kristyn Merritt
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.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Interview applicants and make appointments to the Park and Recreation Commission to the end of October 2030 and the Public Art Review Board to the end of October 2030; including alternate members as needed.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Park and Recreation Commission applications (three)
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
2. Public Art Review Board applications (four)
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Dimitri Shikaloff 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 3/Eastern / Distrito 3/Este
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
30 years
Q4
Business Information
Company retired
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Social Media
#15
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CCollector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Monday, September 28, 2026 2:09:37 PM
Last Modified: Monday, September 28, 2026 2:19:07 PM
Time Spent: 00:09:30
IP Address: 76.253.14.239
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te
gustaría aplicar?
Park and Recreation Commission,
Police Advisory & Accountability Committee
Q17
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? I just served on the Marin Civil Grand Jury
Q18
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
I am a leader in a scouting organization
Q19
Education:
some college
Q20
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I worked for the city and county of San Francisco for 35 years, it made me very interested in the workings of local government Q21
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I don't see any
Q22
Upload your resume.
Respondent skipped this question
Q23
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q24
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género
se identifica más?
Q25
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
1 / 3
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Douglas Sides
Address / Dirección
Address 2 / Dirección 2
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?
5 years
Q4
Business Information
Respondent skipped this question
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Community Center/Library
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Collector: o o W Web Link 1 (W Web Link)
SStarted: Saturday, August 29, 2026 7:47:03 AM u d y Augu 9 3 A Last Modified: Mo Saturday, August 29, 2026 9:01:33 AM u d y Augu 9 9 33 A Time Spent: 01:14:30
IP Address: P A 24.5.3.233 3 33
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Park and Recreation Commission
Q17
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? I am very active in the community. I regularly volunteer with the Ritter Center in downtown San Rafael, mostly with their food pantry program. Additionally I'm active in the local political scene, particularly with the local Democratic Party and similar aligned groups. I've done canvassing for numerous campaigns, worked on youth outreach for voter registration and turnout, and so on.
Q18
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
I am a commissioner for the Marin County Free Library. My role is to act as oversight on behalf of my county supervisor, ensuring that county resources are being properly used for our county libraries. But also offering support and feedback to library staff as they work to provide services to all community members. I have served in this role for nearly two years and it's been a wonderful experience learning about the incredible programs offered by our libraries.
Q19
Education:
I have a MS in natural resources, with an emphasis on forestry. I also have professional certifications as an arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which includes Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (ISA membership # WE-13014AU) Q20
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I would like to do more for my home city, and as a professional arborist I feel that my experience and insight would be greatly beneficial to the department. My resume also includes past work with Marin County Parks and the National Park Service, which involved education, interpretation, and outreach along with conservation and land management.
Q21
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
Nothing comes to mind
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q22
Upload your resume.
Douglas Sides Resume.pdf (85.7KB)
Q23
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q24
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q25
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 Masoud Nilforoush 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?
9 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Powur Solar Power
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
Email
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Collector: o o W Web Link 1 (W Web Link)
SStarted: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:18:11 PM d y u y 8 P Last Modified: Mo Tuesday, April 08, 2025 1:55:41 PM u d y A 8 P Time Spent: O Over a month
IP Address: P A 12.75.243.90 3 9
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Fire Commission,
Park and Recreation Commission,
Planning Commission
Q18
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? No
Q19
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
N/A
Q20
Education:
Master in computer systems
Q21
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? To help my city
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 Alexa Apallas
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 3/Eastern / Distrito 3/Este
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
1 year
Q4
Business Information
Company Google
Address 345 Spear Street
City/Town San Francisco
ZIP/Postal Code 94105
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Collector: o o W Web Link 1 (W Web Link)
SStarted: Monday, September 14, 2026 8:12:27 AM d y 8 A Last Modified: Mo Monday, September 14, 2026 8:20:51 AM d y 8 A Time Spent: 00:08:24
IP Address: P A 146.75.154.1733
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 3
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Social Media
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q17
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? I am a member of the Elks Lodge
Q18
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Elks Lodge
Q19
Education:
UCLA, BA in English
Northwestern, MS in Journalism
Q20
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? As a content designer and potential business owner in San Rafael, I am deeply committed to making San Rafael an inviting and beautiful place for residents and visitors. While I have only lived here for a year, I grew up in Novato, so my Marin roots run deep! Q21
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
Q22
Upload your resume.
AlexaKApallasResume 2025Q2.pdf (148.3KB)
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
3 / 3
Q23
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q24
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q25
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Alexa K. Apallas
San Diego, CA •
Professional Experience
Content Design Consultant, Eventbrite
January 2025—present
Collaborated with UX designers and project managers on key company initiatives to extend and enhance the recent Eventbrite rebrand.
• Developed content guidelines used to train AI to create high-quality listings as a tool for event creators • Created content for a new advertising offering, allowing creators to target their ads to likely attendees • Built a content style guide to improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility of product content Director, Content Design, PayPal
April 2023—September 2024
Set the overarching content strategy for PayPal’s merchant experiences while leading a team of 7 content designers, including 2 managers. Collaborated effectively with design, research, and product counterparts to ensure that my team created cohesive, compelling experiences for merchants and developers. Strengths:
Problem discovery, content strategy, storytelling, coaching, people management, and process management. • Guided improvements to onboarding flows to increase sign-up completion rates by 9.5% and account activation rates by 31%
• Developed key merchant-facing messaging for Fastlane, PayPal’s one-click guest checkout experience, leading to adoption of Fastlane by 800+ merchants during the pilot • Oversaw revision of presentment of checkout options, which increased uptake of no-code solutions such as invoicing and QR codes by 35%
• Applied to and was chosen to participate in an intensive product masterclass led by chief product officer John Kim, improving my data-driven decision-making and critical thinking skills • Led voice and tone workshops to improve consistency and quality of content
Senior Manager, Content Design, PayPal
April 2022—April 2023
Manager, Content Design, PayPal
November 2018—April 2022
Led a team of 6 content designers who worked on experiences that allow merchants to accept payments, streamline operations, and strengthen and grow their businesses. • Conducted discovery work with small and medium-sized businesses to identify pain points and find areas of opportunity for PayPal
• Consulted with UX design leads and product owners to create an effective content strategy • Coached my team to develop engaging customer experiences for critical touchpoints, such as account creation, invoicing, and checkout
Senior Content Designer, PayPal
September 2016—November 2018
Partnered closely with UX designers and product managers to create seamless, easy-to-use experiences for PayPal customers. Strengths include strong communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate my content strategy and rationale in a diplomatic, influential way. Selected projects:
• GDPR compliance: Led content strategy and development, working closely with product, marketing, and legal stakeholders
• Instant Transfer: Led content strategy and development for a new feature that allows customers to transfer money to their bank within minutes using an eligible debit card for a fee, which led to a significant increase in revenue for PayPal
• Choice: Developed content for an initiative that gives customers the ability to set any of their payment methods as their preferred way to pay
Content Strategist/Copywriter, Aisios Inc. (self-employed) April 2014—May 2017
Planned and wrote clear, concise, creative content for web and print. Created compelling brand stories that led to increased consumer interest and higher revenues. Collaborated with designers to develop a consistent and compelling user experience. Defined and developed brand voice. Selected clients:
• Secret Sushi, a digital marketing agency
• Beacons Point, a marketing and design agency
• Francis Parker School, an independent day school
• RC Energy Solutions, a solar power and energy efficiency firm Copywriter and Editor, The Doctors Company, Napa, CA
September 2011—April 2014
Wrote and edited ads, brochures, direct mail letters, press releases, and sales sheets aimed at prospects and existing customers. Developed a unique voice for agent communications. Ensured brand consistency across multiple channels.
• Assisted with social media launch, with an emphasis on Twitter and YouTube content • Worked collaboratively with project managers, designers, and public relations manager • Served as project manager for The Agent’s Advocate, an e-mail newsletter for insurance agents, wrote and edited all content, and increased readership by 5 percent in 1 year • Wrote direct mail pieces responsible for bringing in more than $100,000 in new business Managing Editor, IMARC, Santa Ana, CA
May 2010—August 2011
Promoted to management position eight months after initial hire and received three merit-based raises.
Responsible for guiding a team of seven employees to meet metrics for productivity and precision. • Trained employees to effectively fact-check files for accuracy and completeness • Boosted department productivity without increasing staffing levels • Streamlined the writing and editing process while maintaining a high level of accuracy • Provided company-wide training on effective writing skills • Wrote and edited new content for re-launch of company website Report Editor, IMARC, Santa Ana, CA
August 2009—May 2010
Took a leadership role in the newly created editing department to ensure quality control in conducting loan audits for private mortgage insurers.
• Fact-checked business reports and edited for proper grammar, style and usage • Met stringent deadlines without sacrificing quality or accuracy • Led effort to train staff on methods to create clearer and more precise reports • Spearheaded development of in-house style guide
Skills
People management and development Content design
Content strategy UX writing
Business strategy Figma, Jira, Confluence, Miro
Education
Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, M.S.—Journalism Winner—Bernard Gordon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.—English
Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, College Honors
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Carrie Montgomery 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 3/Eastern / Distrito 3/Este
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
6 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Address 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
City/Town San Francisco
ZIP/Postal Code CA 94118
#14
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CCollector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 4:00:26 PM
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 4:24:10 PM Time Spent: 00:23:43
IP Address: 67.111.217.54
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Community Center/Library,
City Manager's Newsletter
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te
gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q7
Education CompletedEducación completada
Respondent skipped this question
Q8
Describe your involvement in your neighborhood of San
Rafael. What have you done to make your community
safe? Include any volunteer contributions to the
community if applicable:Describa su participación en su vecindario de San Rafael. ¿Qué ha hecho para que su
comunidad sea segura? Incluya cualquier contribución
voluntaria a la comunidad, si corresponde:
Respondent skipped this question
Q9
Please list your reasons for wanting to serve.Por favor, indique las razones por las que desea servir:
Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Please share your perception and or perspective about
law enforcement in San Rafael.Por favor, comparta su
percepción o perspectiva sobre la aplicación de la ley en San Rafael.
Respondent skipped this question
Q11
If selected to serve, what reasonable accommodation
requests should the Committee facilitator know, in order for you to fully participate?En caso de ser seleccionado, ¿qué ajustes razonables debe saber el facilitador del
Comité para que usted pueda participar plenamente?
Respondent skipped this question
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
2 / 5
Q12
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the city if any.Describa posibles áreas en las que pueda tener un conflicto de intereses con la
ciudad, si las hubiera:
Respondent skipped this question
Q13
Do you officially represent an organization, agency or
group that provides violence prevention services? If so, please name the group and your position.¿Representa
oficialmente a una organización, agencia o grupo que
presta servicios de prevención de la violencia? En caso afirmativo, indique el grupo y su cargo.
Respondent skipped this question
Q17
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? Yes. I have worked in the nonprofit sector throughout my career, with a particular focus on arts, culture, fundraising, and community engagement. I have had the opportunity to work alongside and within major civic and cultural institutions, including the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and now the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. My professional work regularly brings me into conversation with civic leaders and public agencies, including the San Francisco City Council and Mayor’s Office.
Since moving to San Rafael, it has been a particular joy to become more engaged in and contribute to the local community. I currently participate in the MARA Community Group, working alongside Montecito Plaza and community partners on neighborhood development efforts, including the Canal Park and overpass. I also maintain regular connections with San Rafael High School administrators and faculty and attend campus games and activities. As a family, we regularly participate in local public school, library, community center, and Falkirk Cultural Center events.
Community engagement is especially meaningful to me personally. My husband and I intentionally chose to raise our four-year-old in a diverse community, both economically and culturally, and we value being active participants in the life of San Rafael and the broader Marin community. We believe that public schools, libraries, parks, community centers, and cultural institutions are essential to a thriving community, and we try to support and engage with these places in meaningful ways.
My professional background has reinforced my belief in the power of arts and culture to bring people together, expand access to educational opportunities, and strengthen communities. I currently serve as Director of Events for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, where I lead more than 175 annual fundraising, membership, and cultivation events generating more than $5 million in philanthropic support. Throughout my career, I have been especially passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect— with one another, with the arts, and with the communities and places they call home.
Since returning to Northern California after five years in Los Angeles, I have been especially grateful to reconnect with the region where I spent summers with family in Berkeley and Marin. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, horseback riding, exploring Marin’s trails, and spending time along the coast—all of which have deepened my connection to the community and natural environment here.
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q18
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Slide Ranch Board of Directors
Steering Committee Halleck Creek Ranch
Catholic Charities Equine Therapy Volunteer
Marin Montessori Parent and Fundraising Committee
Member, Marin MOCA
Member, Marin Headlands Art Center
Member, Bay Area Discovery Museum
Member, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Member, MOAD
Q19
Education:
B.A. Public Relations and Communications, Minor Studio Art University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa | 2006 - 2010 Q20
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I am interested in serving on the commission because I care deeply about building a strong, connected, and creative community in San Rafael, with a particular focus on supporting local artists and ensuring that the arts remain an accessible and meaningful part of community life.
As Marin becomes increasingly difficult for longtime residents and families to remain in, I believe it is especially important to think creatively about how we can preserve the character, diversity, and sense of community that make this area so special. Local artists and creatives face many of these same challenges, including limited access to affordable studio space and sustainable opportunities to make a living through their work. Supporting artists is, to me, an important part of supporting the broader community.
My professional career has centered on arts administration, community engagement, fundraising, and creating opportunities for people to come together through art and culture. I would be excited to bring that experience to San Rafael and work collaboratively with the City, local artists, residents, businesses, and community organizations to help prioritize projects that strengthen the community and create meaningful opportunities for local artists. And to further support a so desparatley needed downtown! My approach is fundamentally community-first and artist-centric. I would be honored to contribute my experience, relationships, and enthusiasm to the work of the commission and to help foster a vibrant, inclusive, and creative San Rafael.
It would be a genuine privilege to serve, and a very fun and creative opportunity to further build roots in San Rafael.
Q21
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I don't forsee and conflicts of interest.
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
4 / 5
Q22
Upload your resume.
Carrie Montgomery Resume_2026 (2).pdf (649.7KB)
Q23
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q24
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género
se identifica más?
Q25
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
5 / 5
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Morgan Schauffler 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 1/Southern / Distrito 1/Sur
Q3
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
13 years
Q4
Business Information
Company Youth in Arts
Address 917 C Street
City/Town San Rafael
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
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Collector: o o W Web Link 1 (W Web Link)
SStarted: W d d y 9 P Wednesday, September 09, 2026 2:44:55 PM Last Modified: Mo W d d y 9 3 3 P Wednesday, September 09, 2026 3:35:07 PM Time Spent: 00:50:11
IP Address: P A 73.70.126.17 3
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
Previous Appointment
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
Q17
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? I am a current member of the Public Art Review board, Advisory Board member of the BID, and Steering Committee Member of San Rafael Arts District.
Q18
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Public Art Review Board, Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District, San Rafael Arts District.
Q19
Education:
BA in Art History & Communication
Q20
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I have enjoyed my time on the Public Art Review Board and hope to continue this work. Public art plays an such an important role here in San Rafael, and I've deeply valued contributing to that effort.
My professional work is wholly dedicated to expanding equitable access to the arts. As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Youth in Arts, I serve as strategic lead for the San Rafael Arts District, where I've helped organize public art launches, artist talks, and community events, and manage grant programs supporting local nonprofit and for profit arts organizations. Continuing on this board allows me to bring that experience, along with established relationships with the city's vibrant arts community, to the thoughtful stewardship of public art in San Rafael. It is work I care deeply about and am committed to seeing thrive for the benefit of our beloved community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q21
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
Q22
Upload your resume.
Morgan Schauffler Resume 2026.pdf (45.6KB)
Q23
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Q24
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género se identifica más?
Q25
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Q1
Contact Information / Información del contacto
First and Last Name / Nombre y Apellido Kristyn Merritt 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?
9 years
Q4
Business Information
Respondent skipped this question
Q5
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
Currently on board
Q6
What Board would you like to apply to?¿A cuál te
gustaría aplicar?
Public Art Review Board
#16
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CCollector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 3:55:20 PM
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 3:57:39 PM Time Spent: 00:02:19
IP Address: 98.248.204.115
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q17
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they? I'm currently on the San Rafael Public Art Board
Q18
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
San Rafael Public Art Board
Q19
Education:
B.S. Communications (Washington University in St. Louis) Certificate in ECE (UCLA)
Q20
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I have enjoyed my time on the board and would love to continue! Q21
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
N/A
Q22
Upload your resume.
KAMERRITT-copy-editing-0826.pdf (129KB)
Q23
Ethnicity / Raza/etnia:
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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Q24
To which gender do you most identify?¿Con qué género
se identifica más?
Q25
How old are you?¿Cuántos años tienes?
Boards, Commissions & Committees Application
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KRISTYN MERRITT
٠ ٠ ٠ San Francisco Bay Area
KEY EXPERTISE Copy editing & copywriting • Proofreading • Error-detection & QA • Fact-checking • Style guide development and enforcement • Brand consistency • Editorial strategy WORK EXPERIENCE Freelance ٠ Sr. Copy Editor, Proofreader & Brand Builder 2016 – Present Current clients: Baron + Baron, Glossier, Billie/Schick, Coterie, Present Ventures Former clients: Viacom/Nickelodeon, NBC/Bravo, biotech and e-commerce companies • Copy Editing & Proofreading: Perform meticulous line editing, copy editing, and final proofreading for high-stakes marketing, product, e-commerce, and corporate assets; ensure zero-defect publishing across digital and print collateral. • Style Guide & Quality Assurance: Enforce strict adherence to house style guides, brand guidelines, and standardized style manuals (AP, CMOS, custom corporate books); systematically audit text for grammar, mechanics, syntax, tone, and brand consistency. • Editorial Standards & Content Quality: Direct editorial workflows and content quality control across digital verticals, managing the end-to-end editorial pipeline for highvolume digital publications, editorial campaigns, and client deliverables. • Brand Voice & Copy Architecture: Establish and execute core voice, tone, and messaging standards for new-to-market products; edit complex concepts into clear, highly compliant, and audience-tailored copy.
Freelance ٠ Digital Art & Illustration 10/2019 – Present • Founder of Illustrated Marin, a digital illustration company focusing on local landmarks • Contracts for illustrations in CPG, content, books, spirit wear, and commissions • Experienced in e-commerce management, markets, POD and drop-shipping • Certified art teacher in early childhood education
Birchbox ٠ Director, Marketing Content & Copy 5/2015 – 10/2016 • Led marketing, messaging, and content strategy: on-site assets and experience, branded content, email and CRM, mobile/app, retail, PR, and print/in-box collateral • Managed and mentored all in-house editors and several outside freelance writers • Top edited, copyedited, and proofed all messaging
• Partnered with Photo and Design on campaign ideation and creation • Project managed across Marketing team
• Owned updates/recalibration of style guide
Nickelodeon (Viacom) ٠ Director of Content & Copy 2/2013 – 11/2014 Senior Digital Editor 12/2010 – 2/2013
• Led digital editorial strategy and all content creation for Nickelodeon niche nets • Developed new brand's concept, voice, strategy and creative initiatives • Oversaw all art and design; created original graphics and illustrations as needed • Grew site from genesis to 2.8M organic unique visitors/month in 2+ years • Managed and grew a team of 50+ freelance editors, writers, illustrators and designers • Collaborated with ad-sales and integrated marketing to create customized branded content and advertorial flights to drive consumer engagement across platforms • Worked directly with social team to monitor strategy and synergize messaging • Worked closely with UX, product and dev teams on optimizing user experience • Daily deep dives into analytics to inform content decisions and recalibrate strategy AOL Living (AOL Inc.) ٠ Digital Editor 04/2008 – 01/2010 • Managed feature editorial programming for lifestyle verticals • Supervised associate editors and freelancers to create best-in-class content • Oversaw editorial calendar, content packages, delivery for sponsorships • Maintained and evolved brand-building and traffic-boosting partnerships • Analyzed site traffic metrics to measure best practices for growth Good Housekeeping (Hearst) ٠ Multimedia Editor 12/2006 – 12/2008 • Reconfigured magazine content for the web and created original DIY content • Controlled image routing and licensing; fully produced daily video blog • Created packages for site and syndication partners
• Ideated original mobile projects; integrated with digital and print FREELANCE WRITING NBC/Universal; CNN; MSN; Huffington Post; all Village Voice publications; Dr. Oz; Time Out New York; Las Vegas Weekly; More; Sephora; various websites.
COMPUTING & SEO MS Office Suite, Google Suite, Adobe Suite, Procreate, HTML, CMS, Omniture, Google Analytics, SEO/metadata, e-commerce, POD, drop-shipping, blogging, social media AWARDS New York International Fringe Festival — 2014 Playwright and producer New York International Fringe Festival — 2009 Playwright and producer Webby -- 2013 Official Honoree (Humor) for NickMom.com
Webby – 2010 Nominee (Weird) for ICanHasCheezburger.com Webby -- 2010 Nominee (Weird) for LovelyListing.com
ART EXHIBITION Illustrated Marin Solo Show – Town Books (2023) Small Works Show – Ghost Gallery (2019)
Olympic Quadriptych – THNK1994 Museum (2017)
Elephants Always Forget – Weird Seattle Exhibition (2011) Licensed Tattoo Artist
EDUCATION Washington University in St. Louis, B.A. in Journalism & Communications UCLA, Certificate in Early Childhood Education