The City of South San Francisco
Office of the City Clerk
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 877-8518
2 SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Why are you interested in serving as a Boards and Commissions member? What do you feel you could contribute?
What qualifies you for this appointment?
What is your vision for growth in South San Francisco?
My interest in serving on a City commission is driven by a long-standing commitment to public service and desire to use my professional experience to benefit my home community of South San Francisco. I firmly believe in the importance of transparent and accountable government, and I see this Oversight Committee as an opportunity to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in the way it was intended to be used for to improve our city.
I contribute a unique, 360-degree perspective on fiscal oversight, with over 15 years of public service. My experience is not just in theory but in practice. As a Certified Fraud Examiner and former Audit Manager for the City and County of San Francisco, I have significant experience in accounting, auditing, financial investigations, and compliance. Further, I also served as the official Controller’s office liaison to San Francisco's Citizens' General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee (CGOBOC). In this role, I presented investigative findings in public hearings and regularly interacted with committee members, giving me direct insight into the dynamics and responsibilities of a citizen-led oversight body. My contribution would be to provide the Committee with this robust, proficient, and collaborative perspective to help ensure that Measure W funds are being spent efficiently and how voters intended.
I am qualified for this appointment due to a multi-faceted career in government accounting that directly mirrors the functions of the Measure W Oversight Committee. I have experience in the hands-on accounting for public projects, auditing for compliance, investigating fraud and waste, and reporting to a citizens' oversight board.
Frontline Public Works Accounting: For approximately two years, I served as an Accounting Analyst for SF County’s Public Works. This role gave me foundational, practical experience in the mechanics of municipal finance, including managing appropriations, tracking encumbrances, and accounting for the complex, large-scale capital projects that are similar to those funded by Measure W.
Government Auditing and Nonprofit Oversight: As an Auditor-in-Charge with the SF Controller's Office, I led performance audits in compliance with Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). In additional to auditing the County’s restricted funds (such as Measure W), I was further responsible for auditing the city's nonprofit partners, which collectively receive over $700 million annually in county grants. I have direct experience tracing public funds to these organizations to ensure they were spent in accordance with grant agreements and legal mandates—a skill directly transferable to overseeing Measure W expenditures.
Expertise in Tracing Funds: In my roles as an Audit Manager and a District Attorney Inspector, I have conducted and supervised the most sensitive investigations into embezzlement and misuse of government funds. This experience has made me an expert in detecting irregularities and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting.
Direct Experience with Citizen Oversight: As the liaison to San Francisco's CGOBOC, I have firsthand experience with the workings of a committee. I understand the importance of providing clear, concise financial information to the public and the board.
Formal Credentials: I hold a B.S. in Business Accounting, am a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and have extensive training in investigative techniques and data analytics, making me well-equipped to handle the demands of this role.
My vision for growth in South San Francisco is one where development is balanced with fiscal sustainability and a tangible improvement in the quality of life for all residents. This can be achieved by adhering to the letter and spirit of the original Measure W legislation while also exploring new projects that will modernize our city and position it as a model for innovation and efficiency.
Success requires consistent collaboration with constituents to better understand the community’s evolving needs and ensure projects are accessible to everyone. To that end, I believe the Commission should champion the adoption of a clear 5- to 10-year strategic plan for Measure W funds. Such a plan would establish concrete goals, create public transparency, and ensure our investments continue to build a better South San Francisco for years to come.