(619) 294-2501 [email protected]

North Park Main Street Board of Directors

 

Membership annually elects the Board of Directors of this organization. BID members and SED members shall participate in the election process.

A term of office shall run from election to two (2) years thereafter. Any General and Associate Member in good standing as of the preceding June 30th is an eligible candidate for election.

Meeting Time: The Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of every month at 9:00 AM 

 

 

Board Roster

William Lopez

William Lopez, Board President

Business Owner: Alternative Strategies

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BIO
After starting a PR + Marketing career in his hometown of Chicago, William moved to San Diego, and in 2000, founded Alternative Strategies. For over 20 years, he has acted as Principal of Alternative Strategies, and his marketing and communications firm has expanded to become one of San Diego’s leading agencies of its kind. Alternative Strategies now represents over 50 top restaurants, bars and hospitality groups throughout Southern California, along with a host of successful businesses in other industries which include retail, commercial real estate and business complexes. William’s professional dreams have been realized with the many awards he and his team have received, the increased growth of his client list, and the legacy of success his clients have enjoyed throughout the years.

William holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and a master’s and a doctorate in Education from Northwestern University-Chicago. He gained significant marketing and PR expertise during his tenure at such noted companies as Nordstrom’s, Enterprise Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Nine West, and Planet Hollywood. Working with these companies gave William an inside look at everything from franchise-based organizations to national corporations, equipping him to know how to help businesses of every size succeed.

Han Tran

Han Tran, Vice President

Owner of Shank & Bône

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BIO
Han Tran has been a board member of North Park Main Street since 2020, currently serving as Vice President. She has lived in San Diego for over 45 years since immigrating here with her family from Vietnam in 1980. Han graduated from UCSD with a degree in Communication, but her roots are cemented in small business, which she believes is the core of every thriving neighborhood.

Han and her husband have been small business owners since 2003, previously operating the now-shuttered Ebisu Sushi in Hillcrest for 17 years. They now continue to co-own and operate Shank & Bone, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, where they enjoy being among all of the rich diversity, culture, and arts here in North Park. Han and her family have enjoyed witnessing the growth and evolution of North Park over the years, and especially the deep sense of community that it has to offer.

Ashley Carter

Ashley Carter, Secretary

Owner of Pure Pawsh

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BIO
Ashley Carter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Drexel University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management (Ed.D.) from Alliant University. She also earned a College Counseling Certificate from UC San Diego and spent over a decade as an adjunct professor teaching courses in educational leadership, research methods, and humanities.

Ashley dedicated the first 20 years of her career to higher education, serving in executive leadership roles overseeing admissions and recruitment, student services, large-scale university events such as orientation and commencement, and the operational management of multiple campuses. Her work focused on building inclusive, engaging environments centered on community, connection, and experience.

A lifelong animal lover and long-time volunteer with local rescue organizations, Ashley blended her professional expertise with her personal passion to open Pure Pawsh in 2024. Located in the heart of North Park, Pure Pawsh is a one-stop shop and community hub for dog lovers, offering curated retail, grooming, doggy daycare, a self-service dog wash, and a dog-friendly bar. The space also hosts adoption events, wellness programming, and creative social experiences designed to support rescue organizations and bring people together through their shared love of dogs.

Ashley is proud to serve on the North Park Main Street Board and remains deeply committed to contributing to the vibrancy, inclusivity, and continued growth of this dynamic neighborhood.

Jasmine Bruder

Jasmine Bruder Treasurer

Branch Manager, U.S. Bank – North Park

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BIO
Jasmine Bruder is a proud San Diego native with over a decade of experience in banking. She currently serves as the Branch Manager at U.S. Bank’s North Park office, where she has been leading the team for the past two years. Prior to that, she spent five years as Branch Manager in the neighboring community of Normal Heights.

Jasmine holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, which has shaped her people-first leadership style and her passion for building meaningful connections with both clients and employees. She is deeply committed to employee development and takes pride in creating a culture of growth and inclusion. She also serves on the board of U.S. Bank’s Women’s Business Resource Group, where she helps drive initiatives that support professional development and equity for women across the company and throughout the San Diego community.

Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their energetic 2-year-old daughter. On weekends, they can usually be found at the Zoo, SeaWorld, or exploring the museums at Balboa Park.

North Park Main Street

Joseph Balestrieri

Property Owner Representative: The Office Bar

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BIO
Joseph Balestrieri has been the operating partner at The Office Bar since 2008 & served the Boards of directors in North Park for over 10 years. At North Park Main Street, he was Board President, Treasurer, & now VP. During that tenure, he’s helped plan various large-scale fundraising events such as the North Park Toyland Parade, Taste of North Park, North Park Festival of the Arts, and World Cup 2014 & 2018 outdoor viewing parties. For the North Park Community Association, he’s fundraised for & planned the BirdPark SummerConcerts, Community Forums & neighborhood cleanups. For the new North Park Business & Neighborhood Foundation, he’s programming activation for the new North Park Mini-Park for 2022.
North Park Main Street

Nate Benedetto

Business Owner: Next Wave Commercial

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BIO
Nate Benedetto began his brokerage career in 2005 and founded Next Wave Commercial in 2016. With over 500 lease and sale transactions completed, Nate has built strong relationships with retailers and restaurateurs throughout downtown, uptown, and coastal communities. His extensive experience in representing tenants, landlords, buyers, and sellers, combined with his trend analysis and deep knowledge of urban and coastal neighborhoods, allows him to stay ahead of the competition and deliver exceptional results for his clients.

Nate’s expertise has led him to broker deals recognized as “Restaurant of the Year” for San Diego County in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. While he lives by the mantra “never not working,” Nate treasures spending time on the beach and in the mountains with his wife and two kids.

Steve Billings

Steven Billings

Owner of Original 40 and U-31

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BIO
Steve Billings is a fourth-generation San Diegan who has proudly called the North Park neighborhood home for the past 15 years. Deeply rooted in the community, Steve founded U31 Bar in 2006 and later launched Original 40 Brewing Company in 2019, both of which have become neighborhood staples along North Park’s vibrant main street.

Actively involved in the day-to-day operations of both businesses, Steve values the camaraderie and relationships built with fellow business owners, customers, and friends who make North Park a unique and thriving community. His commitment extends beyond his own establishments—Steve served eight years on the North Park Main Street Board of Directors, where he played a meaningful role in efforts to strengthen the neighborhood’s business district while honoring its heritage and history.

Driven by a genuine love for North Park, Steve continues to invest his time, energy, and passion into preserving the character of the community while helping it evolve for future generations.

Maria Hampton

Maria Hampton 

Bank Manager, MyPoint Credit Union

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BIO
Maria Hampton is the Bank Manager at MyPoint Credit Union, serving the North Park community, with over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in business development, community engagement, and supports local businesses and entrepreneurs. As a longtime San Diegan and proud North Park resident, Maria brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to the neighborhood.

Maria is actively involved in community leadership and service as a previous Chair and current committee member of MANA de San Diego, an alumna of the LSLP Class of 2018, a member of the Chicano Federation Cohort Class of 2023, and a participant in the HOPE Leadership Institute Cohort 2026. Her work reflects a strong dedication to advancing inclusive economic initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting the continued growth and vitality of North Park.

Jenna Hanson

Jenna Hanson

CEO Revival Vintage Eyewear

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BIO
Jenna Hanson is the owner and co-founder of Revival Vintage Eyewear, San Diego’s only vintage eyewear store, located in North Park. Her love for vintage eyewear began in 2020 while standing in the back of her now-business partner’s shop, surrounded by decades-old frames whose colors, shapes, and craftsmanship felt completely unlike anything being made today. In that moment, she knew she wanted to be part of preserving and sharing them.

Before Revival, Jenna built a diverse career spanning academia, education, banking, and real estate. She holds degrees in Spanish and business management, along with two master’s degrees in language and culture, and spent over a decade teaching at the university and high school level. That background shapes the way she approaches eyewear today, educational, thoughtful, and deeply personal. They now have stores that span up the coast of San Diego, in La Jolla Bird Rock and South Oceanside.

Now a licensed optician, Jenna curates unworn vintage frames from the 1960s–2000s and helps clients find pieces that reflect who they are and how they want to feel. Revival was named Best of San Diego by San Diego Magazine in 2022 and best eyewear boutique in 2024 in the San Diego Reader.

Outside the shop, Jenna is involved in the North Park community, serving on the North Park Main Street Board and collaborating with other small businesses. She is also a part of the Small Business Advisory board with the City of San Diego. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her partner, Noor, and rewatching Golden Girls and Law & Order: SVU, usually with her dogs Goldie and Rudy nearby.

Lialie Ibrahim

Lialie Ibrahim

Owner of Falafel Heights

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BIO
Lialie is not only a North Park resident, but she opened Falafel Heights on 30th street in 2023 to share authentic family recipes. As an American with strong Palestinian roots, she knows what it’s like to be immersed in community and build a strong foundation through relationships and food.

Lialie’s restaurant started as a popup falafel stand at places like Milestone Running Store, The San Diego Velodrome and Vegan Food Popup. While she’s had a myriad of life experiences, opening a restaurant was an homage to her roots and a way of reconnecting with the rich food and culture of her upbringing.

Her early years were spent in San Francisco where she was born. Lialie studied and practiced two forms of journalism as an undergraduate and worked in youth development and education for underserved youth for 14 years. She has a master’s degree in sports business and multi-subject teaching credential. She’s active in both the running and biking community.

Lialie hopes to continue her relationship with North Park and beyond and share authentic food at Falafel Heights while serving the community as a board member.

Erin Minelli

Erin J. Minelli 

Attorney

 

BIO
Erin Minelli is a North Park resident and president of the La Boheme Owners’ Association. Originally from the east coast, Ms. Minelli moved to San Diego in 2007 to attend California Western School of Law. She has practiced law for 15 years and is currently employed as corporate counsel for a prominent real estate development firm in East County San Diego. A large part of her practice is devoted to real estate development and planning, along with handling landlord/tenant matters regarding commercial and residential properties. Prior to that, Ms. Minelli litigated civil, criminal and administrative matters in state and federal venues, and held several other in-house counsel positions before transitioning to her current role. Ms. Minelli’s professional experience, coupled with her personal ties to the North Park community, make her readily equipped to better serve the North Park Main Street Board of Directors.
Matt Nault

Matt Nault 

Pastor of Renew Church

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BIO
Matt Nault is a San Diego native and first joined the North Park community in the 1990s. He lives in North Park with his wife, Florence, who teaches in a local public elementary school; along with their three boys: Benjamin, Levi, and Joshua. Matt is the founding pastor of Renew Church: a vibrant, diverse faith community in the heart of our neighborhood that strives to serve all our neighbors. He earned degrees in Mass Media Communication and Theology from the University of San Diego as well as a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is passionately committed to helping our neighborhood thrive in every dimension and has experience serving on boards relating to development for disadvantaged people and education. He’s experienced in business leadership and has been coaching Fortune 500 business executives around the country since 2008. Matt is an avid open-ocean swimmer, bicycling enthusiast, and self-proclaimed food and beverage connoisseur.
Jim Sakrison

Jim Sakrison

Granada House Co-owner

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BIO
Jim has lived and worked in North Park for over 20 years, building deep roots in the community while working in real estate finance. As a mortgage broker, he helps families and local residents achieve homeownership and build long-term wealth through real estate investing.

Jim operates his mortgage business out of Granada House, a locally rooted gallery and art space that also functions as a community gathering place. Granada House supports North Park’s creative economy by hosting music, art, wellness and culinary events, and by providing a flexible venue for neighborhood events, small businesses and private events. Through his professional work and community involvement, Jim is committed to strengthening North Park’s local economy, cultural vitality, and sense of place.

Maria Hampton

Kristen Nevarez Schweizer

Pastor of Makers Church

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BIO
Kristen Nevarez Schweizer is a pastor at Makers Church, a diverse North Park community committed to following Jesus Christ by loving people. She is the daughter of immigrants from Mexico and the Philippines who met in San Diego. Kristen loves her hometown, earning a degree in Theatre Arts at San Diego State University before working at locally focused institutions, including The San Diego Business Journal, San Diego Repertory Theatre, and Scatena Daniels Communications. She also writes arts reviews and news for Vanguard Culture.
Christina Semmer

Christina Semmer

Employment Lawyer, GBG LLP

 

BIO
Christina Semmer is a San Diego native who has lived in North Park since 2017 with her husband and son. Christina loves living locally; she spends her free time walking her NP neighborhood while listening to audiobooks and watching her son play soccer with North Park AYSO at Morley Field.

Christina enjoys her career as an employment lawyer at a woman-owned law firm, GBG LLP. She represents employers throughout California in litigation, e.g., defending her clients against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and alleged wage and hour violations. She also provides employment law advice and counsel to help her clients avoid and reduce litigation and liability risk. Christina regularly counsels clients on issues including employee discipline and termination, leaves of absence, and reasonable accommodations.

Christina attended college and law school in the Midwest. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota and received her law degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. After years of shoveling snow, Christina and her family returned to San Diego in 2014, with a renewed appreciation for America’s Finest City. Christina is proud to serve as a North Park Main Street Board Member and loves connecting with her neighbors through NPMS-related events.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson 

Director of Partnerships and Operations at Walkabout

 

BIO
Maria Hampton is the Bank Manager at MyPoint Credit Union, serving the North Park community, with over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in business development, community engagement, and supports local businesses and entrepreneurs. As a longtime San Diegan and proud North Park resident, Maria brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to the neighborhood.

Maria is actively involved in community leadership and service as a previous Chair and current committee member of MANA de San Diego, an alumna of the LSLP Class of 2018, a member of the Chicano Federation Cohort Class of 2023, and a participant in the HOPE Leadership Institute Cohort 2026. Her work reflects a strong dedication to advancing inclusive economic initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting the continued growth and vitality of North Park.