The Hub is governed by an all-volunteer nonprofit--Friends of Dogpatch Hub, guided by a stakeholder advisory council of committed community members. Meet the team below:
Board of Directors
J.R. Eppler - Secretary
J.R. Eppler is an attorney and founder of Eppler Legal, Inc., a Dogpatch-based law firm in corporate transactional matters. J.R. lives in Potrero Hill with his wife, a public librarian, and son, a rising SFUSD third grader.
Katherine Doumani - Chair
A Dopatch resident since 2001, parent and current Dogpatch Neighborhood Association president and GBD board member, Katherine brings community leadership continuity, deep experience and a proven commitment to the FoDH Board.
Colin Ensley - Treasurer
Colin is the CFO of Associate Capital, overseeing finance, accounting, and capital markets activities for the Power Station Development in Dogpatch. He is also a Board Member of Friends of Jackson Park. Colin resides in the East Bay with his family.
Kopal Maheshwari
Kopal is a business leader, talent coach and community advocate. Currently she manages key global accounts and business development in the San Francisco Bay Area for IntraEdge. Kopal has three teenagers and lives in Potrero.
Richard Romero
Richard is the Marketing and Sales Manager for the Potrero View Newspaper and has over 50 years of community engagement experience. He wants to help the Hub to create more public amenities for the community. Richard moved to San Francisco in 2021 to care for his grandchildren.
Subu Samarajiva
Subu is a tech worker turned volunteer, using her product manager skills to serve the community on the Hub board. With a love for SF and a as young parent and child of immigrants, she brings a necessary perspective while taking a pause from her career to focus on family and community.
Bruce Huie
Bruce is an experienced online marketer and dedicated neighborhood activist residing in Dogpatch for over 20 years. He has served as the steward of Progress Park, co-chair of the GBD formation committee, and board member of multiple associations. Bruce's successful efforts have added value to Dogpatch.
Callista Shepherd Smith
Callista is a real estate sales & marketing professional with a lifetime of experience in housing, building, and development. She co-leads the RicRoc & Callista Team at Compass with additional deep-hearted skills as Reiki Master, CMT, and Sound Healing Practitioner.
Donovan Lacy
Donovan is a recovering Telecommunication Professional and stay-at-home parent. He serves as the VP of the DNA, Secretary of the Potrero Boosters and is Board President of the Green Benefit District, Friends of Potrero Nursery School and is a member of the UCSF CAG.
Alicia Murasaki
Alicia is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Campus Planning and Campus Architect for UCSF. She leads the team providing professional planning services, campus space planning. As Campus Architect, Alicia provides campus-wide technical and aesthetic guidance. She lives and works in Dogpatch.
Sean Harris
Sean is a Public Relations and Communications professional with a strategic
approach to creative, high-impact campaigns and is currently managing events and communications for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. He loves living in Dogpatch.
Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC)
The SAC serves as a formal conduit for channeling stakeholder input into Hub operations. Members of the SAC share their talents and perspectives in service to the mission of the Hub by providing the board of directors with their professional expertise; their diverse knowledge of community member perspectives; their connections to local resources, colleagues or peers; and other forms of needed assistance. Though the Advisory Council has no governing function within the organization, the members are the Hub's ambassadors, truly the "eyes and ears" of the community. Read on to hear what this talented group has to say about joining the Hub Team:
Alexandra Cowan
"I would say I am a bit obsessed with living here-- the people and businesses are second to none. It’s very much a family-feel here, seeing the same neighbors walking around with families, dogs, you name it. It’s the ideal place to live for anyone."
Cori Shearer
"I am eager to contribute my time, energy, and expertise in service to the mission of the Hub. I am committed to acting as an advocate for and leveraging my skills and connections to support the Hub, provide valuable input, and champion the interests of our community. "
Chasen Richards
"It was impressed upon me from an early age that we each benefit, even passively, from a healthy community – by way of strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and the third spaces that provides a sense of belonging – and that for all that we take, it is incumbent on all of us to give back."
Barb Fritz
"I've seen the difference my involvement in our community has made in my life. Involvement in the Hub offers me a chance to bring that spirit and connection to a larger group, and help more people to widen their circles. "
Linda James
"Well into my fourth decade living in Dogpatch, I am wittnessing its transformation from a tiny, sleeping village. Being part of The Hub is a rich opportunity to bring together our neighbors to share interests, skills, knowledge and most importantly, friendship."
Kayla Hughes
"Moving from Potrero Hill to Dogpatch a little over a year ago, I fell in love with the neighborhood. My whole career has centered on the belief that community spaces should be a point of pride for residents. "
Lindsay Shallich
"I love the community in Potrero, Dogpatch, and nearby neighborhoods. As a new(ish) parent raising three kids in Potrero (currently 5.5, 4 & 1.5), I am committed to contributing to strenthening the wonderful community at the Hub."
Jessica Hyman
"I am as home grown as it gets! As we know, San Francisco natives are more and more a rarity. It would be my mission to ensure the Hub fully supports San Francisco natives and newcomers in a sustainable and equitably designed way. "
Jessica Ip
I dedicate my time to making UCSF an inclusive, equitable and welcoming experience for students from marginalized and underrepresented populations and I hope to do the same for the Dogpatch community."
J. Marko Rode
Dogpatch has given me every imaginable kindness in the 20 or so years I have been in the neighborhood. I hope The Hub can be a place for the exchange of many more kindnesses. I look forward to being a part of its development, growth, and evolution.
