HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Library Board 2017 InterviewsSAN RAFAEL
Agenda Item No: 1
THE CITY WITH A MISSION Meeting Date: May 1, 2017
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Esther C. Beirne
TOPIC: Board of Library Trustees Interviews
City Manager Approval:
File No: 9-2-3
SUBJECT: INTERVIEWS OF APPLICANTS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO
FILL TWO FOUR-YEAR TERMS ON THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES, DUE TO
THE EXPIRATION OF TERMS OF KAREN NIELSEN AND CAROL MANASHIL TO
THE END OF APRIL, 2021, AND ONE UNEXPIRED TERM TO THE END OF APRIL,
2019, DUE TO THE RESIGNATION OF SEAN PRENDIVILLE (CC)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council interview the following applicants to fill two four-year terms on the
Board of Library Trustees, with terms to expire the end of April, 2021, and one unexpired term to the end
of April, 2019:
Name
Karen Nielsen
Tyrone H. Cannon
Megan H. Lawson
SUMMARY/BACKGROUND:
Time of
Name
Time of
Interview
Interview
5:00 p.m.
Jaimi Cortes
5:30 p.m.
5:10 p.m.
Carol Manashil
5:40 p.m.
5:20 p.m.
Doug G. Van Gessel
5:50 p.m.
At the meeting of March 6, 2017, the City Council called for applications to fill two four-year terms on the
Board of Library Trustees, due to the expiration of terms of Karen Nielsen and Carol Manashil, to the end
of April, 2021, and one unexpired term to the end of April, 2019, due to the resignation of Sean
Prendiville. Thirteen applications were received in the City Clerk's Office by the deadline of Tuesday,
February 28, 2017.
Due to the high volume of applications received, a subcommittee of the City Council carried out an initial
review of the 13 applications and selected six applicants to be interviewed by the full City Council.
ACTION:
Approve staff recommendation.
Enclosures: Six (6) Applications
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: 9-2-3
Council Meeting: 05/01/2017
Disposition: Carol Manashil reappointed & Jaime Cortes appointed to the end of April, 2021.
Douq Van Gessel appointed to unexpired four -term to the end of April, 2019.
City Of San Rafael, Ca Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Board of Library Trustees
Submit Date: Mar 28, 2017
Status: submitted
Question applies to Board of Library Trustees.
The deadline for filing applications is Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Clerk's
Office.
Karen
First Name
Email Address
310 Orchid Drive
Street Address
San Rafael
City
34 years
Resident of the City of San Rafael for how many years?
Home: (
Primary Phone
retired
Employer
Business Address
S. Nielsen
Middle Initial Last Name
Mobile: (
Alternate Phone
Job Title
Suite or Apt
CA
State
Friends of the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E St., San Rafael, CA 94901
Interests & Experiences
94903
Postal Code
Karen S. Nielsen Page 1 of 2
Do you participate in any civic activities?
As an active and on-going member of the Friends of the Library and co -manager of its bookshop, I devote
a great deal of my time to fundraising for and educating the public about the San Rafael Public libraries,
its programs and services. In the past, I served on the city's Critical Facilities Commission and the
subsequent election bond election to renovate or replace operation headquarters for the police and fire
departments. I also was a member of the elections committees for the two successful library parcel tax
measures.
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
San Rafael Public Library Board of Trustees Friends of the San Rafael Public Library Board of Directors
Terra Linda Highlands Homeowners Association
Education:
BA, University of Wisconsin, Madison JD, Empire College School of Law, Santa Rosa
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
I am interested in serving on the library board of trustees due to my passionate interest in literacy and
education for all segments of society. Now, more than ever, we need community members who are able
to read or listen, comprehend and analyze the complex sea of information surrounding them. This is
crucial not only for individuals but for the health of the community.
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I have no personal or financial interests that would be in conflict with the city other than as a homeowner
and resident. My husband is a real estate broker who is involved in real estate sales, investment and
management in Marin and neighboring counties. This is a single person business of his. He does not have
a staff or agents working with him.
Resume 2017.r)df
Upload a Resume
Karen S. Nielsen Page 2 of 2
Karen S. Nielsen
310 Orchid Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
Objective: Reappointment to City of San Rafael's Library Board of Trustees
Volunteer positions and activities
Member of the San Rafael Publc Library Board of Trustees: April 2013 to present
President, Friends of the Library Board of Directors: February 2014 to July 2016
President, Friends of the Library Board of Directors: July 2008 to July 2010
Co -manager of Friends Books, a nonprofit book shop to benefit the SRPL, April 2009 to present
Appointee to the City of San Rafael's Critical Facilities Committee, November 2007 to July 2009
Member of Friends of the Library Board of Directors 2004 to present, served terms as vice president and
secretary and assistant book sales chair
President, Terra Linda Highlands Homeowners Association, 2006 to 2008, and secretary, 2004 to 2006
Volunteer attorney at the Family Law Center, 1999 to 2001
Other:
Member, California State Bar, 1998 -present, currently voluntarily inactive
Employment
Law clerk, Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, 1996 to 1998
Reporter and editor for Bay City News Service, 1986 to 1995
Freelance writer
News reporter for the Escondido Times -Advocate, 1993 to 1980
Education:
Empire College School of Law, Santa Rosa. JD, cum laude, 1997,
University of Wisconsin, Madison. BA, major in journalism, 1972
City Of San Rafael, Ca Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Board of Library Trustees
Submit Date: Mar 20, 2017
Status: submitted
Question applies to Board of Library Trustees.
The deadline for filing applications is Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Clerk's
Office.
Tyrone
First Name
Email Address
9 Egret View
Street Address
SAN RAFAEL
City
19.5
Resident of the City of San Rafael for how many years?
Home: (
Primary Phone
University of San Francisco
Employer
Business Address
H Cannon
Middle Initial Last Name
Mobile: (
Alternate Phone
Dean, University Libraries
Job Title
2130 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117
Interests & Experiences
Do you participate in any civic activities?
Yes.
Suite or Apt
CA
State
94901
Postal Code
Tyrone H Cannon Page 1 of 2
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Marin County Free Library Commission Board Friends Board of Directors, San Francisco Public Library
Education:
B.S. University of Connecticut M.S.W. University of Connecticut M.L.S. University of Pittsburgh Ed.D.
University of San Francisco
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
I would bring over 25 years of library experience to the Board. I have been a resident of San Rafael since
1997 and am very interested in serving my community.
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
2016Bioaraohical Statement for Tvrone Heath Cannon.docx
Upload a Resume
Tyrone H Cannon Page 2 of 2
Biographical Statement for Tyrone Heath Cannon
Tyrone Heath Cannon has been dean, university libraries at the University of San
Francisco since August 1995. He lives in San Rafael, California. He was acting
university librarian at Boston College (January 1993 -July 1993), senior associate
university librarian (1991-1995), and head of reference (1989-1991). Cannon has
also served as head of the social sciences division at Oklahoma State University
(1988-1989), head of the social work library at Columbia University (1984-1988),
and social sciences librarian (1981-1983) at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Prior to becoming a librarian, Cannon was a clinical social worker.
Cannon has been an active member of the Association of College and Research
Libraries (ACRL). He was president in 2003-2004 and ACRL Councilor in 2006-
2007. In 2014-2015, he served on the ACRL 75th Anniversary Task Force and
chaired the ACRL Academic/Research Librarian of the Year Award Committee. In
addition, he has served on planning committees for ACRL National Conferences in
Baltimore (2005-2007) and Philadelphia (2009-2011).
His service to the American Library Association (ALA) includes the Standing Council
on Minority Concerns (1993-1995), the Membership Committee (1997-1999), ALA
Budget Analysis and Review Committee (2006-2009), and the ALA Nominating
Committee (2007-2008). He is presently serving on the ALA Elections Process Task
Force.
Cannon has been active at the local, state, and national level, serving on the Friends
Board of the San Francisco Public Library (2006-2012), Catholic Research
Resources Alliance Executive Board (2012 to present), Marin County Free Library
Board of Commissioners 2015 to present), California Library Services Board (2004-
2014), Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium Executive Board (2012-
15), and the University of North Texas LIS Board of Advisors (2009 to present). He
was elected to the Center For Research Libraries Board of Directors in April 2016
for a three-year term. He is the current chair of the Hormel Center, San Francisco
Public, Advisory Board.
Cannon earned his B.S. and M.S.W. at the University of Connecticut and his M.L.S. at
the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Ed.D. from the University of San
Francisco.
City Of San Rafael, Ca Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Board of Library Trustees
Submit Date: Mar 28, 2017
Status: submitted
Question applies to Board of Library Trustees.
The deadline for filing applications is Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Clerk's
Office.
Megan
First Name
Email Address
562 Woodbine Dr
Street Address
San Rafael
City
6
Resident of the City of San Rafael for how many years?
Mobile: (
Primary Phone
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Employer
Business Address
H
Middle Initial
Home:
Alternate Phone
Lawson
Last Name
Senior Regulatory Manager
Job Title
77 Beale St Mail Code B1 OC San Francisco, CA 94105
Interests & Experiences
Do you participate in any civic activities?
Suite or Apt
CA
State
94903
Postal Code
I have participated in several volunteer activities (park clean up, tree planting, holiday cards) sponsored
by my employer.
Megan H Lawson Page 1 of 2
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
not applicable
Education:
B.A. Economics from UC Santa Barbara
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
Now that my kids are nearing school age, I'd like to take a more active role in the community in which we
raise them. We have loved our six plus years in San Rafael and are regular library users.
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
none that I am aware of
Meaan Lawson Resume 3 17.odf
Upload a Resume
Megan H Lawson
Page 2of2
MEGAN LAWSON
562 Woodbine Dr. San Rafael, CA 94903
(
WORK EXPERIENCE
2003 — Present, Pacific Gas and Electric Company San Francisco, CA
Regulatory Relations
Senior Manager, Dec 2012 present
• Responsible for short and long term rate forecasts used for internal decision making and external communication
• Regulatory point of contact with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on transmission permitting issues.
Collaborate with Law, Land, and Environmental Policy to bring issues of concern to the CPUC. Coordinate regular
meetings with CPUC CEQA and Permitting staff. CPUC Advisory Team member.
• Lead bi-weekly Section 851 meeting with Law, Capital Accounting, Land, and Corporate Real Estate to assess
potential transactions involving the encumbrance of Company assets to determine whether a filing is required.
Document decision-making process to ensure consistent application. Team provides end-to-end support for all Section
851 advice letter filings.
• Provide expertise to internal clients on CPUC Tariff application, advice letter application and procedure, and Rules of
Practice & Procedure.
• Proactively review CPUC proposed decisions for tariff and advice letter implications. Translate decisions to team so
they can better support regulatory case managers.
• Manage team responsible for the coordination of over 350 advice letters, related protests, and data requests each year.
• Regularly benchmark with other utilities on tariff development, organizational best practices and advice letter
strategy.
• Manage seven direct reports. Provide regular coaching, feedback, and written evaluations.
Energy Procurement
Manager, Dec 2010 -Dec 2012
• Implemented EP -wide Compliance Risk Management initiative consisting of over 1,700 compliance requirements
from more than 20 agencies. Assigned requirements to Directors and established a quarterly process for Director sign -
off of compliance requirements and associated controls.
• Coordinated EP -wide operational risk evaluation and mitigation alternatives. Presented findings and recommendations
to Senior Management.
• Evaluated and tracked cost recovery risk areas in EP. Researched other utility proceedings for similar cost recovery
treatment and lessons -learned.
• Managed one direct report. Provided regular coaching, feedback, and written evaluations.
Regulatory Relations
Manager, May 2009 - Dec 2010; Supervisor, Dec 2007 — Apr 2009; Sr. Analyst, Mar 2006 - Dec 2007
• Supported lines of business in achieving regulatory objectives in various proceedings, such as: 2010 Long Term
Procurement, Nuclear Decommissioning, Small Business Backbilling OIR, and Section 851 filings.
• Coordinated communications with CPUC staff and Public Advisor's office to ensure consistent, accurate messaging.
• Assessed regulatory landscape and developed the optimal approach for supporting business priorities. Gathered
information by communicating with Commission staff, researching relevant decisions and actions by other utility
companies, and maintaining an ongoing relationship with the CPUC's Energy Division.
• Managed team of three Advice Letter analysts. Provided regular coaching, feedback, and written evaluations.
• Oversaw installation of Oracle TM2 database to better track and manage advice letters and tariffs.
Corporate Accounting
Accounting Analyst, Apr 2005 — Mar 2006; Associate Analyst, Apr 2003 — Apr 2005
• Responsible for accounting of power procurement, including qualified facilities, gas hedging contracts, and bilateral
purchase agreements. Reconciled over 15 accounts each month.
EDUCATION
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. in Business Economics, with Emphasis in Accounting, June 2002
ADDITIONAL
Accreditations: Passed all sections of CPA exam
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, SAP, Tariff Manager 2
City Of San Rafael, Ca Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Board of Library Trustees
Jaimi Cortes
First Name
Email Address
15 EI Pavo Real Circle
Street Address
San Rafael
City
5
Resident of the City of San Rafael for how many years?
Mobile: (
Primary Phone
Women's Foundation of
California _
Employer
Business Address
Middle Initial Last Name
Home: (
Alternate Phone
Senior Program Manager
Job Title
300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 450, Oakland, CA 94903
Interests & Experiences
Do you participate in any civic activities?
Submit Date: Mar 08, 2017
Status: submitted
P\ A 11 All /1 !1
State
Postal Code
I've dedicated my professional career to work for the better good and make an impact in my community.
For over 15 years, I have worked in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector to support our most vulnerable
populations. Since moving here five years ago, I have also personally volunteered and/or financially
supported many organizations such as Homeward Bound, Adopt A Family, Reading Partners, Taproot
Foundation and UCLA Scholarship Fund.
Jaimi Cortes Page 1 of 2
List any civic organizations to which you are a member:
I have recently branched out by attending and helping to coordinate San Rafael neighbors for positive and
effective action for a healthy community. I would be honored to be engaged locally and support the efforts
needed for our libraries. I am a member of many other professional associations and affinity groups.
Education:
Pepperdine University • Master of Business Administration, Leadership Concentration • Global Business
Intensive (Shanghai, China) University of California, Los Angeles • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
and Women's Studies
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
I would love to bring my knowledge in community outreach and engagement, strategic planning,
fundraising, event planning and overall passion to expand and increase access of the library offerings to
all residents in San Rafael.
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
Not applicable
JCortes Resume 030817.docx
Upload a Resume
Jaimi Cortes Page 2 of 2
JAIMI N. CORTES
15 El Pavo Real Circle • San Rafael, CA 94903 • (
SUMMARY OF SHILLS
• Results -oriented, highly effective professional with extensive knowledge in philanthropy, community relations
and nonprofit management.
• Experienced in project management, strategic planning and systems improvement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build collaborative work relationships and strategic
partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
THE WOMEN'S FOUNDATION OF CALIFORNIA 10/14 -Present
Senior Program Manager, Oakland, California
• Responsible for entire $2 million grantmaking process from proposal development and review, approval and
award disbursement, reporting requirements, and payment obligations to ensure alignment with Foundation's
mission and philanthropic partners.
• Oversee selection, evaluation, migration and initiation of new grantmaking software system.
• Manage the workforce development initiative which includes grantmaking, convenings, evaluation, and
strategic planning to improve the economic security of women and families in California.
• Communicate extensively with non-profit grant partners, donors and Board of Directors.
TAPROOT FOUNDATION
Consultant, San Francisco, California
4/14-11/14
Pro Bono Strategy Consultant for the United Way of the Bay Area to develop value -based strategies, strengthen
best practices and identify corporate partnerships to assist in placing San Francisco's youth into summer
employment and internship opportunities.
FIRST 5 LA
Program Officer, Los Angeles, California 7/08-4/12
• Developed and implemented a community investment initiative through the monthly engagement of 200 local
leaders, businesses, public officials and non-profit partners to build a strategic plan.
• Interdepartmental and team liaison on grant applications, best practices, outreach and regional administration to
support effective processes and ongoing learning within our services.
• Managed grant objectives and fiscal compliance for 12 school districts and community-based agencies totaling
over $8 million to support early childhood education.
• Provided capacity building, technical assistance, sustainability planning, professional development trainings,
and comprehensive service integration to ensure grantee agencies met programmatic goals.
PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK
Community Outreach Manager, El Segundo, California 3/07-7/08
• Initiated outreach strategies throughout the Southeastern United States which resulted in 12 new affiliates and a
70% increase in volunteers.
• Increased the regional annual revenue goal by 28% through development and leveraging strategies.
• Management of volunteer driven activities including event planning, educational outreach, health partnerships,
public relations, corporate sponsorships, donor relations, and congressional advocacy.
• Created an integrated marketing communications strategy to educate the public about First 5 LA's efforts which
included collateral such as brochures, flyers, formal and informal presentations, and email campaigns.
PHFE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Director of Operations (Aztecs Rising program), Los Angeles, California 12/05-2/07
• Directed daily administrative, programmatic and financial operations including supervision of 22 staff and 6
office sites for a youth development program.
• Led the strategic planning process with key stakeholders to produce a final plan to guide the organization's
growth over a three year period.
• Instituted policy and procedural improvements to create an effective infrastructure.
Contract Manager (Headquarters), City of Industry, California 5/03-12/05
• Managed over $8.8 million in grant funding for 35 nonprofit programs throughout California to ensure
execution and monitoring of project and fiscal obligations.
• Directed a five person team charged with fiscal oversight, human resources, programmatic deliverables, and
administrative functions in the contract management and compliance for key clients.
• Conducted community outreach, marketing, strategic planning, and fund development activities to leverage
over $1.5 million in funding for clients.
THE CALIFORNIA WELLNESS FOUNDATION
Program Assistant, Woodland Hills, California 5/01-4/03
• Project support for a $20 million Children and Youth Community Health initiative including community
evaluation, capacity building, and other grantmaking activities.
• Reviewed letters of interest and prepared quarterly grant recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
• Researched current and emerging issues that included state and county budget policies, public health, education,
youth development, and status of poor and uninsured.
• Organized and managed grant services that included planning statewide events, preparing all correspondence,
tracking budgets, attending site visits, and providing technical assistance to applicants.
EDUCATION
Pepperdine University
• Master of Business Administration, Leadership Concentration
• Global Business Intensive (Shanghai, China)
University of California, Los Angeles
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women's Studies
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Grants Managers Network, Member
Asset Funders Network, Member
National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Member
MBA Women International, Member
UCLA Alumni Association, Member, Scholarship Committee
Net Impact, Former Member
Step Up Women's Network, Former Member
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPLICATION TO SERVE AS MEMBER OF
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
NAME. Carol Manashil
STREET ADDRESS: 6 Robert Court
CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE: San Rafael, Cal ifornia,94901
RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FOR 33
PRESENT POSITION: retired
NAME OF FIRM:
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
*HOME & BUSINESS PHONE:
EDUCATION: B•A•,Literature, American U n iversity, Wash i ngton, DC.
M.Litt 18th Century Scottish Literature, Edinburgh University,UK
J.D. USF School of Law San Francisco ,Admitted to California bar 1985
PARTICIPATION IN THE FOLLOWING CIVIC ACTIVITIES: Volunteer, Friends of SRPL,
Committee Member Phillips Campaign For Mayor,Co-Chair Campaign in
Support of Measure C.
MEMBER OF FOLLOWING CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS: Member Friends of The San
Rafael Public Library,where I served twice as President. Member Measure C Oversight Committee
Since January 1,2013 ,member San Rafael Library Board of Trustees and current Chair.
MY REASONS FOR WANTING TO SERVE ARE: I wish to serve because of my belief in the San
Rafael Public Library as a vital and democratic cultural and educational center for our city. I have
always been a strong advocate for the maintenance and expansion of library services.
DESCRIBE POSSIBLE AREAS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST: NONE
DATE: March 13,2017 SIGNATURE:�(L��'-i �1�.��11 G ?l�G
Filing Deadline: Mail or deliver to:
Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 City of San Rafael, City Hall, Dept. of City Clerk
Time: 5:00 p.m. 1400 Fifth Avenue, Room 209, San Rafael; CA 94901
* This information will be kept confidential, to the extent permitted by law
City Of San Rafael, Ca Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Board of Library Trustees
Doug
First Name
Email Address
1616 Grand Avenue
Street Address
San Rafael _
City
23
Resident of the City of San Rafael for how many years?
Mobile: (
Primary Phone
Sheppard Mullin Richter &
Hampton LLP
Employer
Business Address
G Van Gessel
Middle Initial Last Name
Home: (
Alternate Phone
Partner
Job Title
Four Embarcadero Center, 17th Floor San Francisco, California 94111
Interests & Experiences
Do you participate in any civic activities?
Submit Date: Mar 07, 2017
Status: submitted
Suite or Apt
P\A AJAAJ
State
Postal Code
I am a member of the "vestry" (i.e., board of directors) and the building committee of Saint John's
Episcopal Church in Ross. I have, in the past, been on similar building committees for The Mark Day
School and Marin Academy. I also volunteer for the REST Emergency Shelter program at First
Presbyterian and for the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
Doug G Van Gessel Page 1 of 2
List any civic organizations to which you are a member:
Please see above.
Education:
The University of Michigan, B.A (1982) and The University of Michigan Law School, J. D. (1987)
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
I am an avid user of the library's services and would like to give back in return for many years' worth of
book borrowing. In addition, I'd simply like to be more active in local community affairs generally.
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
I can't think of any.
DVG Bio.adf
Upload a Resume
Doug G Van Gessel Page 2 of 2
SheppardMullin
Doug Van Gessel
Partner
Four Embarcadero Center
Practices
Construction
Litigation
Real Estate, Land Use
and Environmental
Healthcare
Industries
Construction
Hospitality
Life Sciences and FDA
Education
J.D., University of Michigan,
1987
B.A., University of Michigan,
1982, high distinction
Doug Van Gessel is a partner in the Real Estate, Land Use and
Environmental Practice Group in the firm's San Francisco office.
Areas of Practice
Mr. Van Gessel represents clients in all aspects of commercial real
estate, with principal focuses on (i) development and structuring of
major projects, (ii) creative financial transactions, including
construction, term and mezzanine debt, joint ventures and synthetic
lease financing, (iii) acquisitions and dispositions, (iv) workouts and
restructurings of real estate -secured loans and equity investments,
(v) office, industrial and retail leasing and subleasing, and (vi)
negotiation of architectural, construction, management and
consulting agreements.
Mr. Van Gessel is actively involved in pro bono and community
service activities in the San Francisco Bay Area and writes and
speaks on numerous real estate topics to various trade and bar
organizations.
Honors
Best Lawyers in America (Real Estate Law), Best Lawyers, 2016,
2017
Real Estate and Construction, Legal 500, 2016
Nation's Top 10 Real Estate Lawyers, United States Lawyer
Rankings, 2013
Legal 500, 2012
Northern California Super Lawyers, San Francisco Magazine,
2010-2013
Top Real Estate Deals, Daily Journal, 2011
SheppardMullin
Experience
Reoresentative Transactions
Real Estate Development
Represented a Fortune 500 company in the development of a 15 million square foot campus
facility, including the acquisition, financing, design and construction of the project.
Represented a Fortune 100 company in the development of a 2.5 million square foot campus
facility in Silicon Valley, including structuring of a sophisticated alternative financing strategy.
Represented a prominent San Francisco developer in the purchase, entitlement and development
of 181 Fremont Street, a highly visible office ad condominium project which will be the third tallest
building in San Francisco and the tallest mixed use building in the Western United States.
Represented a national developer in the purchase, permitting, financing and development of a
2,000 acre mixed use retail, hotel, and residential project in Dublin, California.
Represented a national hotel developer in purchasing and repositioning a series of luxury hotels
throughout the Western United States.
Represented a prominent Silicon Valley developer in the purchase, entitlement, subleasing,
financing and buildout of both a 2.1 million square foot and an 800,000 square foot office campus.
Represented a prominent Silicon Valley developer in the purchase, entitlement and construction of
a 1.9 million square foot corporate campus.
Represented a prominent Silicon Valley developer in the purchase, entitlement, subdivision,
financing and build out of a 1.7 million square foot corporate campus.
Represented a developer in the purchase, entitlement and financing of a 680,000 square foot
corporate campus.
Represented a large institutional developer in the purchase and redevelopment of a 600 room hotel
in Southern California.
Purchase and Sales
Mr. Van Gessel has represented clients in more than $25 billion worth of real estate purchase and
sale transactions for office, retail, hotel, industrial multi -family, and medical office and assisted care
facilities, including many sophisticated alternative transactions, such as synthetic leases, ground
leases, sale leaseback, tenancy in common and various joint venture arrangements. Most notably,
he represented clients on the following projects:
• The sale of a portfolio of 14 hotels for over $800 million
• The purchase of a 1.8 million square foot office campus in Silicon Valley
• The purchase of a 1.2 million square foot office campus in Silicon Valley
• The purchase of a 1,000,000 square foot corporate campus in Silicon Valley
• The purchase of an 815,000 square foot corporate campus in Silicon Valley
• The purchase of a 800,000 square foot corporate campus in Raleigh, North Carolina
SheppardMullin
• The sale of an 8 building corporate campus in Silicon Valley
• The sale of a 650,000 square foot shopping center in the East Bay
• The sale of a 5 building corporate campus for over $480 million
• The purchase of a 2,000,000 square foot corporate campus in the Waltham, Massachusetts
area
• The sale of a portion of Macy's Union Square store
• The sale-leaseback of over $500 million worth of real property, including a 575,000 square
foot warehouse in California's Central Valley
• The "synthetic leasing" of a series of corporate campus properties in Silicon Valley and
Southern California totaling more than 3 million square feet of space
• The exchange of a series of Fund intersts valued at $250 millino between two pension funds
• The purchase of unimproved property and the development of a 54 story office and
condominium project thereon in the SOMA market of San Francisco
Leasing
Mr. Van Gessel has represented clients in the leasing of over 80 million square feet of office, retail
and industrial space in 29 years' worth of transactions. Most recently, in the past three years he
handled the following notable transactions.
• A lease of nearly 2 million square feet of space to Google, the largest office space lease in
California history
• A lease of 815,000 square feet of office space to Apple, Inc.
• A 700,000 square foot warehouse lease with Amazon
• A lease of 718,000 square feet of office space to Google
• A least of 700,000 square feet of office space to Google
• A lease of over 500,000 square feet of office space to Hewlett-Packard
• A series of leases for over 500,000 square feet of office space to Amazon.com
• A lease of 350,000 square feet of office space to Amazon
• A lease of almost 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Livermore, California
• A lease of over 250,000 square feet to Google
• The subletting of a 405,000 square foot biotechnology campus to an affiliate of Alphabet
• A lease of over 250,000 square feet of office space to Aruba Networks
• A lease of over 220,000 square feet of office space to Microsoft
• A lease of over 220,000 square feet of office space to Motorola Mobility
• A lease of over 200,000 square feet of office space to Synopsis
• A lease of 55,000 square feet of retail space to Dick's Sporting Goods
Data Centers
Mr. Van Gessel has represented developers and users in the purchase, financing, design,
construction, leasing and operation of data centers for over 20 years, including the following
transactions.
SheppardMullin
• Representation of nationwide developer of data centers in the purchase, development and
location of approximately 20 projects worldwide
• Representation of industry-leading, worldwide data center REIT in the construction and
design contracts for projects worldwide
• Representation of a Fortune 50 company in the leasing of data warehouse space nationwide
• Representation of a prominent developer n the entitlement, construction and design of
100,000 square foot data center in San Francisco
• Representation of a large public company in the leasing of a large data center project in
Hillsboro, Oregon
Design and Construction
Mr. Van Gessel has represented four Fortune 100 companies in all of their design and construction
contracts for more than 15 years. He also represents a large data warehouse REIT on all its
nationwide design and construction contracts -more than 70 each year. He has represented clients
on a wide variety of projects -from hotels and warehouses to shopping centers and even a rocket
launching pad.
Distressed Loan Sales
• Represented a large institutional investor in purchasing a $125 million portfolio of non-
performing secured and unsecured debt
• Represented a national bank in the purchase of: 1) a $235 million portfolio of REO property
and distressed secured debt, and 2) a $55 million real estate secured debt portfolio
• Represented a pension fund advisor in the purchase of $70 million in debt secured by multi-
family properties
• Represented a large institutional investor in purchasing a $120 million portfolio of distressed
loan secured by retail properties
• Represented a large bank in the sale of over $800 million in REO property and secured and
unsecured debt
• Represented a local entertainment company in the purchase of a note secured by a retail
shopping center
Financing
Mr. Van Gessel has represented lenders and borrowers in the origination and/or restructuring of
over $2 billion worth of real estate, secured debt, including construction and term loans, mezzanine
and shared appreciation loans and ground lease financing for office, retail, apartment and hotel
projects. He recently served as local counsel in the financing of the Golden State Warriors' San
Francisco arena.
Community Activities
Mr. Van Gessel has represented many non-profit organizations, including AIDS and homeless
shelters, artistic and educational organizations, churches, theatres, coffee houses training
disadvantaged individuals in retail skills and community outreach programs. He was a member of
the St. Mark's School (San Rafael, CA) building committee for many years, a legal advisor to Marin
Academy for the expansion of its campus, and a vestry member and co-chair of the building
SheppardMullin
committee for Saint John's Episcopal Church (Ross, CA) from 2002 through 2004 and again from
2017-2020. He also volunteers his time to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Smart Learning
Program, and REST Emergency Shelter Program.
Articles
Purchase and Sale of Distressed Real Estate -Secured Loans
Real Estate Finance, April 1, 2009
Real Estate -Secured Loan Workouts: The Borrower's View
The author discusses potential loan workout objectives, strategies and structures from a borrower's
perspective.
Journal of Bankruptcy Law, April 1, 2009
Real Estate Loan Workouts
Issues in Shared Appreciation Mortgages
Bloomberg Law Reports, April 1, 2009
Workout Strategies For Landlords and Tenants
The Marin Lawyer, March 2009
Subleasing Concerns
The Marin Lawyer, March 2009
Biotechnology Leasing Issues
February 20, 2009
Purchase and Sale of Distressed Real Estate -Secured Loans
February 2009
Subleasing Concerns
February 1, 2009
Events
Strategic Leasing for Emerging Companies: Achieving Agility in Today's Real Estate Market
Hosted by Sheppard Mullin & ACC SFBA
May 23, 2013
Space Requirements for Start -Up Companies
Third Thursday Emerging Company Webinars
LiveMeeting, December 17, 2009