HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Board of Library Trustees Interviews____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: June 23, 2022
Disposition: Appointed Lawrence “Larry” Andow to fill one unexpired four-year term to the end of
April 2023 on the Board of Library Trustees
Special Meeting
Agenda Item No: SM 2
Meeting Date: June 23, 2022
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Lindsay Lara, City Clerk City Manager Approval: ___________
TOPIC: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES INTERVIEWS
SUBJECT: INTERVIEW APPLICANTS AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL
ONE UNEXPIRED FOUR-YEAR TERM TO THE END OF APRIL 2023 ON
THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES DUE TO THE RESIGNATION OF
ERIC HAN
RECOMMENDATION:
Interview the following applicants and make an appointment to fill one unexpired four-
year term to the end of April 2023 on the Board of Library Trustees due to the resignation
of Eric Han.
Name
Ceci De La Montanya
Kelly Stuart
Lawrence Andow
Sunny Lee
BACKGROUND:
The Board of Library Trustees is an advisory board that meets monthly with responsibility
to provide support to library administration, work to support the process for a new library,
serve as advocates for the Library to the City Council, and help increase the visibility of
the Library in the community. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at
6:00 p.m.
Eric Han submitted his resignation on April 25, 2022 and the City Clerk’s office recruited
for applications the same day.
ANALYSIS:
The City Clerk’s office received a total of four applications for the single vacancy, verified
each applicant resides in City limits, and scheduled a Special City Council meeting to
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
conduct interviews for June 21, 2022. Staff recommends interviewing the applicants and
making an appointment to the single vacancy to the end of April 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The call for applications for the Board of Library Trustees was advertised through mass
email notification, the City website, social media platforms, and physically posted at City
facilities.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Interview the four applicants and make an appointment to fill one unexpired four-year term
to the end of April 2023 on the Board of Library Trustees.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Four (4) Applications
2. Municipal Code Excerpt
Boards and Commissions Application
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Q1
Contact Information
First and Last Name Ceci De La Montanya
Address
City/Town San Rafael
State/Province CA
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
Email Address
Phone Number
Q3
What Board would you like to apply to?
Board of Library Trustees,
Park and Recreation Commission
Q7
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
3.5 years
Q8
Business Information
Company Self Employed
Address
City/Town San Rafael
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
#3
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 9:15:21 AM
Last Modified: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 9:27:55 AM
Time Spent: 00:12:33
IP Address: 73.70.81.135
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Boards and Commissions Application
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Q9
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Other (please specify):
Email
Q10
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they?
I am actively looking for more civic activities to participate in outside of volunteering with my child's preschool. I am currently working
with the Canal Alliance and other local partners to help establish a new soccer league in the Canal area.
Q11
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
I am not currently a member of any civic organizations, but would like to be. When I worked at OpenGov, I advised and worked
alongside hundreds of local governments across the country to establish fiscal transparency initiatives. I previously worked in the
British parliament where I managed constituency correspondence and various parliamentary initiatives including a delegation visit to
Latvia.
Q12
Education:
I have dual Bachelor of Arts degrees, summa cum laude, in politics and communication studies from the University of San Francisco
and a Master of Science degree in Media and Communication Development from London School of Economics
Q13
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
We love living in San Rafael and I would like to play a role in shaping its future. My young daughters and I visit the parks and library
regularly. I believe my personal experience as a young family using these services, coupled with my experience in government will
enable me to be a pragmatic advocate for their ongoing administration.
Q14
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None.
Q15
Upload your resume.
Ceci_De_La_Montanya_AUG 2019.docx.pdf (79.9KB)
Page 4: Demographics
Boards and Commissions Application
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Q16
Ethnicity .
Other (please specify):
Q17
To which gender do you most identify?
Q18
How old are you?
Ceci De La Montanya
San Rafael CA 94901
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
I am a self-starting communications professional with 15+ years of experience in San Francisco, New York City and London
across the government, healthcare, and edtech sectors. Key highlights:
- Planned and executed numerous product launches for companies at various growth stages
- Skilled in adapting communications messaging and strategy for local and international audiences
- Keen eye for detail that translates to excellent project management abilities
WORK EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT SEP 2016 – PRESENT
●Work with various mission-driven startups in the digital health, edtech and govtech industries including BetterUp,
Benepass, OpenComp, Dignity Health, Ambra Health, Trov, OpenGov, Udemy, and De La Montanya Winery to advise on
communications strategy, content marketing, positioning and launches.
VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICE 2019 – 2020
Allison+Partners San Francisco, CA
●Led client service and overall strategy for a portfolio of health and wellness clients totaling $2m+ in annual revenue.
●Drove integrated communications strategies for clients and worked cross-functionally across A+P service areas.
●Managed junior staff and led by example for exemplary client service.
DIRECTOR, GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS JAN 2016 – SEP 2016
Udemy San Francisco, CA
Udemy is a global learning marketplace connecting expert instructors and students around the world.
●Led and scaled global communication program focusing on US, UK, German and Brazil markets.
●Stewarded a series of corporate announcements including a $60 million funding round, the company’s first acquisition,
10 million student milestone and significant marketplace price change, all within the first six months.
HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS OCT 2014 – NOV 2015
OpenGov Redwood City, CA
OpenGov is a fast growing Andreessen-backed government technology start-up that enables governments to more effectively
manage and share their budget data.
●Built public relations function from scratch including strategic objectives, tactical timeline and all resources for PR, social
media, speaking engagements and awards. Recruited and onboarded PR agency.
●Developed corporate messaging, media trained executives, and secured brand-building pieces including being recognized
as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.
●Created scalable media launch kit for government customers to foster steady stream of awareness in local target markets
and managed high-profile customer launches including the Treasurer of Ohio, Miami and Pittsburgh.
●Pitched a $500K grant program to non-profit Innovate Your State and managed project through to media launch.
SR. PR MANAGER OCT 2012 – SEP 2014
OpenTable London, UK & San Francisco, CA
OpenTable is the global leader in online restaurant reservations. I oversaw public relations and social media for OpenTable
Europe and transferred to the SF headquarters to take on more responsibilities.
●Developed communications strategy, company narrative and objectives in Europe.
●Built foundational news bureau elements including a UK-based press center and blog and manage ongoing
cross-platform editorial calendar.
●Nurtured critical media relationships and championed customer success stories resulting in a 100% increase of press
coverage in the UK in the first year.
●Adapted and introduced flagship US PR program - Diners’ Choice - to UK and German markets.
●Promoted within six months and transferred to San Francisco to expand role to include North America.
●Played key role in the communications strategy and execution of the $2.6B Priceline acquisition and mobile payments
launch to NYC.
PARLIAMENTARY RESEARCHER 2010 – 2012
UK Parliament, Christopher Pincher MP London, UK
Member of Parliament for Tamworth, based in his Westminster office. Held position while completing a graduate degree at
the London School of Economics.
●Researched briefs for MP to participate in chamber activities (debates, interventions, speeches and questions) and
Energy and Climate Change Committee activities.
●Developed press releases, speeches, statements, and by-lined articles on behalf of MP.
●Created new website for the MP http://christopherpincher.com and social media strategy.
●Liaised with various ministerial offices on behalf of constituents including the Home Office, Foreign & Commonwealth
office, Ministry of Defense, Work & Pensions, Education, Business Innovation & Skills, etc.
●Oversaw the creation of an All-Party Parliamentary Group to foster bi-lateral relations with Latvia and coordinated
group’s activities including a delegation visit, liaising with the Embassy of Latvia and Latvian Government.
FREELANCE WRITING & PUBLIC RELATIONS 2010 – 2012
Various clients London, UK
●Freelance public relations work for Airbnb (strategy planning and media outreach surrounding international travel
related to the Royal Wedding,) and hotelclub.com.
DIRECTOR, PR & MARKETING 2008 – 2010
Charlie Palmer Group NEW YORK, NY
The Charlie Palmer Group is a collection of 12 restaurants, 2 wine shops, and boutique hotels owned and operated by celebrity
chef Charlie Palmer. I was the head of marketing and public relations for this hospitality group.
●Developed and led marketing strategy for two restaurant openings in 2009, including relocating the flagship restaurant
Aureole in New York City and oversaw all new branding development.
●Implemented successful new digital marketing strategy to complement central sales office, including Website re-launch
and social media; built customer database of 120,000 members in the first year.
●Oversaw development of all marketing, press and internal collateral, including advertisements, partnerships, press
releases and flyers in addition to developing creative promotions and events for cross marketing venues.
●Managed stakeholder relationships, including tenants, partners, media agencies, sponsors and charities.
ACCOUNT MANAGER 2004 – 2008
Allison+Partners San Francisco, CA/ New York, NY
Mid-sized public relations agency, http://allisonpr.com. Client portfolio included: The Michelin Guides, ZipRealty, Bay Area Air
Quality Management District, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Cakebread Cellars, Popchips, Everlands Destination Club, C.F. Sauer
Food Company, ARAMARK Parks & Resorts, Peter Lik Galleries.
●Managed teams of 4-5 and served as main client contact; specialized in brand positioning/messaging, creative
promotions, media outreach, launch events, media training, sponsorships and new business development.
●Developed agency’s Food and Beverage practice specialty.
●Led the integrated marketing launch of the Michelin Guides to the western US, including managing campaigns in San
Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
EDUCATION
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS & POLITICAL SCIENCE 2010 - 2011
MSc (hons) in Media and Communication Development London, UK
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO 2001 - 2005
Dual BA degrees in Politics and Communication Studies San Francisco, CA
●Summa Cum Laude distinction and recipient of the Top Communications Student Award
ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
●Elected Treasurer of the LSE SU Bacchus Wine Society and selected to represent LSE at Bollinger international university
tasting challenge in Champagne, France (2010-11)
●Former member of New York’s Citymeals-on-Wheels leadership committee for the development of a new Young
Professionals organization; increased membership to 300 in first year (2008-2010)
●Helped to establish family business: De La Montanya Winery & Vineyards and served as brand manager
●Former Ballroom & Latin dance instructor and choreographer at Dance Arts Studios in San Rafael, CA (2001-2004)
●Interests include: dining, international travel (visited all 28 EU member countries), public speaking, snow skiing,
softball, and ballroom dancing
Boards and Commissions Application
3 / 3
Q18
How old are you?
Stuart 2
2006–
2010
Assistant Director of Dissemination (Sales)
Developmental Studies Center, Oakland, CA
Responsibilities included overseeing $5 million-dollar grant to benefit over 65,000 low-
income children across the U.S. in areas of literacy and mathematics. Presented at national
and state conferences on topics such as reading comprehension, Response to Intervention
(RtI), writing, and community building. Led dissemination efforts in Latin America.
2003–
2006
Director of Special Programs
Success for All Foundation, Baltimore, MD
Coordinated development, dissemination, and marketing for supplemental programs focused
on reading comprehension, leadership, phonics, schoolwide systems, and beginning reading.
Led Leadership Academy sessions with principals in San Jose, Redwood City, and Salinas
school districts over a two-year period focused on data, root cause analysis, and goal setting.
Managed team of 11 full-time consultants who delivered professional development to
teachers and school administrators to implement research-based practices in the area of
reading.
2001–
2003
Area Manager
Success for All Foundation, Baltimore, MD
Oversaw reform initiatives in 120 schools in California and Hawaii. Focused on systemic
change processes. Managed and led a team of professional developers/consultants in
California and Hawaii. Taught team to interpret and analyze state level data.
2000–
2001
Education Consultant
Education Partners, San Francisco, CA
Led professional development with teachers and administrators to improve the
implementation of literacy and school-wide practices in CA, NM CO, WA, and OR
1997–
2000
Elementary Teacher
Big Springs Elementary, Big Springs, CA
Taught second grade and middle school students. Member of school site council. Coached
basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading.
EDUCATION
2012 Ed.D in Educational Leadership-Social Justice, San Francisco State University
2004 M.A., Education Administration, San Francisco State University
2004 Preliminary Administrative Credential, San Francisco State University
1997 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Simpson College
1996 B.S., Liberal Studies, University of the State of New York, Albany
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Stuart, K., Duffield, J., Hale, S. (2014). Turnaround Communities of Practice: Addressing the Urgency. The
state role in school Turnaround: emerging best practices, San Francisco, CA, WestEd.
Chi, B., Wierman, T., & Stuart, K. (2013). Examining Potential Effects of Afterschool KidzScience
Curriculum and Professional Development Resources. American Educational Research Association,
San Francisco, CA.
Boards and Commissions Application
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Q1
Contact Information
First and Last Name Lawrence Andow
Address
City/Town San Rafael
State/Province CA
ZIP/Postal Code 94901
Email Address
Phone Number
Q3
What Board would you like to apply to?
Board of Library Trustees
Q7
How long have you lived in San Rafael?
30 years
Q8
Business Information
Company Retired
Q9
How did you hear about this vacant position?
City Manager's Newsletter
#9
COMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Started: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 10:02:00 PM
Last Modified: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 10:20:28 PM
Time Spent: 00:18:28
IP Address: 23.127.165.142
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Boards and Commissions Application
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Q10
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they?
Currently - Peacock Gap Homeowners Association - Board Member and Treasurer; Experience Corps (San Pedro School); Marin
Villages Volunteer and San Pedro Road Coalition Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Q11
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Locally - Friends of San Rafael Library; MALT; One Tam;
Q12
Education:
MBA from U.C. Berkeley Haas School; M.S. and B.S. in Agricultural Economics from U.C. Davis.
Q13
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
I along with my family have been the beneficiaries of the San Rafael Library system since we moved here in 1992. Now retired I would
like to give back with my time and experience to further the mission of SR Libraries to serve all residents through new technology (e.g.
ebooks); new services (e.g. Northgate popup library) and a new community based library building based on the functional requirements
of serving all sectors of the public.
Q14
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None that I am aware of.
Q15
Upload your resume.
Larry Andow Resume 2:2016.pdf (82.7KB)
Q16
Ethnicity
Page 4: Demographics
Boards and Commissions Application
2 / 3
Q9
How did you hear about this vacant position?
Community Center / Library,
Friend
Q10
Do you participate in any civic activities? If so, what are they?
Volunteering as a secretary of a neighborhood association (liaison for critical informations and notices within the city).
Guide and assist a group of disabled/low-income families to access to the low cost internet for school-age students.
Participated in many school events to support teachers and students for the past 12 years.
Attending City Council, Board and Commission and other city public meetings to be informed and educate the community and
neighborhood whom were not able to attend.
Participating in many Climate Change Action events and forums particularly Bill Carney leads.
Advocate and participate in MarinFreecycle User Group where members recycle and reuse any tangible items so it won't end up in the
Landfill.
Q11
List any civic organizations of which you are a member:
Southern Heights Neighborhood Association.
San Rafael High School PTO (WeAreSR!)
MarinFreecycle
Q12
Education:
School of Visual Arts, NYC, Master of Fine Arts in Computer Art/Animation
Parsons School of Design/School of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts/Graphic Design
Q13
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
The idea of serving on a board has been suggested to me by a couple of friends who are also frequent patrons of the library. My
appreciation towards SR libraries runs deep as we're frequent library visitors and attendees for numerous events and services.
Increased diversity on city boards and commissions has been a stated priority of council members & mayor since 2020, and highly
anticipated plans for the new library have been on the drawing board for some time. It's an exciting time in the history of San Rafael
Library and I'd be honored to assist everyone in that endeavor.
Back in 2015, I was invited to participate in the Public Library Community Visioning workshop by Sarah Houghton, then a library
director, as I support SR library in every respect. I look forward a new chapter of the story of San Rafael libraries. Libraries are still
people places. I will continue to advocate that premise and support the library.
Boards and Commissions Application
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Q14
Describe possible areas in which you may have a conflict of interest with the City:
None
Q15
Upload your resume.
Sunny SR Library Board Resume May 2022.pdf (64.5KB)
Q16
Ethnicity
Q17
To which gender do you most identify?
Q18
How old are you?
Page 4: Demographics
Objective
To serve as a commissioner for Planning Commission at the City of San Rafael.
Experience
Tech Support for Neighborhood Elderly 2010-present
I have been the go-to tech support for a handful of senior neighbors who are in their 70’s or 80’s for
the past decade. Have helped many seniors when they have difficulties with the internet, TV
connections, emails, navigating e-commerce, copying/printing documents, photos, relocating old
files and upgrading to a new OS/computer. After more than 10 years of assisting the growing elder
population in my neighborhood, I have gained the skill, confidence, and patience to guide them
with simple solutions that are appropriate to their abilities while treating them with respect and also
giving them an opportunity to move forward with their own learning opportunities.
Secretary for Southern Heights Neighborhood Association 2012 to current
Responsible for organizing the communications of the 150-member neighborhood association.
Updating and keeping the directory of 150 members as people move in and out of the
neighborhood has taken a great deal of attention and keeping good records.
Parent & Teacher !"#$%&’$(&)%2010 to 2018
Working with other parents at helping & supporting teachers, staff, and students, with activities
such as an annual fund-raising effort, helping organize PTO meetings and communications and
planning/hosting book fairs and open house events at a public elementary school of 500 students.
Computer Graphics Special Effects Artist 1996 to 2009
Worked as a computer graphic artist/technical director specialized in creature anatomy, muscle
movement and hair, clothing, and simulations of solid objects that were added to live action
movies, such as Titanic, Star Wars and Harry Potter.
Industrial Light & Magic (San Rafael & San Francisco, CA)
Digital Domain (Los Angeles, CA)
Education
School of Visual Arts, NYC, MFA in Computer Art 1993-1995
Specialized in Computer Animation. Required an understanding of all aspects of 3D animation
from creating a story, modeling, animation, lighting, rendering and editing the short animated film
with sound and music.
Parsons School of Design/School of Visual Arts, BFA in Graphic Design 1990-1993
Graphic Design, Communication Arts, Advertising, Marketing Campaign, Company Logo Design.
Skills
2D and 3D computer software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, MS Words & Office, Google Drive/
Spreadsheet, iMovie). Proficient with troubleshooting on MacOS and iOS.
Digital Photography
SAN RAFAEL CHARTER
ARTICLE IX Public Library, Section 1. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES.
There shall be a board of library trustees to be appointed by the council, the exact number of
which shall be set by ordinance or resolution of the council, one of whom may be a councilman.
The members of the board shall serve for a term of four years and shall be subject to removal
by the affirmative vote of three members of the council. The terms of office of members of the
board shall be staggered in the manner provided by resolution of the council. The board of
library trustees shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed or
conferred in this charter or by the ordinances of the city. (Assembly Concurrent Resolution No.
121, August 20, 1973: Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 46, May 31, 1967.)
2.16.030 Board of library trustees.
A board of library trustees is created. (Ord. 889 § 6, 1967)
2.16.031 Trustee membership--Compensation.
The board of library trustees shall consist of five members appointed by the city council, one of
whom may be a councilman. All members shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 889 § 7
part), 1967)
2.16.032 Trustee term of office and removal.
The members of the board of library trustees shall serve for a term of four years and shall be
subject to removal by the affirmative vote of three members of the city council. The terms of
office of members of the board of library trustees shall be staggered in the manner provided by
resolution of the city council. (Ord. 889 § 7 (part), 1967)
2.16.033 Trustee powers and duties.
Subject to the direction and control of the city council, as provided in Section 2.04.030 of this
code, the powers and duties of the board of library trustees shall be:
To assess and evaluate current and long-range needs of the library; to formulate and adopt
policies, rules and regulations with respect to programs and facilities to meet such needs of the
community, including recommendations for sites and design of facilities. Such formulations and
adoptions shall be made in conjunction with recommendations of the librarian;
To review, comment and make recommendations regarding the annual operating budget of the
library;
To receive, and review periodic reports from the librarian concerning the general operations and
functions of the library;
To recommend ways to inform the citizens of San Rafael as to the various programs, services,
and assistance which the library affords all citizens;
To promote intergovernmental cooperation in the development of library services, patronage
and usage;
To perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the city council.
Ord. 1131 § 3, 1974: Ord. 889 § 7 (part), 1967).