THE GCA TEAM
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Debra Stein is president of GCA Strategies and the author of several books on NIMBYism. Her expertise in building community support for controversial land use projects is balanced by her success in translating public attitudes into political action. Debra is the author of ground-breaking books on entitlements such as Winning Community Support for Land Use Projects and Making Community Meetings Work, as well as numerous articles on hostile audience management, building public acceptance for master planned communities, housing for the homeless and special populations, and Smart Growth and infill development. Debra provides overall outreach and advocacy strategy and communications training for GCA clients. Debra is a member of the International Association of Participation Professionals, the Association for Conflict Resolution, the Urban Land Institute, and the California Bar Association. She has a B.A. in Political Management from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from the University of San Francisco. |
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Frank Noto is Vice President of GCA Strategies and a principal in the firm. He manages implementation of community outreach and public participation programs for many of the firm's largest clients, and heads the firm's public opinion research division. With over twenty-five years experience in community relations, public information, and issue management, he has helped conduct winning communications programs for corporations, local government agencies, coalitions, community organizations and labor unions. Frank is the recipient of a prestigious award for successful campaign communications from the International Association of Business Communicators, and the author of numerous articles on the use of state-of-the-art public opinion research in communications and community outreach campaigns. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a B.S. in Public Affairs. |
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Jennifer M. Tammen is Public Affairs Manager for GCA Strategies. She provides strategic consulting, management, and implementation assistance for entitlement strategies and community relations plans and materials. Jennifer has extensive experience with all phases of property acquisitions and development including research, obtaining funding, zoning, tax increment financing and municipal approvals including redevelopment agreements. Her representation of developers and land owners has resulted in the approval of new residential, commercial and mixed-use developments while securing millions in financial subsidies. Jennifer holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from DePaul University and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a member of the American Planning Association, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and a board member for the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs Alumni Association. |
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Benjamin Horne is Finance & Administrative Manager for GCA Strategies. When it comes to administering the accounting systems of GCA, negotiating with vendors, or managing our client contracts, Ben is the administrative wizard behind the curtain. His unique understanding of the business needs of the company as well as the vendors helps GCA maintain excellent relationships with our subcontractors and service providers. Ben has over 18 years of experience in accounting, finance, and business administration. An entrepreneur at heart, Ben started and successfully managed his own startup enterprise for 5 years. In addition, he has 6 years experience in the public accounting and consulting fields and previously held the lead finance position in several industries from non-profit community groups to large venture capital backed high-tech startups. Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Iowa. |
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Elan Drucker (Project Associate): With an Urban Studies and Planning degree from the UC San Diego and a Masters in Urban Planning from New York University, Elan Drucker is our expert to map out an entitlement game plan or draft advocacy materials for City Hall. Whether it's crafting permit conditions or key messages, outreach materials or advocacy briefs, Elan has a winning record of building community and political support for GCA clients. Elan currently is involved with the San Francisco Chapter of the Urban Land Institute where she is Co-Chair of New Member Recruitment and serves on the Steering Committee for the chapter's Young Leaders Group. She is an active member of SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association) and San Francisco Housing Action Coalition. She also serves as the Bay Area Alumni Co-Chair for NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. |
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Ken Nason (Project Associate): Whether it's producing a spot-on advocacy mail piece, getting a press release into the right hands, or mobilizing and recruiting citizens to voice their support for large-scale development projects, Ken is dedicated to providing clients with successful results. Ken is the recipient of several prestigious advertising awards for political direct mail and television ads and has managed several bond measure campaigns for school and community college districts, having helped pass over $2 billion in bond measures for California's public schools. Prior to joining GCA, Ken served as the Director of Communications for Hawaii State Senate President Robert Bunda. Ken is a graduate of UC Davis with a degree in political science and psychology. |
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Stephanie Sellai (Project Associate): When you need bodies at a public hearing, phone calls to City Halls, or letters to the editor, Stephanie is the one to turn 'em out. Stephanie has more than 9 years experience with GCA managing opinion research implementation and analysis, and has guided media and public relations campaigns for some of our largest labor clients. Stephanie can regale an audience regarding radiofrequency radiation, prevailing wage and project labor agreements, and the merits of putting used auto parts recycling facilities in your backyard. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno in English Literature. |
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Emily Salgado (Project Assistant): With experience in political campaigns, grassroots organizing and community outreach, Emily brings initiative and organizational abilities necessary to support the needs of GCA clients. Applying methodical problem-solving skills, Emily contributes administrative and research requirements essential to a successful result for any client. Emily holds degrees in Political Science and Communications from San Francisco State University. |
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Julian E. Metcalf (Project Assistant): Julian brings a strong technical background of analytical research skills combined with community outreach experience. Using his multidisciplinary problem solving skills he can easily synthesize and communicate complex information to any audience. Prior to joining GCA, Julian worked as a Staff Research Associate at the University of California, Berkeley where he used web-based mapping systems to make academic research results available to the public. His public speaking skills were crafted over several years of working in recruitment and community outreach for San Francisco State University. Julian holds a degree in Geography from SFSU. |
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Sarah Keller (Project Assistant): Whether it is research on local election laws or full-length findings on the merits of a project, Sarah works with GCA principals and project associates to make it happen. Her outstanding writing ability coupled with her understanding of the clients’ goals make Sarah invaluable to our team. Sarah is a graduate of San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Political Science. While at SFSU she was vice president of the College Democrats. She is active in several bay area Democratic organizations. |
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Denis Rajic (Executive Assistant): Denis has nearly 10 years experience managing the requirements of executive level leadership. His dedication to the company and ability to identify priorities ensure that schedules and communications run smoothly and professionally. While receiving his B.A. in International Relations from San Francisco State University, Denis was Chapter President for Model UN and Director of Public Relations for the International Relations Student Association. He has received numerous awards for his leadership activities and is fluent in four languages. |
| Robert J. McCarthy (Of Counsel): Bob McCarthy is an attorney and registered lobbyist specializing in government advocacy, public contracts, land use, real estate, transportation and telecommunications. Bob was a HUD Fellow at the Center for Urban Studies at the University of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Chicago School of Law. He is a member of the Knights Equestrian of the Holy Sepulcher Papal Order and trustee of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. | |
