Applicants Must Live, Work in, or Demonstrate Engagement with the Southeast San Diego Community
The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation is now accepting applications for community board members. These positions are open to individuals who live, work, or demonstrate meaningful engagement with the Southeast San Diego community. It is an opportunity to contribute to the future of the community by providing leadership, advocacy, and support for local initiatives. Applications can be submitted online at bit.ly/JCNIBoard2025 and are due by Tuesday, April 1.
The Jacobs Center is in the midst of an exciting and transformational time, having begun in earnest the process of transitioning governance of the organization to the community. Over the past 20-plus years, the vision of Joe and Violet Jacobs has steadily materialized, with community members rising to take on leadership roles of increasing responsibility. This marks a pivotal moment to steward and guide the future development of Southeast San Diego.
“The organization is sufficiently resourced to execute its mission,” said Valerie Jacobs Hapke, chairperson of the Jacobs Center board, “but continued engagement with leaders who understand the historical challenges, recognize present-day realities, and can envision and build bridges toward a prosperous future remains vital to our long-term success.”
The ideal candidates will share the Jacobs Center’s vision of creating a caring community where people are responsible to each other, all cultures are embraced, sustaining resources are in place for a vibrant economy, and residents actively create the future they envision.
To be considered, applicants must have been involved in a Jacobs Center project, activity, or committee, or have a recommendation from someone involved. Expertise in areas such as community engagement, real estate development, finance, law, fundraising, economic development, or government relations is highly desirable.
“As we navigate shifting demographics and evolving needs in Southeast San Diego, we seek individuals who prioritize advancing the collective good over individual agendas. We are looking for leaders with the courage to imagine a better future and the determination to make it a reality,” added Paul Robinson, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation community board member and IT entrepreneur with a background in mergers and acquisitions.
The new board members will include a replacement for outgoing vice chair, Louie Nguyen, who has been instrumental in advancing economic development, managing real estate assets, and ensuring sound financial stewardship, as well as additional candidates to further strengthen the board and support our mission. Nguyen’s extensive experience in corporate finance and as an investment officer brought thoughtful leadership and significant contributions to the organization, leaving a lasting legacy.
For more information about Jacobs Center’s board of directors, visit jacobscenter.org/board-of-directors.