Alan Brown
Partner, Brown & Zhang Consulting LLC | Senior Advisor, Cambridge Wilkinson Investment Bank | Advisory Board Member, FMW Media Works Corp
With a wealth of experience across multiple industries, Alan Brown stands as a distinguished figure in the fields of business consulting, investment banking, and media. Currently, he serves as a Partner at Brown & Zhang Bus Consulting LLC and a Senior Advisor at Cambridge Wilkinson Investment Bank. Alan’s recent engagements include serving on the Advisory Board for Veritone Gov. and providing consultancy services to NASDAQ-listed Veritone (2020-2022). His expertise has also been sought after by FMW Media Works Corp, where he contributes as an Advisory Board member. In the realm of publishing and media, Alan excels as the Senior Editor of Manuscript Editing Solutions (MES). His insights and guidance help authors, storytellers, and filmmakers navigate the complex and often challenging landscape of the creative industry. Alan’s extensive background in film production further solidifies his reputation. He has produced and executive produced notable projects such as “Beach Music” for Paramount Pictures/Ladd Company, “Year of the Comet” for Columbia Pictures, “Sea Kings” for Universal Studios, and “Thunder Born.”
Papia Gambelin
Managing Director, State and Local Government Affairs at United Airlines
Papia Gambelin is a nationally acclaimed executive with extensive expertise in business, community, and government leadership. Renowned for her ability to connect people, ideas, and causes, she is a respected professional in her field. Before joining United Airlines to oversee west coast government relations, Papia served as President of Platinum Advisors’ Silicon Valley. Among her accolades, Papia was named one of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2009 and received the YMCA of Silicon Valley’s Trailblazer Award in 2014. A Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum of Silicon Valley and a member of the Exceptional Women Awardees Foundation, she continues to inspire and lead. In 2021, Silicon Valley Magazine recognized Papia as a Power Player in their most prestigious annual issue. She resides on the beautiful Silicon Valley peninsula with her husband, Darrin, and their two boys, Vincent, and Matteo, 2 dogs, 5 chickens and a bearded dragon lizard.
Sally Kay
Regional Head of Public Policy and External Affairs at Amazon
Sally Kay is a California based Public Policy and External Affairs professional with expertise in U.S. state and municipal legislation focused on emerging technology policy. Over the last decade, she has worked for some of the world’s most recognized brands at the intersection of innovation and public policy including Uber and Amazon. Ms. Kay currently leads Amazon’s California Public Policy and External Affairs from San Francisco where she has built advocacy and community investment strategies since 2016. Most recently, she has led Amazon’s work on Artificial Intelligence policy across the U.S. She is passionate about music, having been involved in musical theater and church choir in her early years and later performing as a jazz vocalist. A Georgia native, Ms. Kay holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a master’s in public policy, both from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and lives in the East Bay with her husband and five children.
Autumn OKeefe
Publisher of National Magazine Award winner San Francisco magazine
Autumn O’Keefe brings over two decades of expertise in print, digital, and experiential media. Specializing in luxury partnerships across fashion, beauty, design, and lifestyle markets, her innovative approach and creative vision, along with her record of success in conceiving, launching, and growing national and international media brands, have made her a sought-after consultant and strategist in the industry. Passionate about aesthetics and meticulous about details, Autumn’s dedication to excellence is evident in her work. She believes every detail matters, from color precision to the perfect choice of words, and applies this philosophy to every project. Autumn’s deep appreciation for San Francisco drives her commitment to celebrating and promoting the city’s unique culture and achievements. Her strategic insights and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to any conversation. Beyond her professional endeavors, she cherishes time spent with her husband and their dog, Jaco. A passionate learner, Autumn has dedicated her life to mastering the perfect loaf of Tartine Country Bread, which she finds to be an impossible feat to accomplish. She refuses to give up.
Marisa Rodriguez
CEO of Union Square Alliance
Rodriguez leads the downtown association dedicated to enhancing San Francisco’s Union Square District, a key destination and economic center for the Bay Area. Under her leadership, she has led the Alliance to new heights, elevating its role as a destination marketing organization and reshaping the narrative of the square to attract visitors. Rodriguez, a visionary and solutions-driven leader, was brought in to help catalyze a turnaround in the district and meet the challenges of the post-pandemic era. Rodriguez understands that strategic partnerships and collective work with community leaders, legislators, and other key decision-makers are crucial to achieving this. Her track record of creating positive change in various industries, including tourism, law enforcement, and nonprofit management, attests to her exceptional leadership skills. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is another defining aspect of her career. Currently, she is executing the Union Square Alliance 2022 Strategic Plan. Her plan has been embraced by the community, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, and various key department heads.