PACE Advisory Board

Human Resources Division Manager, County of San Mateo

Gabe Aponte serves as the Human Resources Division Manager for the County of San Mateo. In this role, he is responsible for the countywide implementation of the organization’s various development strategies and initiatives. Prior to his appointment in 2022, Gabe served in various technical, analyst, and program management roles with the County since 2008. In addition to serving as Vice President for PSHRA’s San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Gabe leads the Regional Training and Development Consortium’s Planning Committee. Gabe graduated with his MPA from San Francisco State University in 2013 and is an IPMA-HR Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP).

Gerontologist

Jeffrey Dillon is a seasoned gerontologist and consultant specializing in aging services, senior living operations, and market development. His expertise includes guiding aging-related program initiatives, identifying emerging market opportunities, and advising on innovative technologies and operational trends that impact older adults.

Jeffrey began his career as a Congressional Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives, focusing on aging and veterans’ issues. He later transitioned to the private sector, where he built a career in aging services marketing, product promotion, and long-term care operations spanning over 25 years. He is a licensed California Administrator and has served as Regional Marketing and Operations Director for several senior living organizations. 

His professional contributions extend to unique and high-profile initiatives, including providing geriatric care to retired NFL players through the NFL Player Care Program and collaborating with the United Nations to develop and teach long-term care strategies in China. He is also the creator of the Sunflower Program, a mental health initiative for older adults, and has developed innovative programs in areas such as diabetes management and student internships for future aging professionals.

Jeffrey holds a Master’s degree in Gerontology from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kansas State University. Additionally, he has taught Ethics and Health Care Law to graduate students as a faculty member at San Francisco State University.

Deputy Director, Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, and Director, Children’s Waiting Rooms, San Francisco, California

A recognized advocate for a humane criminal justice system, Dinky is co-author of Renewing Juvenile Justice, which offered model designs for juvenile justice reforms. Dinky is an alumna of our MPA program.

Director of Health Services at Rhoda Goldman Plaza

Adrienne Fair, MSN, RN (she/her) is a clinical instructor with the San Francisco State University School of Nursing as well as a lecturer for Gerontology 765: Aging and Continuum of Care. She is herself a graduate of SFSU, having earned both her RN and MSN degrees with the School of Nursing. Adrienne's clinical rotation is conducted onsite at a Skilled Nursing Facility and a residential Hospice Facility for unhoused men. She enjoys teaching (and learning with) Gerontology and Nursing students about the ins and outs of senior care, particularly with considerations for the end of life.

Assistant Director, United States Government Accountability Office

Erin Godtland is an assistant director on the Education, Workforce, and Income Security team, at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), where she has worked since 2001. She has led a variety of studies on disability, retirement, and workforce policy, and has testified on behalf of GAO before the Senate Committee on Finance. She has been a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance since 2017. Her research has been published in Contemporary Economic Policy and the American Review of Public Administration. She holds B.A., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in economics and agricultural and resource economics respectively from the University of California, Berkeley and is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach.

Founder and Executive Director, Sage Eldercare

Surveying Associate and Public Works Address Coordinator, City of San Francisco

Christopher Larson serves with the City and County of San Francisco in Public Works as a Surveying Associate and Public Works Address Coordinator. In this role, they work at the intersection of land surveying, addressing, and municipal data systems, supporting accurate property records and interdepartmental coordination. 

In addition to technical responsibilities, Christopher Larson serves as an Intern Hiring Manager and supervisor, involved in intern recruitment, training, and mentorship within Public Works.

Christopher Larson holds Associate of Science degrees in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Sociology, and Natural Sciences, as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in Urban Studies and Political Science. Their academic background reflects a combined focus on the technical, social, and policy dimensions of the built environment.

President, The Opportunity Agenda

Traci Lester has three decades of expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, philanthropy, fundraising and partnership building. She is committed to identifying solutions that ensure nonprofit organizations are sustainable and thriving. Over her career, she has held several executive leadership positions, including as President of The Opportunity Agenda, as well as Executive Director of the Center for Fiction, National Dance Institute, and Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. She is also an Adjunct Professor at The Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College of the City University of New York. 

In addition to her leadership roles, she volunteers as the Co-Chair of the Board of The New York City Arts in Education Round table and as an Advisory Board Member of San Francisco State University's School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement. Her website is www.TraciLester.com

Senior Planner and Urban Designer, San Francisco Planning Department

Jessica Look, AICP, is a Senior Planner and Urban Designer with the San Francisco Planning Department. She supports cross-agency coordination on urban design, and manages complex land use projects, including large-scale development agreements and neighborhood planning initiatives. Jessica’s SFSU Urban Studies degree laid the groundwork for her career by connecting community priorities with land use policy and the built environment. That foundation continues to guide her work today, as she supports development efforts aimed at  balancing density while shaping high-quality public spaces that make neighborhoods more equitable, functional and vibrant.

Geriatrician, Gerontologist and a Dementia Care Practitioner

Adult Protective Services Social Worker, Alameda County

Andrea has served low-income older adults in the Bay Area for over 15 years in governmental agencies and non-profits. She has applied her knowledge, experience and energy to management, program development and implementation, operations, data collection and analysis. One of Andrea's strengths is forging partnerships and collaborations that leverage community resources. She is passionate about supporting seniors to age in community with health and well-being. She received her M.A. from SFSU.

Nonprofit Consultant

Her experience includes being an Executive Director for two Bay Area nonprofits (Young Audiences of the Bay Area, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Francisco and the Peninsula).  Regina has also taught nonprofit administration courses at the undergraduate and graduate level at SFSU and at CSU East Bay. She has also been working as a consultant, primarily with small to mid-sized nonprofits, helping increase their efficiency, manage change, and overcome challenges. Her expertise is in board development (training and facilitation), transition management, leadership coaching, needs assessment, and strategic planning.

Associate Planner at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission

Natasha Opfell is a first-generation Chicana, mother and urban planner with expertise in community-centered planning. She currently serves as an Associate Planner at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, where her work is grounded in supporting communities and advancing accessibility and opportunity in transportation and land use. Beginning her career in advocacy, Natasha has supported seniors, people with disabilities, and other historically marginalized communities through policy development, mobility management, street design and planning.

Recreation Coordinator, City of Menlo Park

Melissa Plageman serves as a Recreation Coordinator in the City of Menlo Park’s Library and Community Services Department, where she oversees programs for toddlers through school-age youth at the Menlo Children’s Center. She brings a strong background in education, program coordination, and public service, with previous experience as a Humanities Department Lead and teacher at Burlingame Intermediate School and as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of California, San Francisco. Melissa earned her Master of Public Administration from San Francisco State University in 2020, where she received the Graduate Student Award for Distinguished Achievement. She also holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, all from SFSU. Passionate about community engagement, lifelong learning, and educational equity, Melissa is honored to serve on the MPA Advisory Board and support the development of future public service leaders.

Regional Commissioner, US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chris is a skilled federal executive in data analysis, research, strategic planning, and communication. Early in his career, he looked to the SFSU MPA program to develop his leadership flexibility, critical thinking skills, and administrative knowledge to strengthen his contributions as a public servant. Chris graduated from our MPA program with Distinction and co-led efforts in arriving at PACE’s tagline, Passion.Skill.Leadership.

Commissioner, Marin County Planning Commission

Greg devoted his 45-year legal career to representing local public agencies.  He served as City Attorney for the Cities of Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Fairfield, Mill Valley, Ross and Seal Beach.  He also served as general counsel for many Joint Powers Authorities and special counsel to a diverse group of cities throughout California. Greg provided legal guidance in the formation of Marin Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, East Bay Community Energy, and the Clean Energy Alliance (San Diego County) which were formed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide local control over the purchase of electricity in California. 

Gerontologist/Geriatric Care Manager

Deputy Director, San Mateo County's Aging & Disability Services

Moony Tong (SFSU MPA Class of 2016) is currently serving as Deputy Director at San Mateo County's Aging & Disability Services. In this role, he oversees Administration, Budget, Finance, and the In‑Home Supportive Services Public Authority. The goal of his work is to optimize the quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities. His Master of Public Administration from San Francisco State University grounded him in public-sector management that guides his work every day.