After a wide-ranging search and evaluation process directed by an executive recruiting firm, Scott Rowitz was approved last week by the YBCBD Board of Director as the new Executive Director. His work over many years with local community leaders, public officials, and nonprofits, arts, and business entities will greatly benefit the neighborhood. His deep understanding of our district’s singular attributes and proven ability to navigate its challenges will allow for a seamless transition by a leader who cares deeply about Yerba Buena and San Francisco.
Scott’s track record gives us confidence that he will build upon a strong foundation to achieve the YBCBD’s mission: to foster a clean, safe and welcoming environment where our entire community thrives. Scott has made it his charge for nearly 15 years to improve the district’s cultural organizations, public places and sense of community. He spent the last four years as executive director of the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy leading the organization from its inception to its current central role as its nonprofit steward. Prior to that, he served as COO of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts for ten years. Scott also volunteered as a YBCBD Board Member for more than a decade and served as a community advisor to the Moscone expansion project.
As the cultural heart of San Francisco, Yerba Buena has a lot to celebrate and immense challenges to address. We are a unique district where residents share their neighborhood with world-class museums, convention space, public gardens and educational institutions, and enjoy exceptional dining, shopping and entertainment. At the same time, like the rest of the City, we have serious work to do on multiple issues including safety, our unhoused population, and support for struggling businesses, to name a few. These challenges were heightened by the pandemic. Looking ahead, the YBCBD will play a pivotal role in the resurgence of SoMa and downtown through engagement, advocacy and action.
We look forward to our continued good work together supporting the neighbors, business owners, creatives and all who make Yerba Buena unique.
