San Francisco, CA — Today, Mayor London N. Breed appointed Stephen Sherrill to serve on the San Francisco Board of Supervisor as representative of District 2. Sherrill has been serving as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation, where he focuses on addressing one of San Francisco’s greatest challenges: homelessness.
Stephen will take the place of former Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who left the seat after being elected to the California State Assembly in November. Neighborhoods that comprise District 2 include the Marina, Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, the Presidio, Jordan Park, Laurel Village, Cathedral Hill, Anza Vista, and North of Panhandle.
Stephen’s diverse career has spanned both the public and private sectors, leaving him with a deep appreciation for the power of government to invest in and support the people and businesses that make communities vibrant. Most recently at the Mayor’s Office of Innovation, he has championed transparency and accountability, directing resources and data-driven solutions to better serve those who need it most.
Stephen is a dedicated advocate for housing affordability, safe streets, and homelessness prevention. He is an active member of Northern Neighbors, an affiliate of YIMBY Action, which advocates for more housing, better transit and mobility options, and enhanced walkability. He is deeply committed to working to revitalize Downtown as a vibrant community hub and continue to build the City’s reputation as a top tourist destination. He believes that an effective government listens to residents, empowers city workers with the tools and technologies they need, and reduces bureaucratic barriers to deliver the services that the community demands.
“I am confident that Stephen will bring the experience and skills necessary to represent the residents of District Two and to build a stronger, more resilient City,” said Mayor London Breed. “He is dedicated to making San Francisco safer and more affordable for everyone, including supporting the housing, transit, and infrastructure we need, and committed to the transparency and accountability our residents deserve. With his experience in both the public and private sectors, I know he will be a strong addition to the Board of Supervisors and a committed neighborhood advocate.”
"I am deeply proud and eager to serve the residents of District 2, and I am humbled by the opportunity Mayor Breed has given me to step into this role and build on her legacy of leadership and progress. Catherine Stefani’s example is one that I will strive to meet in ensuring that the government is responsive to the people of District 2 and the City as a whole, and not the other way around,” said Stephen Sherrill. “We must build on the foundation that Mayor Breed has left and to continue to make housing more affordable, our streets safer and cleaner, and prioritize recovery and treatment to fight the scourge of overdose deaths. Yet we also face looming budget deficits, and I look forward to working with leaders both inside of and outside City Hall to embrace bold, innovative solutions that will allow small businesses to thrive, our downtown to recover, and our incredible City workforce to continue to deliver the high-quality services we deserve. I am ready to get to work and deliver results for District 2 and all of San Francisco."
One of the major accomplishments of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation during Stephen’s time is ASTRID, a groundbreaking database that consolidates housing, health, and emergency response data. This system empowers outreach workers and program managers to deliver more comprehensive, coordinated services for our unhoused neighbors. Stephen also spearheaded improvements to the Scattered Sites rental program, streamlined the Shelter Reservation Waitlist, developed metrics for the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT), and strengthened communications for Coordinated Entry.
"Stephen Sherrill’s leadership in Mayor Breed’s Office of Innovation - specifically focused on analytics for unsheltered homelessness - demonstrates his ability to solve complex challenges and willingness to tackle our city’s toughest challenges. He will bring the same dedication and vision to serving District 2 as supervisor," said Bob Fisher, Chairman of Gap Inc., SFMOMA Board Chair, and former Vice Chair of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
"As a fellow business owner here in the Marina and as a friend, I understand how important it is to have people like Stephen who prioritize making it easier to do business in San Francisco while keeping our streets safe for our families. I’m grateful to have someone representing us who shares the same dedication to making San Francisco the world-class city our children deserve," said Samantha Duvall Bechtel, owner of Izzy's Steakhouse in the Marina and a partner at Chandler Properties.
“As a Marina native and Chair of the Stern Grove Festival, I know how vital responsive government is. Stephen Sherrill's commitment to innovative solutions will help him vigorously address the everyday needs of District 2 while helping San Francisco reclaim its world-class status and building a brighter future for all residents," said Matthew Goldman, Chair of the Stern Grove Festival and co-founder of G2 Insurance.
"Stephen is poised to be an effective advocate for both District 2 and the City as a whole. He has what it takes - a deep understanding of the issues, an ability to work collaboratively, and effective communication skills that are necessary in this time of division. He operates with transparency, listens, and has that ability to inspire trust. Whether it's on safe and clean streets, housing, or his deep commitment to the arts, Stephen is going to make a meaningful difference in the ongoing renewal of San Francisco," said Susan Swig, founding board member of ICA SF, Trustee at SFMOMA, and a member of the steering committee of the celebrated FOG Art Fair in Fort Mason.
"Housing is the single most important issue facing our City today, and I'm proud to advocate alongside Stephen at Northern Neighbors. I'm confident he will be a champion for housing and transit to increase affordability and connectivity. Stephen will help make our neighborhoods even more livable for all residents and more welcoming to new residents," said Jonathan Bünemann, lead volunteer at Northern Neighbors, a YIMBY Action affiliate organization in D2 focused on housing and transportation.
Stephen began his career in former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Administration as a policy advisor focused on core operational functions, such as cleaning streets, increasing recycling, facilitating permitting, and responding to, and preparing for, disasters. He worked to expand New York’s composting and recycling programs, and as part of an environmental justice initiative, he supported the siting of two waste transfer stations that reduced truck traffic and air pollution by moving waste onto rail and barge. He was also part of the Hurricane Sandy response team, including its Rapid Repairs program, a pioneering initiative to accelerate home repairs for affected residents. His work with the Department of Buildings included supporting the NYC Development Hub, the city’s first digital permitting system, and updating over 60 safety and energy-efficiency rules in the city’s Construction Code.
After Mayor Bloomberg left office, Stephen worked in private equity, where he focused on infrastructure investments. He moved to San Francisco working on a project with outdoor brand Royal Robbins. That project grew into two years leading the company’s marketing and e-commerce teams. After serving as the COO at Golden, an award-winning volunteer management software platform, where he oversaw the product, sales, marketing, and customer support teams, Stephen joined Mayor London Breed’s Innovation Office as Product Lead and became its Director.
Stephen holds a BA in Political Science from Yale. He lives in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights with his wife and children.
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