Spotlight on Newest Board Member, John Chan!
EBALDC is pleased to welcome our newest board member, John Chan! We recently had an opportunity to get to know John better.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I was born in Hong Kong and came to the US with my family when I was almost three years old. I grew up in San Francisco following the track that many of my immigrant peers did back then, and probably still do today: study hard, go to a specific public high school, and attend a UC. In my case, it was UC Davis, where I earned a BA in Economics and an MBA. During business school, I was introduced to affordable housing and found my professional calling. I am currently a Senior Vice President at East West Bank, leading their low-income housing tax credit efforts.
Q: What about EBALDC’s mission and work is most compelling to you?
A: I feel strongly that a decent place to live and enough food to eat are foundational to success. While they are not the only factors, not having one and/or the other are incredibly difficult barriers to overcome. I look forward to working with EBALDC to provide more opportunities for those in the East Bay to have a safe place to call home.
Q: Who or what inspired you to join the EBALDC Board?
A: Several former colleagues who serve on the EBALDC Board reached out and asked me to consider joining, noting that the organization could use my background and experience. I have served on nonprofit boards for almost all of my 30-year career in affordable housing finance, but it has been a few years since I served on a place-based nonprofit board or committee. Combined with my Bay Area roots (my dad lives in Oakland), it seemed like a good match.
Q: How do you see yourself contributing to EBALDC’s mission? What skills, resources, or expertise do you offer in your service to the EBALDC board?
A: I bring a lifetime of experience in community development and affordable housing, from my day job as a banker and through my service with other nonprofit developers, CDFIs, and tax credit investors. I have seen many nonprofits struggle with balancing wanting to do more to advance their mission vs. maintaining a financially-strong organization. I hope to be able to use my experience to help EBALDC maintain a healthy balance.
Q: What are you hoping to learn or take away from your service on the EBALDC Board?
A: EBALDC has a diverse staff and Board, and I look forward to learning different points of view and ways of doing things. Beyond this, my greatest professional joy has been at grand openings while hearing residents speak or spending a few minutes visiting their new homes. Hopefully, we will have many grand openings during my time on the EBALDC Board!
Q: What’s something you like to do when you’re not working?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife, Arleen, and I have four children, ages sixteen to twenty-six. Arleen and I also enjoy trying new restaurants, both fancy and local “hole in the wall” spots.