Spotlight on Newest Board Member, John Chan!

March 2024

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.

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