Walnut Creek Downtown Announces New Board Leadership

Walnut Creek, CA.  Walnut Creek Downtown (WCD) is pleased to announce that its board of directors recently elected a new slate of officers and welcomed three new members. Leading the board is newly elected chair, Brian Hirahara, founder of BH Development in Walnut Creek, CA.  “It’s a wonderful time to be stepping in as board chair,” said Hirahara. “The board is energized by Walnut Creek Downtowns momentum and growth trajectory and excited about its future.”

Hirahara holds the distinction of being the first president of the board to serve a third term. He was president of WCD in 2013 and 2015.  “WCD is a strong organization that I have always felt a strong kinship with.  I believe passionately that WCD is an essential organization whose work has never been more critical.”

Hirahara is joined by another WCD Executive Board Member, Tracy Dietlein, Senior Marketing Manager, Broadway Plaza, who has recently assumed the position of Vice President.  Dietlein brings over 20 years of retail and marketing experience.

Walnut Creek Downtown’s new leadership slate comes on the heels of electing several new board members who bring diverse experience and expertise that is aligned with the organizations strategic framework.   They include:

• Brad Barnett, General Manager, Toyota Walnut Creek
• Jason Yamasaki, Director of Operations, Sasa
• Jim Fidelibus, Owner, James Brian Studios

“Getting the right perspectives and representation of our downtown business community on the board is absolutely fundamental to the board’s success,” said Kathy Hemmenway, ED of WCD.  That’s why we approach our own board recruitment with intentionality and focus.”

WCD is a non-profit 501(c)6 association made up of every business and property owner within the borders of the city’s downtown Business Improvement District. Its more than nearly 650 members include restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and service providers. Each pays a membership fee based on the square footage of the space where it is located. Businesses outside the downtown area may join as Associate Members.