Circulate San Diego logo
  • Profile image for Mark Baza – Secretary

    Mark Baza

    Vice Chair

    Coming soon

  • Profile image for Craig Benedetto – Boardmember

    Craig Benedetto

    At Large Boardmember

    For more than two decades, Craig Benedetto has worked in communications and government, focusing on public policy and economic growth. He applies this experience to help California Strategies' clients effectively position themselves with key stakeholders. His strength lies in his deep relationships in the community and experience with all levels of government.

    Benedetto joined California Strategies in 2008 as a Principal and manages the firm's San Diego office with Ben Haddad. In his work at California Strategies, he has represented a diverse array of clients including, health care providers, technology and wireless companies, home builders and land owners, utilities, engineering and land use firms, business and homeowners associations, local government agencies among many others.

    Benedetto is active in civic affairs in San Diego and sits on the Board of Directors and executive leadership team for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. Benedetto also participates in the local chapter of the Building Industry Association, serving on their City/County Legislative Committee, the Public Policy Committee of the SD Regional EDC and is an elected member of Lambda Alpha, a land use fraternity.

    A native San Diegan, Benedetto attended San Diego State University studying political science. Benedetto was honored in 2001 as one of San Diego's "40 Under 40" by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine. The Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce honored Benedetto with its President's Award and Volunteer Advocate of the Year Award in 2004 for his efforts on behalf of the business community to win the campaign to extend the local transportation sales tax, known as TRANSNET.

  • Profile image for Sarah Buchanan – Executive Vice President

    Sarah Buchanan

    Immediate Past Chair

    Sarah Buchanan has over 15 years of experience navigating deadlines, orchestrating complex event schedules, and developing strong and lasting relationships with colleagues, donors, and elected officials. In her work as Director of Philanthropy and Marketing for MFRG-ICON Construction, she is able to showcase her knowledge of service, fund management, and social impact.

    Awarded San Diego Metro’s Woman of Influence and 40 Under 40 in 2020, she exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in her work and life. Known for her dedication and how hard she works to achieve goals, Sarah tackles challenges with positive energy and solutions. She is an active member of the event industry and believes in giving back to the community and industry through volunteering, sponsorship and creating standards of excellence and raising the bar of professionalism.

    An avid volunteer, she dedicates her free time to the LGBTQ+ community, youth music instruction, assisting with special events for nonprofit organizations.

    Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She is passionate about all things creative and loves supporting others in their creative endeavors.

  • Profile image for Melanie Cohn – Vice Chair

    Melanie Cohn

    Chair

    Melanie is responsible for managing and implementing Biocom California’s regional policy agendas in San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. She proactively lobbies public officials to advance the interests of Biocom California members and ensure consideration for the life science industry in new and existing regulations.

    Prior to joining Biocom, Melanie managed government and community relations for San Diego nonprofits, and worked in the local office of a State Assembly Member from 2005 until 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in Art History and Sociology, from the University of California, San Diego.

    Melanie’s interest and advocacy around transportation/transit is focused on commuting infrastructure and resources for the life science industry. She is very excited about the Blue Line extension to San Diego’s life science hub!

    In her free time, Melanie enjoys world travel, cooking complex vegetarian meals, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Sammy.

  • Profile image for David deKozan – Boardmember

    David deKozan

    At Large Boardmemeber

    David DeKozan VP, Business Development Cubic Transportation Systems David is Vice President, Business Development at Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. David leads business development and account management activities across the western United States and Canada.

    Over more than 25 years, David has held a range of management positions at Cubic having at various times, led marketing, proposal development, research and development, and strategic planning. He has been at the forefront of the company’s contactless mobile initiatives representing Cubic on various industry standardization and trade groups including the Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council and APTA’s Universal Transit Farecard Standards task force.

    David holds a degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School.

  • Profile image for Clarissa Falcon – Boardmember

    Clarissa Falcon

    At Large Boardmember

    With 25 years of experience, Clarissa Reyes Falcon has demonstrated expertise in the government, community, and non-profit arenas.

    Clarissa started Falcon Strategies in November 2010, a firm that provides government and community relations consulting to a broad spectrum of public and private clients. Clarissa began her career working as a community and policy advisor for former Assembly member Denise Moreno Ducheny, and thereafter worked for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. She then returned to the California Legislature as District Chief of Staff to State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny.

    In continuing her service to her community, Clarissa currently serves on the San Diego River Conservancy, and has served as a Commissioner on the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women appointed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. She is past Chair of the South County Economic Development Council, and sits on the boards of the UCSD Chancellor’s Community Advisory Board, South Bay Family YMCA, Circulate San Diego and serves on the Energy and Water Committee at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Clarissa received her undergraduate degree from the UC San Diego. She resides in Bonita with her husband, Michael Falcon, and children, Benjamin and Ella.

  • Profile image for Josh Kavanagh – Assistant Vice Chancellor, Transportation & Activation

    Josh Kavanagh

    Treasurer

    Josh Kavanagh has led higher education and corporate transportation transportation programs for the last 20+ years. With an academic background in education (University of WI - Eau Claire, BS Ed.) and business (University of New Mexico, MBA) he approaches transportation system development through a behavioral lens. In addition to providing more responsive travel options and building awareness, he works to help travelers build confidence in their ability to select and sustain lower-impact transportation choices.

    Josh has served in leadership roles on the boards of several regional and national transportation advocacy organizations, including Washington's Transportation Choices Coalition and the Association for Commuter Transportation. He was also honored as the International Parking and Mobility Institute's Professional of the Year (2014). One of his current passions is scaling school and workplace charging infrastructure so that renters and the communities they travel in aren't locked out of the benefits associated with electric vehicles.

    Physical mobility is a key contributor quality of life in addition to social and economic mobility. Helping the communities throughout San Diego County develop in ways that lift people up rather the hold them back is an important part of how we can both correct past injustices and ensure a more equitable society going forward. Circulate has been doing great work in this space for years and I'm excited to be in a position to help that work continue and accelerate.

    With the work week being go, go, go, an ideal day off is slow, slow, slow. Chill time at the park, tacos on the beach, a hike or bike ride in one of our many canyons, or just a relaxed evening at home with a family game or movie fits the bill.

  • Profile image for Alex Moffat – Boardmember

    Alex Moffat

    Secretary

    Alexandria is the Director of Clean Transportation at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), one of Sempra’s California regulated utilities. In this role, she oversees developing, advocating, and leading innovative programs and collaborations to advance the adoption of clean transportation throughout the region. The Clean Transportation department plays an important role in achieving California’s ambitious goals on climate change, air quality, and the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
    Alexandria began her career with SDG&E in 2007 and served in a variety of roles including Portfolio Manager of Electric Construction and Materials within supply management and as the Manager of Business Services within customer services. Prior to SDG&E, Alexandria worked at Pulte Group in land development. Alexandria earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Southern California.

  • Profile image for Alejandra Perez – Director of Community Relations

    Alejandra Perez

    At Large Boardmember

    Alejandra C. Perez is a dedicated advocate committed to empowering historically under-resourced communities by addressing social determinants of health. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit and policy advocacy, Alejandra has cultivated expertise in federal, state, and local legislative relations. Her skills span research and policy analysis, strategic partnerships, program management, evaluation, and coalition building—enabling her to make meaningful contributions to organizations focused on community well-being.

    As the Community Relations Director at San Ysidro Health, Alejandra leads efforts in government affairs, advocacy, strategic partnerships, and corporate communications. Her work, which includes spearheading media relations and outreach initiatives, has significantly enhanced the organization’s visibility and impact. With a deep understanding of the complexities of healthcare and a firm belief in the strength of community collaboration, Alejandra offers a thoughtful and dynamic approach to her role.

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Alejandra finds joy in the outdoors. Whether walking through San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods, exploring scenic hikes across California, or cycling, she embraces opportunities to connect with nature.

  • Profile image for Chris Schmidt – Sr Transportation Planner Public Transit

    Chris Schmidt

    At Large Boardmember

    Chris has over 30 years of transportation industry experience. After receiving his Master of Planning degree and starting his career in San Diego, he joined the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) where he managed the statewide transportation planning program, oversaw the implementation of vehicle miles traveled policy, expanded broadband services along state highways, and directed the right-of-way function in San Diego. He is most focused on transformative transportation projects and policy especially on walking, biking and transit. His career includes time working in Sacramento, at North County Transit District, City
    of San Marcos; and San Diego Association of Governments. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

    Chris is passionate about working to make communities better for all people while protecting the environment. At the core of his public service career is the expansion of equitable transportation options that will result in robust thriving communities. As a broad member he will work to achieve the Circulate mission as a regional change agent.

    His day starts with a 30-mile bike ride on less traveled roads and bike paths, followed by lunch with wife Monica in Encinitas, specialty coffee, and a beach walk ideally at low tide. A quiet evening of reading or a good mystery movie closes out the day. Living in a vibrant city that offers many outdoor activities, he also enjoys rounds of golf with friends, running, biking and hiking.