Board Spotlight: Melanie Cohn
Employer
Biocom California
Job Title
Sr. Director, Regional Policy & Government Affairs
Years of Board Service
1
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a government and policy nerd who gets to work in a field that is also my hobby, which makes me feel lucky (but I also work hard and earn it). I live in Clairemont with my dog Sam and have great friends and family near and far (some very near, my parents live next door). I love to travel and have been to 30 countries, most recently Greece and Turkey. I also love to cook and to try new foods and restaurants. I am queer. I make fancy cocktails at home just because.
Why did you decide to join the Circulate San Diego board of directors?
I have been on the policy committee for years and I had been hounding Colin to let me join the board! Seriously though, it made sense with the Blue Line Trolley extension to UTC, which is a major resource for the life science industry. Biocom California and Circulate often advocate in favor of similar issues - planning group reform, increased density around transit, connections between transit and employers, etc. I am grateful to be involved with Circulate, a truly impactful organization that is doing great work and has amazing staff.
What’s your ideal day off in San Diego look like?
I would say start with breakfast at Troy's, a diner-style family restaurant in Clairemont, but it closed during COVID :(
So, Rudford's or Perry's Cafe or Hob Nob (which recently got a nice makeover!). Park at work across from the Torrey Pines Golf Course then hike my favorite 7-mile loop at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Take Sam to meet friends for a lunch potluck picnic at Pioneer Park in Mission Hills (BYOB! I'll bring the cheese.). Followed by OB dog beach with Sam - if it's hot enough she lays on her back in the water. Peruse my favorite shops: Love & Aesthetics, Mimi & Red, the shops along Cedros in Solana Beach. Dinner at one of my favorite places (Black Radish, Wolf in the Woods, Wormwood, Et Voila!) and then take in an old movie at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills. Finally, a late night bike ride through Balboa Park.
