Nikki Berdy, President

I moved to San Diego in 2002 after 30 years of a shared military life with my husband.  We’ve lived all over the US and Europe.  Wherever I’ve been, it was important for me to become involved in the community.  There is nothing more important to me, especially now, than helping out my neighbors.  I have served on the Board of Directors for over four years, and got involved to help strengthen the Board’s efforts in communicating with the membership and the Community.  I have also been working on the Bird Park Summer Concert Series since attending my first concert. 

My professional background is in marketing and sales in a variety of venues from the hotel industry, to newspaper advertising and design, to an environmental consulting and engineering firm.  I am also a trained sexual assault counselor.  Since moving here, I have chosen to volunteer my time because North Park is such an amazing place to live and work in. Board Term: 2011-2013

Lynn Elliott

I am an almost-30-year resident of North Park. I moved to North Park because it was quieter and friendlier than other SD communities where I have lived. I enjoy both community members and businesses, each so friendly that they ask about you, if they have not seen you in a while. My vocational background is in the human services professions and some of my interests are plants, travel, photography, and music.

I am proud to be the Chair of the Concert Series. I think this is a fantastic event for the community! I facilitate all phases of the Summer Concerts including planning, organizing volunteers, choosing music, preparing permits, and working with many others to raise the money necessary to keep this wonderful event of North Park's, a staple of our summers. Let us know if you want to be involved!!

Since I have lived in North Park for a good many years, I have interests in the improvement of our community and have been involved with many of the organizations working toward the goal of making North Park an exciting but safe, thriving, and comfortable place to live. I strongly believe in the importance of communication between organizations, businesses, and the North Park residents; and especially for the NPCA Board of Directors to communicate with and represent its constituents. Board Term: 2011-2013

Edwin Lohr

I am a member at large of the Board of Directors.  I was born and raised on a farm in Iowa. I moved to San Diego in the summer of 1984.  I have been in the hospitality field for years.  Being a certified Meeting Planner and Tour Director, my greatest strength is interacting with people.  I am also a volunteer with American Veterans for Equal Rights, Stonewall Citizens Patrol, San Diego Professional Tour Guide Association and various other organizations in the area.  Two of my passions are gardening and creating abstract art works. I am very proud to be a long time resident of North Park and see nothing but tremendous progress for the area. Board Term: 2010-2012

Omar Passons

My belief is that the best solutions to the issues we face in this community must start within our neighborhoods, and be driven by those of us who live and work in North Park.  My desire to volunteer comes from a hope that all members of the many North Park communities can enjoy safe, walkable, friendly neighborhoods. I have been involved with the NPCA for several years and in 2008 I started the NPCA’s Stop Graffiti Now! campaign to help reduce vandalism and graffiti in North Park.

I am a native of San Diego and chose North Park when I returned to San Diego because it was a good mix of the diverse people and places that I love about San Diego and was an easy place to spend time outside.  I am an attorney with a focus on employment, public works and general liability defense. I live with my wife near Morley Field and enjoy walking through our neighborhood, trying new restaurants and local craft beer, and spending time with our friends. Board Term: 2011-2013

 

Beth Swersie, Vice President

My background is in mathematics and my professional work is as a Land Surveyor, but my long-time hobby is community service. I served for several years as a committee member and officer of the local chapter of the California Land Surveyors Association, and I've volunteered in a hospital children's playroom, as a driver for Mama's Kitchen, and on the board of the Big Sister League.     As a boardmember and president of the NPCA in past years, I originated the NPCA website and weekly "email blasts" and was one of the founders of the Bird Park Concerts. I'm back again as website coordinator and weekly-email-sender. I am passionate about communication and providing community members with information about and access to the committees and activities that shape North Park. Contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Board term: 2011-2013

 

Al Iverhouse

After years of visiting San Diego and admiring the weather and lifestyle it has to offer, I moved here from Chicago in 2008. I made North Park my home because of its charm and accessibility to so much of what makes southern California living so enjoyable. I’m looking forward to being active with NPCA to grow our membership, bring new events to our community and help create more positive change that all residence will enjoy!

My career was in sales, marketing and business development in the food industry and I have served on the board of several non-profit organizations, most recently Equality Illinois.

 

 

Mike Berry, Treasurer

I moved to North Park in the summer of 2009. As a first-time homeowner, I was excited to get involved with the NPCA in order to familiarize myself with neighborhood issues, meet new people, and help improve the community. I was subsequently elected to the Board of Directors and currently serve as Treasurer. I have also participated in the graffiti abatement program and concert planning committee, and I look forward to ensuring we continue to provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable place to live. I was born in Des Moines, IA, grew up in Palmdale, CA, and went to college in Cambridge, MA. I feel extremely lucky to have ended up in such a wonderful neighborhood with so much to offer in terms of art, history, culture, food, and of course beer!

 

Rene Parada

I am a native San Diegan who grew up in North Park. I feel very fortunate to have been raised in this wonderful community. I am married and have two wonderful young boys who keep me busy and laughing all the time. Family is very important to me and reaching out to help people.My motivation in volunteering for N.P.C.A. is to ensure that everyone who lives here will experience something great to remember and talk about.. I want to give back to this community of North Park with my time, ideas and supporting of programs so that North Park continues to be a great place to live, work, play and shop. I want to do what I can to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

It is up to the individuals who live in North Park to get involved and be a part of the community to make it a better place for everyone. I have enjoyed seeing North Park thrive over the years, meeting new residents and business owners who always have great things to say. The people living here is what makes this a great place to live. The lifestyle, the weather and its incredible location allows us to be where we want in minutes and this is a good quality of life.

Over the last 15 years, I have been in Real Estate and Financing and have helped many achieve their goals of becoming Homeowners and benefitting from all its advantages. I have dedicated my time over the years to educate people on the importance of buying a home and belonging to a community and enjoying all the pride of ownership that goes with it. I continue to see North Park and the surrounding business areas improving and I enjoy meeting new people who are waiting for the chance to buy, live here and experience all the great things North Park has to offer. I am fortunate to be able to help people with what they want and be a part of their life.

David Cohen

I have been actively involved in North Park since 2006, volunteering many hours for the community of North Park while holding positions on numerous boards. I have served on the Chief of Police Advisory Board, North Park Planning Committee (Treasurer), North Park Redevelopment Agency PAC, North Park Main Street (Vice President), and several others. I own and operate a restaurant in North Park and support the community through donations of food and restaurant space.

 

Rimah Khouri, Secretary

I am a native San Diegan and have worked for the City of San Diego since 1992 starting as teenaged lifeguard. I am currently a Labor Relations Officer. My 14 years working in the Park and Recreation Department exposed me to nearly every community in the City. I received my bachelor's at UCSB and Master's in Public Administration from CSU Domingues Hills and remain committed to public service. I love to travel internationally to experience diverse communities and new places and have visited over 15 countries. I moved into North Park in 2007 and enjoy the diverse make-up of the community and businesses.

 

Chuck Van Hise

I’ve been in San Diego County since 1951, when my Navy father brought our family here from Seattle. I graduated from San Diego High School and then got an AS in civil engineering technology from Mesa College. I’ve enjoyed learning lots of different things, from architectural drafting to acting to motorcycle instructor training. I’ve also been an assistant scout master and in civil air patrol units. My career has included 29 years in federal civil service, five years in the Army, and 19 years in the Army reserve. My hobbies and interests include motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing, camping, flying, and shooting. I really love traveling by train and seeing this big beautiful country up close rather then at 35,000 feet. I have 4 grown kids, 5 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, some here in San Diego, and the rest in Tacoma, Washington.

I started working with the NPCA about 4 years ago at the Bird Park Concerts and in 2010 I was elected to the NPCA Board of Directors. I have been in North Park, off again and on again, since 1974, when I bought my first house on Ray St, one block south of University. I cruise North Park on my four-wheel electric scooter, pulling a trailer. I love it here. It’s friendly and when you ask someone for information they will help you. The people here are great.

Carmen Vann

Originally from Washington, DC, I have been a resident of North Park since 2003. I was originally attracted to the North Park area because of its urban feel and diversity. In addition, as a student of Architectural Engineering and a Construction Management professional, I also appreciated the rich architectural history found in North Park.

Professionally, I am a Project Executive with Turner Construction – San Diego. With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, I have had the opportunity to manage some of the most intricate and interesting projects in the San Diego region. I’ve been involved in multi-million dollar hotels, residential towers as well educational and learning facilities. Throughout these many projects, there is one consistent thread and that is the importance of how these structures will positively impact the communities to which they belong. Whether it’s with culture, education, entertainment, office space or parks and recreational areas, communities should be nurtured in order to provide the maximum benefit for its residents.

As a resident of North Park, I recognize and value its special and unique qualities. I have a great deal of passion for North Park and I am excited about the opportunities to further nurture this gem of a community that we have. Our community initiatives as well as identifying and responding to other areas of need or reinforcement will continue to support the individuals and families that make up this community.

I believe in North Park as it has provided me with a home, wonderful neighbors and a beautiful community of which I often take advantage. I look forward to working with the board in effectively furthering and bettering our community.