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: 2013-2015

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: 2013-2015

Edwin Lohr, Vice President

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: 2012-2014

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: 2013-2015

 

Victor Flake

As a native San Diegan, I have enjoyed living in many parts of the county, but none more than North Park. I appreciate the unique qualities of our diverse population, local businesses, the art and music scene, and the fact that I can easily traverse our community by walking, biking, and riding the bus.

Since moving here, I have learned a lot about our community's history and am very invested in enhancing its future. I really appreciate what NPCA does for our community and am excited to become more involved in its work. As an educator and resident, I offer my professional skills and personal devotion to North Park and the North Park Community Association. Board Term: 2013-2015

 

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! Board term: 2012-2014

 

Sean Karafin

As a native San Diegan and a new homeowner in North Park, the NPCA provides me opportunity to be engaged in, and improve, our community. Three years ago, my wife and I decided to leave the San Francisco Bay Area to move back to my home city to build our careers and lives near family. After working at two different economic development consulting firms, I took my current role as a taxpayer advocate. I am lucky to not only be working in a field that I am passionate about, but on behalf of the taxpayers of the city that I love. North Park is the community that we chose. The walkability, the businesses, the history, and the community members offer us a place where we are proud to live. We intend on living here for a long time, so the continued development of the community is of extreme importance to us. Board term: 2013-2015

 

Alan Bennett

I graduated from the University of Washington with a Master of Public Administration. I served in the US Army for three years and got two meritorious promotions, ending as a sergeant E-5 in Military Intelligence. I retired after forty years in comprehensive land use planning and my wife wanted to enjoy some sun and sand after thirty years of Seattle's rain and moss covered trees. My wife and I moved to San Diego in 2005. I do enjoy being involved in my community and want to nurture the thriving diversity we enjoy in North Park. My focus has been on native plant stewardship and in restoring Florida Canyon. One of my goals for the North Park Community Association is to claim the title of "Gateway to Balboa Park" in time for the 2015 Balboa Park Centennial Celebration. Board term: 2013-2015

 

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. Board term: 2012-2014

Jeff Kucharski

I have been a resident of San Diego for over 10 years. My wife and I moved to North Park in fall of 2012. We are very happy with our choice to relocate to North Park. The ability to walk and ride bikes throughout our neighborhood with ease is my favorite trait of North Park. Currently, I represent the North Park Community Association on SANDAG's Mid City North Park Community Advisory Board. I am looking for more opportunities to become involved in the community. I am currently employed as a scientist for a small drug discovery company in La Jolla. Board Term: 2013-2015