Get to know some of the ULI San Francisco members who work hard behind the scenes to develop the events and initiatives our District Council is known for. These industry leaders come from a variety of real estate land use sectors and lend their expertise and time to drive the work of our committees. We’ve asked these committee co-chairs to answer questions around their involvement with ULI San Francisco.

Andy Slaton, NEXT
Senior Vice President, Senior Director, NorthMarq

Q: How did you first get involved with ULI and your committee? 
A friend from college brought me to a ULI event and the vitality of the members and mix of specialties drew me in and I’ve been hooked ever since. I was fortunate to join the YLG steering committee about a year before aging out, and from that a group of YLG alumni jumpstarted NEXT locally.

Q: What is your favorite ULI memory or event?
Tough to say…there are so many! One that comes to mind was an UrbanPlan event with local volunteers and teachers from all over the country. Ron Nahas gave an inspiring speech and had recently announced a major donation to the program. It was an indelible and uplifting evening. I’ve also really enjoyed the NEXT Cohort Program.

Q: What keeps you engaged with ULI SF and what are you most excited about in the near future?
Easy…the people! The members and especially the staff are incredibly passionate and dedicated. This in turn leads to fresh ideas, first-rate events and quality content. I look forward to actually seeing people and touring projects and neighborhoods with friends and peers.

Q: What’s your leadership philosophy/style?
Open and clear communication is key. Ask questions, understand how the team fits together, question an approach to a task or project, and provide constructive feedback. Build on mistakes and continuously strive for improvement. Just as important, have fun and keep a good sense of humor. Life is too short to work with jerks.

Q: What’s front of mind for you right now?
Global warming and climate change. The acceleration of climate change is scary and a real call to action for us all in our personal and professional lives.

Q: When travel goes back to normal, where is the first place you want to go to?
My wife and I had to postpone our 10 year anniversary trip due to COVID. We were planning on Mexico but maybe a bigger adventure is in order. We would love to visit Japan or South America. A great American road trip with our kids would also be fun.

Q: Outside of work and ULI, what do you enjoy doing?
House projects and gardening, cooking, cycling, and hanging with my wife and two young kids (spoken like a true NEXTer). I’m also looking forward to seeing some live music soon now that things are opening up.