Get to know some of the ULI San Francisco members who work hard behind the scenes to develop the events and initiatives for which our District Council is known. 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 chairs to answer questions about their involvement with ULI San Francisco.

Kim Diamond, Residential LPC Vice Chair
Senior Vice President, Thomas James Homes

Q. How did you first get involved with ULI and your committees?
It’s hard to remember, it was so long ago! I started organizing programs on the East Bay programs committee. At the same time (early 2000’s) under the leadership of Jed Gates, Bryant Sparkman, and Jeff Smith, YLG was just being formed, and I was in the early organizing meetings (I still fondly remember our coffee meetings at Cafe de la Presse). It was an exciting time. Not long after that, I was asked to sit on the Executive Board – an honor that I have never taken for granted.

Q. What’s a memorable connection you’ve made through ULI?
There are so many to count. But for me, the mentorship and friendship of Rick Dishnica has always been steadfast and enduring. He has helped me on so many occasions – job loss in Sept ‘08, guidance as District Council Chair, and starting my own business. There are so many wonderful and dedicated individuals, like Rick, who have supported me over the past 25 years throughout my career.

Q. What keeps you engaged with ULI SF and what are you most excited about in the near future?
ULI is the glue that keeps everything and everyone together. Of course, we all have our personal and professional reasons and motivations, but it is also a very selfless giving of one’s self and time for the greater purpose of creating meaningful places and environments and supporting each other. For decades, ULI SF has consistently performed and contributed, but now I see its trajectory changing — it’s really being recognized as the go-to thought leader to create SF revitalization solutions – that’s an exciting place to be. I believe that this will all come to fruition at our upcoming Fall meeting in S.F.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
In the past month, I’ve made a significant change to help with the rebuilding efforts in the Pacific Palisades. The Bay Area has been my home for nearly 25 years, but I grew up in the Palisades/Brentwood communities, and felt called to jump in and help people rebuild their communities and lives in the Palisades. For me, it’s the perfect personal and professional fit of deep community engagement, home (re) building, and doing my part to help people to rebuild their community (and my hometown).

Q: What’s your leadership philosophy/style?
Leadership through connection, collaboration, listening intently before action, and inclusion. This comes most naturally to me, but it has taken me many years to truly accept my own unique voice and way of being and leading. And… it’s still a work in progress.

Q: Outside of work and ULI, what do you enjoy doing?
As many know, my husband started Johnny Doughnuts about 13 years ago. So, I like to say that my life is pretty much about doughnuts and real estate! So, outside of work, I love supporting him as well as my family – Nicco who is 14 now and a competitive gymnast and Rylee, now 23 and finishing USC and a full time Barry’s Bootcamp instructor. I’m so proud of all their accomplishments.

Q: What has been your most unusual role, to date?
While working in East Palo Alto for Harvest Properties, we wanted to activate our 20-acre waterfront site while going through entitlements. I launched (with my team) a community-led EPA Music Festival where thousands of residents came together — 50 food vendors, local/regional musicians, youth bike competition, etc At the event – people referred to me as the ‘event producer’ – I had to let them know that really, I’m a real estate developer.

Q: What’s your must-have food or drink?
Easy – Coffee and dark chocolate. I consume both of these multiple times per day, and always look forward to them.

Thank you, Kim, for your leadership within the Residential LPC and District Council!