California Forward (CA FWD) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Alex Schafran who will serve in a leadership position as director of public policy and the promotion of Lavera Alexander to chief strategy officer.
As a member of the executive team, Schafran will help lead and develop CA FWD’s public policy agenda focusing on issues that are vital to ensuring the California Dream is accessible to everyone. From housing, broadband and climate resiliency to workforce and local financing policy, among other issues, he will work with CA FWD’s vast network of partners to move policy priorities forward.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alex to our CA Dream Team, especially at this critical time in public policy where we have the opportunity to intentionally build a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future where all Californians can prosper,” said Micah Weinberg, CEO of California Forward. “Alex’s experience and expertise will be a valuable asset in ensuring the organization continues to serve as a vehicle for change.”
“I’m honored and thrilled to be joining such an amazing team at such an important time,” said Schafran. “California Forward and it’s diverse network of partners understand full well the challenges and opportunities facing Californians, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with people and organizations across the state.”
Schafran is a native Californian who has spent a decade in social services, immigrant rights advocacy, tenant organizing, housing policy and community development. A recognized expert on the politics of housing and urban development, Schafran authored The Spatial Contract: A New Politics of Provision for an Urbanized Planet and The Road to Resegregation: Northern California and the Failure of Politics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford University, a master’s degree in urban planning from Hunter College, City University of New York, and a doctorate in city and regional planning from the University of California, Berkeley.
CA FWD has promoted Lavera Alexander to chief strategy officer, where she is leading the strategic and development efforts to fuel the organization’s policy work. Alexander has extensive experience in nonprofit management, the cultivation of strategic partnerships and optimizing teams.
“Lavera’s brilliance in strategic organizational development has led to significant contributions to California Forward and we are thrilled to have her take the helm of our strategic efforts and support our important mission,” said Weinberg.
“I am proud to serve within an organization that is intentional about equity and committed to doing its part to ensure more of us – especially the most vulnerable among us – prosper and have access to the California Dream,” said Alexander. “This is good work and I am honored to assist in moving it forward as chief strategy officer for California Forward.”
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CA FWD drives collection action, bringing people together across communities, regions and interests to improve government and create, inclusive sustainable growth for everyone.
