Local Leaders

Although the Governing Council provides linkage to the Sakyong, longer term vision and general oversight, the Center Director is the chief executive responsible for accomplishing this vision. In addition to the center director there are various department heads and representatives managing areas of the center.

Executive Committee

Chaired by the Center Director and responsible for implementing the one year strategic plan created in consultation with the community and approved by the Governing Council. Committee members are department heads responsible for major areas of center operations.

  • Center Director: (position open)
  • Center Manager: (position open)
  • Director of Practice and Education: (position open)
  • Chadzö: (position open)
  • Rusung: (position open)
  • Membership Coordinator: (position open)
  • Culture and Decorum Coordinator: (position open)
  • Children and Families Coordinator: (position open)

Practice and Education Council

Chaired by the Director of Practice and Education and responsible for ongoing development of Practice and Education at the center including advising and implementing the practice and education portion of the strategic plan as well as center program planning. Members represent or manage key areas of Practice and Education at the Center.

  • Director of Practice and Education: (position open)
  • Sunday Open House Coordinator: Irene Okupnik
  • WOS Executive Coordinator: (position open)
  • Werma Feast Coordinator: (Susan Arensen)
  • Vajrayogini Feast Coordinators: Bruce Dalsanto/ Jamie Erfurdt
  • Young Meditators Night: Eric Chung and Bin Li

Finance Committee

Chaired by the Center Director the Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the center finances on a monthly basis and proposing operational changes to improve spending as well as long term budgetary changes to the governing council.

Community Council (Temporarily Inactive)

The Community Council is chaired by the Center Societal Health and Wellbeing Representative and is responsible for the health and wellbeing of the SF Shambhala Community. The Community Council can propose new policies, offerings and events that will support the SF Shambhala Community, advising on the Community portion of the strategic plan as well as program planning. Council Members are representatives of key areas of the community.

Arts Council (Temporarily Inactive)

Chaired by the Director for the Arts, the Arts Council is responsible for the development and support of the arts at the San Francisco Shambhala Center in the form of policies, programs and events. The Arts Council advises on the arts section of the strategic plan as well as program planning.

Dekyong Council (Temporarily Inactive)

Chaired by the Head Dekyong, the Dekyong Council is responsible for supporting the “Delek System”, a network of neighborhood community groups throughout San Francisco. Members are “Dekyongs”, or group leaders, who support specific neighborhood groups.

Membership Committee (Temporarily Inactive)

Chaired by the Membership Director, the membership committee is responsible for supporting new members. Committee members are those involved with the process of signing up and supporting new members.

Development Committee (Temporarily Inactive)

Chaired by the Center Director, the Development Committee is responsible for planning and implement fundraising with the support of the Executive Committee.

Outreach Committee (Temporarily Inactive)

Chaired by the Center Director, the Outreach Committee is responsible for outreach to the general public as well as developing relationships with like minded organizations within San Francisco. Committee members consist of both teachers and leaders in the SF Shambhala Community and community members interested in further engaging the greater San Francisco community.