Arts Commission elects officers unanimously and introduces new agency secretary

The San Francisco Arts Commission unanimously elected Charles Collins as President and Janine Chioda as Vice President for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2024, following a report from the Nominating Committee.

Commissioner Abby Schneier, chair of the nominating committee, outlined the committee’s interviews with commissioners, the mayor’s commission liaison and staff, and presented the recommended slate. Commissioners discussed the nominating process and requested a summary of substance from the committee interviews that could be shared as a public document.

After a roll-call vote by commissioners present, the motion to elect the slate carried unanimously. President Collins thanked staff and commissioners and noted the work that will follow during the new term.

President Collins also introduced Manraj Diwali as the commission’s new agency secretary. Staff noted the full commission had previously voted unanimously (13 votes) at the Nov. 6 meeting to appoint him, contingent on final negotiations with the Department of Human Resources; this meeting served as his first day in the role and commissioners welcomed him.