Joanne Lee, the Deputy Director of Programs at the San Francisco Arts Commission, addressed the city’s ethics commission regarding her request for a waiver to begin her new role as the inaugural Executive Director of the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative (CMAC). Lee, who has dedicated nearly four years to the Arts Commission and over 25 years to nonprofit work in San Francisco, emphasized the significance of this new position as a culmination of her career.

In her statement, Lee highlighted her extensive experience in real estate development, economic revitalization, and nonprofit management, particularly in Chinatown. She expressed her commitment to aligning the Arts Commission's initiatives with the mayor's priorities for economic recovery, underscoring the potential impact of CMAC on the local community.

Ko Mente, the Director of Communications for the Arts Commission, spoke on behalf of Ralph Remington, the Director of Cultural Affairs, who was unable to attend. Mente read a letter of support for Lee's waiver request, praising her contributions during a challenging period marked by leadership changes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mente noted Lee's professionalism and her ability to manage multiple roles effectively, asserting that her transition to CMAC would benefit both the organization and the Chinatown community.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from the commissioners, indicating a supportive atmosphere for Lee's transition to her new role. The outcome of the waiver request remains to be seen, but the discussions reflect a strong endorsement of Lee's capabilities and the importance of her future work in Chinatown.