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Rules Committee reappoints Nicholas Russenoff to Veterans Affairs Commission
Summary
The Rules Committee on March 10 appointed Nicholas Russenoff to the Veterans Affairs Commission for the seat that expires March 17, 2027. Russenoff was absent due to a medical emergency; colleagues and veterans' advocates spoke in support and the committee voted unanimously to appoint him.
On March 10, 2025, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee voted to appoint Nicholas Russenoff to Seat 9 of the Veterans Affairs Commission, filling the term through March 17, 2027.
Russeno ff was unable to attend the hearing because of a medical emergency; a statement read on his behalf described his work with the Veterans Justice Court, the County Veterans Service Office and programs such as Veterans Healing Veterans. "I do not want to miss the opportunity to express my deep commitment to continuing my work on the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission," the written statement said.
Public commenters, including current commissioners and veterans advocates, urged the committee to reappoint Russenoff. John Reisenweber, a current commissioner and Vietnam Combat Disabled Veteran, described Russenoff as "extraordinarily involved in the veterans court, aiding and assisting San Francisco veterans who are most at risk in our community," and said Russenoff had been unanimously elected vice president of the commission in December.
Two other applicants — Josh Wagner, a recently separated Navy veteran, and Barclay Sanders, an Army National Guard veteran and community housing advocate — spoke at the hearing about their desire to serve. Wag ner said he viewed the commission as an extension of his public service and described his experience navigating veteran benefits; Sanders noted work assisting homeless veterans and processing claims more quickly using existing technologies.
Chair Walton moved to appoint Russenoff to the open seat. Vice Chair Sherrill and Member Mandelmann voted aye; the motion passed without objection.
The appointment will be forwarded with the committee's recommendation to the full Board for confirmation.
