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OCII honors departing staff: Grissow, Lawson and Chair Johnson praised for redevelopment work
Summary
The commission recognized three departing leaders — Mike Grissow, Wells Lawson and Chair Christine Johnson — for their roles in long-running San Francisco redevelopment efforts, with resolutions adopted and public comments highlighting mentorship, community engagement and project leadership.
The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure spent a substantial portion of its July 15 meeting honoring three departing senior contributors to San Francisco redevelopment work.
Commissioners adopted resolutions recognizing long service and contributions from Mr. Grissow (commended for more than 11 years supporting Transbay, South of Market and affordable-housing initiatives), Wells Lawson (recognized for his role on Hunters Point Shipyard and Candlestick Point, including negotiating land exchanges and securing grants) and Chair Christine Johnson (founding chair of the commission and acknowledged for oversight through the agency’s dissolution and enforceable obligations).
Tracy Reynolds, manager of OCII’s real estate and development services division, read the Grissow commendation and summarized his experience leading the Transbay redevelopment plan and coordinating with the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, noting his involvement with environmental review and financing. Wells Lawson’s reading highlighted his work on the Hunters Point Shipyard and Candlestick Point projects, including a $5 million Cal Reuse Brownfields grant and community-benefits commitments. Director Bohe read Chair Johnson’s commendation, which cited her leadership since appointment by Mayor Edwin M. Lee and her work on Hunters Point, Mission Bay and Transbay project-area actions.
Staff, colleagues and community members offered remarks. Courtney Pash, assistant project manager for Transbay, called Grissow “one of the best bosses and mentors I’ve ever had.” Community and staff speakers described Lawson as a pragmatic negotiator who balanced finance and community engagement, and several commissioners and staff praised Chair Johnson’s thoroughness and attention to detail.
Resolutions were adopted for each honoree. The Grissow and Lawson resolutions carried on unanimous roll-call votes; Chair Johnson’s resolution carried with the chair abstaining on her own commendation.
The commission took photos and heard brief personal remarks from each honoree. No policy decisions were made on these items beyond adopting the commendation resolutions.
