May 8 , 2008
Councilmember Chu Selects Edesa Bitbadal as Chief of Staff
(San José, CA) –City of San José Councilmember Kansen Chu (District 4) today announced he has selected Edesa Bitbadal as his Chief of Staff. Ms. Bitbadal will replace Cary Chien, who has held the position since Councilmember Chu took office in June of 2007. Ms. Bitbadal has a broad range of experience including 12 years in public service as a Council Aide and as an employee of the San José Redevelopment Agency. This appointment will further promote Councilmember Chu’s agenda, including improving overall San José ‘quality of life’ and ramping economic development.
“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Edesa Bitbadal as my new chief of staff,” said Councilmember Chu. “As a trusted public servant and a long time resident of San José, Edesa possesses the ‘San José-an values’ that my office is built upon. Her vast experience in managing projects and budgets along with her collaborative style will be an asset to Council District 4. We are excited to welcome her aboard. ”
Edesa Bitbadal has over 12 years experience in public service. She began her career as Senior Legislative Aide to then Assemblywoman Elaine Alquist and Senior Policy Director to Councilmember Linda J. LeZotte. In the last six years Ms. Bitbadal served the City of San José as a Development Officer for the San José Redevelopment Agency. In this capacity she was instrumental in transforming Downtown San José through managing highly-visible programs such as the Facade Improvement Program, Public Space Programming, Business Retention and Attraction Program, and Downtown Holiday and marketing programs. Additionally, Ms. Bitbadal managed the San José Redevelopment Agency’s Child care program and development of Smart Start San José Child Care centers in San José.
Additionally Ms. Bitbadal dedicates her personal time to improve the City of San José through her volunteer work. She is a current Boardmember of Crime Stoppers Silicon Valley, a member of the San José Junior League, and a neighborhood volunteer.
“This is both an exciting and a humbling opportunity,” Bitbadal said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Councilmember Chu. I look forward to helping Councilmember Chu accomplish his agenda of quality of life improvements and higher environmental standards. With the help of his talented staff, we can strengthen neighborhood services, improve public safety, and increase economic development in San José.”
Edesa Bitbadal who is an ethnic Assyrian and a first generation immigrant from Iran is the first Middle Eastern woman to become a Chief of Staff in the City of San José. Ms. Bitbadal is also fluent in both Farsi and Assyrian.
Edesa Bitbadal resides in the City of San José with her husband and two children. She will assume position on June 2, 2008.
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