Our Staff

East Bay EDA staff provide direct support to our membership network and leadership committees. They serve as a resource to the region through business assistance, economic research, events, and more.

Stephen Baiter

Executive
Director

Stephen Baiter has more than 20 years of experience building regional networks and leading successful multi-stakeholder partnerships. As the Executive Director of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA), he leads a unique cross-sector economic development organization that continues to position the East Bay as one of the most diverse, globally competitive and innovative business environments in the world. His prior positions involved working with elected and appointed leaders to design, lead, and support projects and initiatives connecting regional talent pipelines to quality jobs in critical industry sectors. Baiter has served on the board of directors of multiple organizations focused on economic development, education, and workforce development and previously served as the Chair of the California Workforce Association, a statewide organization representing a diverse set of stakeholders in California and nationally. He has a BA in Political Science from Boston College and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.

Carline Au

Head of Planning
& Strategy

Carline draws on her decade of experience in urban planning and economic development to lead East Bay EDA’s multidisciplinary regional economic development portfolio, which includes working with diverse public and private sector leaders on topics related to land use planning, economic development strategies, and data and research. Carline brings to her role a collaborative and connected ethos that centers people and communities in her work. Carline applies her extensive research skills and experience developing and implementing thoughtful solutions to advance a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient East Bay.

Carline previously worked in urban economics consulting advising public, private, and nonprofit clients on complex projects involving real estate market and economic feasibility, employment and industry trends, land use and transportation planning, and economic development strategies. Carline holds a Master’s in City Planning from UC Berkeley and a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning and International Studies with an emphasis in Sociology from UC San Diego.

Xian Ballesteros

Head of Marketing
& Communications

 

Xian brings more than a decade of leadership experience in diverse sectors, including nonprofit, higher education, and public-sector work. As Head of Marketing & Communications, he oversees marketing and communication activities and strategy as well as the planning and promotion of large-scale regional events. He managed the transition of East Bay EDA’s communications strategy toward virtual programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, led a branding refresh, built and designed the organization website, and created content for television, radio, and print media, including advertisements, press releases, and PSAs.

Prior to joining East Bay EDA, Xian served as Director of Development for a $12M social service agency in Silicon Valley, where he oversaw fundraising, communications, and community engagement. A Bay Area native and East Bay resident, Xian received a B.A. in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.) from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jaclyn Funasaki

Head of Business Operations
& Special Projects

 

Jaclyn Funasaki has 12+ years of experience in cross-sector and cross-border public/private partnerships. She previously served as a senior member of the Economic and Commercial Affairs Division of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. Her role focused on advising diplomats on issues related to California and Nevada’s state economies and business environments, renewable and environmental policies, and various technological trends within Silicon Valley. She also served as the Consulate’s liaison to the Japanese American community.

Jaclyn holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing and a B.A. in International Business with minors in Psychology and Japanese. She is active in the Bay Area community, serving as Vice President of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Regional Chair (Northern California) for the U.S.-Japan Council, Board Member for the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association, and Board Member for the Japantown Task Force. She currently resides in Oakland with her husband and son.

Patience Ofodu

Head of Community Relations
& Strategic Partnerships

 

Patience Ofodu has spent over 13 years in the Bay Area’s workforce and economic development sectors. She spent the last ten years in Contra Costa County as Interim Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board and Business Services Manager. She managed the 25-member cross-sector board and meetings, convening diverse networks of business, labor, education, and community leaders to provide innovative solutions to workforce issues and align resources for regional economic vitality. Patience led partnerships, strategic alliances, board recruitment, advocated for related policies, and worked closely with elected officials.

She serves on economic development committees and boards, including as a member of the City of San Ramon Economic Development Advisory Committee, past Chair of the Economic Development Directors’ Council of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, and Board Director with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. Patience was on the California Workforce Association Equity and Inclusion Committee.

She has a certificate in Economic Development and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.

Nina Steen

Administrative
Associate

 

Nina’s background in customer success management and patient advocacy within the healthcare industry equips her with a unique blend of administrative prowess, customer-centric focus, and project management skills. Her role in reducing error rates through data analysis and developing training materials underscores her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence. Moreover, she excels in orchestrating resources and spearheading initiatives, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in fast-paced and dynamic settings.

With a B.A. in English and a solid foundation in marketing and sales, Nina brings a well-rounded skill set to the administrative team. Outside of her professional endeavors, Nina is known for her dedication to community involvement and lifelong learning. She looks forward to bringing her passion for service and her collaborative spirit to her role as an Administrative Associate.

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