Rebecca Prozan

Rebecca Prozan began learning about public service from a very early age.  Long before she became a community organizer or Assistant District Attorney for San Francisco, her parents spoke of political events around the dining room table.

“My parents favorite question over dinner was, ‘So, what happened in the world today?’ We were taught early on that we should know what occurred in the world around us – be it just down the street, or around the globe.  Beyond that, my parents challenged us to be aware, and if we had the opportunity, to change things for the better.”

That spirit propelled Rebecca, as a high school student, to volunteer for Democratic candidates, form her school’s Political Action Club, and intern for Congressman Tom Lantos.

Later, graduating with a degree in Politics from UC Santa Cruz, Rebecca quickly put her life-long teachings into practice, joining the field staff of Willie L. Brown, Jr.’s 1995 successful campaign for Mayor of San Francisco.  Following Mayor Brown’s victory, Rebecca was appointed as a Special Assistant.

While in the Mayor’s Office, Rebecca worked on transportation issues by coordinating the Taxi Task Force which brought together drivers, industry managers, neighbors and merchants to improve taxicab service, eventually leading to the voter-approved Taxi Commission.  Further, she served as point person for the Mayor’s Summit on Women, an event that drew thousands of women – from corporate CEO’s to public housing residents.  Featured speakers at the Summit included Oprah Winfrey, Ann Richards, and Tipper Gore among others.

Young Rebecca and Congressman Tom Lantos

Rebecca also served as the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Liaison.  In that capacity, Rebecca ensured LGBT representation on city commissions and task forces, garnered funding for non-profit organizations that provided services to LGBT residents, and shepherded concerns about LGBT issues.

It was in the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, as the District 8 Liaison, where Rebecca earned a reputation for being responsive and effective.  When MUNI was late, a major development affected a particular block, a recreation center did not open on time, or garbage was dumped on the street, Rebecca worked to ensure everything was handled professionally, appropriately, and in a timely manner.  No problem was too big or too small.

After five years in city government, Rebecca enrolled at Golden Gate University’s School of Law.  However, Rebecca remained committed to issues affecting San Francisco and the District she had served.  While in school, Rebecca drafted a law review article related to the Diane Whipple dog mauling case, and the right of same-sex domestic partners to recover monetary damages for loss of consortium.   In 2002, while still a law student, Rebecca offered her knowledge and skills to Bevan Dufty – her former boss at the Office of Neighborhood Services – and served as co-chair for his run for District 8 Supervisor.

Rebecca, her wife Julia Adams, and their dog Mika are residents of the Castro district.

During her law school years, Rebecca was appointed  to the Elections Redistricting Task Force.  By serving on this Task Force, Rebecca gained an intimate knowledge of the neighborhoods and how important districts are for the fabric of our City.

Following on her experience with the Elections Redistricting Task Force, Rebecca was appointed to the Recreation and Park Commission, where she oversaw a budget of approximately 130 million dollars, and about 900 employees.  Rebecca made sure neighbor’s voices were heard on park projects throughout the City by chairing the Parks & Planning Committee, which is responsible for developing and approving plans for all parks and recreation centers in the City.

After graduating from law school, Rebecca’s plan to join a downtown law firm was interrupted when her long-time friend Kamala Harris called to ask her to run her campaign to become San Francisco’s District Attorney.  When Rebecca joined Kamala’s campaign, polls showed that Kamala was supported by a mere 8% of the City’s residents.  Because of Rebecca’s leadership and the team she assembled, Harris went on to win the campaign by an overwhelming margin, becoming San Francisco’s first African-American, and first female District Attorney.

In 2004, Rebecca returned to City Hall as a Legislative Aide to Supervisor Bevan Dufty.  In that capacity, Rebecca honed her skills on planning and redevelopment issues, as well as utility undergrounding.  Later that year, Rebecca joined the District Attorney’s office where she continues to serve as Assistant District Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco.  Rebecca has handled a multitude of misdemeanor and felony cases and is currently assigned to the narcotics unit.

In 2007, a U.S. Senator named Barack Obama appointed Rebecca to serve on his LGBT Leadership Committee.  Later that same year, Rebecca ran to be a pledged Obama Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from San Francisco and won with the largest vote total of any candidate running.

Following President Obama’s inauguration, DNC Chairman Governor Tim Kaine appointed Rebecca to the DNC’s Change Commission – a position that she currently holds.  The purpose of the Change Commission is to address concerns over the Presidential Primary Calendar, the Caucus process, and the Superdelegates process.   Rebecca’s dedication and work with the Democratic Party has also been recognized by the FDR Democratic Club – a club serving San Francisco’s senior and disabled communities.

In 2008, Rebecca was honored to receive the District 8 Woman of the Year Award for her work and service in the District.  She also received the Leadership Award from the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club that same year.

Rebecca and her wife Julia Adams, along with their dog Mika, are residents of the Castro District.  They met in law school and were married in 2008 – which was their third ceremony – shortly before Proposition 8 passed.

BULLET POINTS OF REBECCA PROZAN

Professional Employment:

• Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney’s Office, 2004-present
• Legislative Aide, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, 2004
• Campaign Manager, Kamala Harris for District Attorney, 2003
• Campaign Co-Chair, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, 2002
• Special Assistant to Mayor Willie Brown, 1996-2000

Memberships:

• Member, Democratic National Committee Change Commission
• Board Member, Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
• Founding President, San Francisco Young Democrats
• Founder, LGBT Community Center
• Board Member, Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club
• Former Northern California Chair of the California Democratic Party’s LGBT Caucus
• Former Co-Chair, Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
• Former Board Member, Harvey Milk Democratic Club
• Former Co-Chair, Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF)
• Former Board Member, Jewish Community Relations Council
• Former Board Member, LYRIC