Team Anderson

Maggie Sleeper

Deputy Chief of Staff
(858) 264-9547

Maggie.Sleeper@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Maggie Sleeper brings almost two decades of political, policy and industry experience to the job of Deputy Chief of Staff for Supervisor Joel Anderson. Previously, Maggie served as a Municipal Infrastructure Advisor for San Diego Gas & Electric, where she partnered with local governments to coordinate major infrastructure projects. She was the recipient of an SDG&E Spotlight Award for her work facilitating a series of Wildfire Safety Workshops with local governments and community leaders. Prior to her role at SDG&E, Maggie served as Director of Policy to San Diego City Councilmember Scott Sherman, where she worked on reforms to encourage housing production and improve outcomes for the City’s homelessness response system. For 10 years, Maggie served as a staff member, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief of Staff for California Assemblymember, then State Senator Joel Anderson, and Assemblymember Linda Halderman. During this time, she shepherded successful legislation to crack down on human trafficking in massage establishments, to provide funding to school districts for reducing school bus emissions, to prevent incarcerated physicians from writing prescriptions, and to provide transitional services to exonerated inmates. She also managed the legislative efforts to rename a portion of I-15 near MCAS Miramar the “Tuskegee Airmen Highway,” as well as historic designations for Highway 94 and Highway 67 in the San Diego backcountry. Maggie graduated from University of California, San Diego with a BA in Political Science and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She is an Alumna of the San Diego County Water Authority “Citizens Water Academy,” LeSar Development Consultants Housing Policy Leadership Academy, and holds a certificate in Advanced Public Engagement for Local Government from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. She, her husband, and six-year-old son reside in the Spring Valley community of San Diego County.

Team Anderson exists to make County government work for the constituents of District 2. Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of Team Anderson below. If you are unsure of who to contact with your question or concern, please consider using the Contact Us form.


Administrative Team


Maggie Sleeper

Chief of Staff
(619) 764-1883

Maggie.Sleeper@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Maggie Sleeper brings almost two decades of political, policy and industry experience to the job of Chief of Staff for Supervisor Joel Anderson. Previously, Maggie served as a Municipal Infrastructure Advisor for San Diego Gas & Electric, where she partnered with local governments to coordinate major infrastructure projects. She was the recipient of an SDG&E Spotlight Award for her work facilitating a series of Wildfire Safety Workshops with local governments and community leaders. Prior to her role at SDG&E, Maggie served as Director of Policy to San Diego City Councilmember Scott Sherman, where she worked on reforms to encourage housing production and improve outcomes for the City’s homelessness response system. For 10 years, Maggie served as a staff member, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief of Staff for California Assemblymember, then State Senator Joel Anderson, and Assemblymember Linda Halderman. During this time, she shepherded successful legislation to crack down on human trafficking in massage establishments, to provide funding to school districts for reducing school bus emissions, to prevent incarcerated physicians from writing prescriptions, and to provide transitional services to exonerated inmates. She also managed the legislative efforts to rename a portion of I-15 near MCAS Miramar the “Tuskegee Airmen Highway,” as well as historic designations for Highway 94 and Highway 67 in the San Diego backcountry. Maggie graduated from University of California, San Diego with a BA in Political Science and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She is an Alumna of the San Diego County Water Authority “Citizens Water Academy,” LeSar Development Consultants Housing Policy Leadership Academy, and holds a certificate in Advanced Public Engagement for Local Government from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. She, her husband, and six-year-old son reside in the Spring Valley community of San Diego County.


Heather Koszka

Director of Operations
(619) 531-5932 (desk)

Heather.Koszka@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Heather Koszka is an experienced and enthusiastic public servant with a passion for making public policy accessible to the people. A Northern California native, Heather found her aptitude for public service while working in the California State Legislature in Sacramento. For over a decade, Heather connected San Diego constituents with their state government while working for multiple state legislators, including Senator Joel Anderson. Heather quickly became known for her exceptional scheduling and professional skills throughout the Capitol, where she was asked to host bipartisan trainings for several legislative offices. Heather’s work has received state and national attention, including recognition from the Robert M. Hertzberg Capitol Institute and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Some of her greatest accomplishments include organizing highly attended community events and growing Senator Anderson’s Capitol Internship program to over 180 interns, later earning her a position as Capitol Office Director for Senator Brian Jones.

 

Heather rejoined Team Anderson in 2021 and is eager to serve San Diego County constituents, now at a local government level. She is thrilled to finally be living in the San Diego area and plans to explore all the beautiful things our area has to offer.


Eliran Hershko
Special Projects Manager
(858) 289-9221
Eliran.Hershko@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Eliran is proud to be a product of Senator Anderson’s internship program and is on a mission to provide as many interns with as many opportunities as possible. Eliran has worn many hats over his professional career, from filling a vacant staff role in the state legislature to being an educator for an international non-profit and a marketing director for a small business. Eliran attended Moorpark Community College before transferring to UC – San Diego to study Political Science with a focus in Public Policy. He is an outdoors enthusiast who loves board sports and basketball, you may run into him at the Pacific Highlands pump track on the weekends or passionately supporting his favorite team the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

If you are interested in an internship with Supervisor Anderson’s office, please contact Eliran.


Melody Gentilhomme
Scheduling Assistant

(619) 531-5522

Melody.Gentilhomme@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Melody is a junior undergraduate student at UC San Diego pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Language and Culture and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a specialization in American Politics. Melody first started off as an intern at Supervisor Anderson’s office and worked her way up to being hired as Scheduling Assistant. Prior to working for Team Anderson, Melody served as an intern on many local and national campaigns and worked as a Ski Instructor and Camp Counselor in her home state of Washington. Outside of her work, Melody co-founded the first Women’s Outdoor Collective at UCSD where she guides various outdoor climbing, surfing, and camping trips. 


Policy Team


Michael Kulis
Policy Director
(858) 285-5669

Michael.Kulis@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Michael is a strategic policy and government relations professional and has served in senior positions for elected officials and major public and private-sector agencies. Prior to joining Supervisor Anderson’s office, he worked as a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate and as a senior advisor to a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. As director of inter-governmental relations at San Diego International Airport, Michael led the agency’s legislative and regulatory advocacy program. He also served as director of public affairs and government relations for a leading communications firm in San Diego. Michael has served on numerous regional, state and national committees and was recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Villanova University and resides in the community of San Carlos. 

 

Michael handles the policy areas of economic development, infrastructure, airports, broadband, LAFCO, and SANDAG for Supervisor Anderson. 


Victoria Floyd

Policy Advisor

(619) 531-5940

Victoria.Floyd@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Victoria (also known as 'Tori') is a knowledgeable east county enthusiast. Before joining Team Anderson, Victoria carried out her passions for public service and community involvement as a Field Representative, Grant Administrator and Policy Advisor in Supervisor Jacob’s office. Tori earned a double B.A. in Political Science and Communications from the University of California, San Diego and plans to pursue a Masters in Public Administration in the next few years. Tori is extremely dedicated to her community and loves to volunteer and maintain strong engagement with many organizations. She now serves as an Assistant Policy Director for Supervisor Anderson and is excited to continue to work alongside great people who share her fervor for helping constituents.

 

Tori handles the policy areas of the Health & Human Services Agency for Supervisor Anderson. 


Ibrahim Ahmed, MPA

Policy Advisor

(619) 957-8912

Ibrahim.Ahmed@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Ibrahim obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at San Diego State University and shortly after, his master’s in Public Policy and Administration. His professional expertise lies in both policy and community development and is an alumnus of the San Diego Leadership Alliance fellowship. He previously served as a staffer at the San Diego City Council where he closely worked with constituents to solve issues and advised the Council President on policy matters.

 

Ibrahim handles the policy areas of Homelessness, Refugee and Immigrant Affairs, Equity and Racial Justice, Ethics, Compliance and Labor Standards, Arts and Culture, and Libraries for Supervisor Anderson.


Matthew Phy

Policy Advisor

(619) 957-8834

Matthew.Phy@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Matthew is a southern California native bringing over a decade of political and policy experience to District 2. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with Minors in Communication and Media Analysis. Matthew’s significant policy experience includes several statewide and local campaigns, where he served as a top advisor. Prior to joining Supervisor Anderson’s office, Matthew worked as Deputy District Director and Senior Policy Advisor to CA State Senator Patricia Bates. In this role, he collaborated with city, state, county, and federal offices, resolved constituent cases, and assisted in crafting legislation that positively impacted local communities. Matthew is a foodie and loves exploring new, local restaurants with friends. He’s also a proud uncle with three nieces and two nephews.

 

Matthew handles the policy areas of the Public Safety Group and Public Works for Supervisor Anderson.


Greg Kazmer
Land Use Advisor

(858) 289-9234
Gregory.Kazmer@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Greg Kazmer joins Supervisor Anderson’s Office after spending four years with the County’s Planning & Development Services (PDS) department. Greg was a Planning Manager that worked on some of the most complex land use issues and programs, including the Climate Action Plan and the Vehicle Miles Traveled threshold, as well as numerous development projects. While at PDS, Greg managed a staff of nine planners. Prior to working at the County, Greg spent eight years working locally for environmental consulting firms specializing in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Greg is well versed in federal, state, and local regulations, including the County’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. While not working he enjoys spending time with his family, watching Chicago sports teams, and attempting to play golf.

 

Greg handles the policy areas of the Land Use & Environment Group for Supervisor Anderson. 


Community Outreach Team


Roarke Shanley

District Director

(858) 276-8919

Roarke.Shanley@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Roarke is a life-long San Diegan and first generation American. Having served in multiple roles as a Civil Servant, he brings a wealth of experience from both state and local government to his role as District Director for Supervisor Joel Anderson. Roarke graduated from the University of California San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis on American Politics, as well as a Minor in Marketing from the Rady School of Management. Prior to joining Team Anderson, Roarke served as Senior Field Representative to Assembly Minority Leader Marie Waldron. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, running on the many beautiful trails San Diego County has to offer and tending to his avocado trees.

 

For questions about grants or appointments to county boards and commissions, contact Roarke.


Mariko Nakawatase

Assistant District Director
(858) 285-0162
Mariko.Nakawatase@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Mariko is a native San Diegan with a keen interest in helping her community foster growth, connection and acceptance. A graduate of Arizona State University with a double major in Philosophy and Political Science, she is ready for creating a better community. Before joining Team Anderson, Mariko assisted him with his campaign and also worked on the Escondido City Council campaign for Joe Garcia. Her decade long record of community service in the county includes the cities of La Mesa, Bonita, San Diego and Imperial Beach. She has a background of service, fundraising, and leadership and passion for her county. She is thrilled to be back on Team Anderson and ready to serve the constituents of District 2. 


Art Davis

Community Outreach Manager

(858) 264-8109

Arthur.Davis@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Art has lived in San Diego since the 805 merge and Mission Valley were working ranches. A career in public service, only now realized, began by studying government and law in public school. His extensive resume includes four decades as a luthier working in small shops and large factories, working in the building trades; and running his own businesses. Art completed his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from National University in 2015. He met Team Anderson at a school job fair in 2017. A short stint as an intern planted the seed and Art returned to the team with four more years of software development and E-Commerce experience to help guide the outreach program. When there is time, Art enjoys golf, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, organic gardening, travel, playing the guitar and everything else that San Diego has to offer.  


Michelle Surakhanova

Internship Coordinator

(619) 441-4327

Michelle.Surakhanova@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Michelle earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from California State University, Northridge, wherein recognition of her academic achievements, she received a Certificate of Distinction award. She is earning her master's degree in management information systems with a focus in business analytics from San Diego State University. Michelle is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the nation's largest leadership honors society. Before joining Team Anderson, Michelle worked in management and later as a legal assistant for a highly prestigious family law firm in Los Angeles. As a Legislative Assistant, Michelle manages the internship department and is responsible for documenting all constituent correspondence and casework. Her top priority is to provide exceptional service and support to San Diego County constituents and assist Team Andersons' mission to provide economic prosperity throughout our district. Michelle plays the piano, she enjoys hiking, figure skating, reading, analytics and watching documentaries. 


Mehri Sadri

Community Outreach Assistant

(619) 441-4327

Mehri.Sadri@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Mehri is a sophomore undergraduate student at UC San Diego. At UCSD, Mehri competes on the university’s Speech and Debate team at a varsity level and is a writer for the Undergraduate Law Review Program. Outside of college, she holds a love for aiding members of her community and beyond, previously serving as the Scripps Ranch Branch Library Teen Council president and founding her own international organization to help K-8 students access academia remotely during the pandemic. Mehri began her journey with Supervisor Anderson’s office as an intern, attending events on behalf of the Supervisor to present certificates of recognition, craft news articles, and brief legislative updates to constituents; she is excited to continue serving with Team Anderson as Community Outreach Assistant.


Ian Harper

Community Outreach Assistant

(619) 441-4327

Ian.Harper@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Ian is a junior undergraduate student at San Diego State University studying Economics. At SDSU, Ian is a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, and previously served on the Executive Board as the Risk Management Officer. Ian was brought on in 2023 after completing the internship program a year prior, where he attended many events representing the Supervisor, and even became a published writer. Outside of work and school, Ian is a big sports fan who loves watching his teams, the Chargers, Lakers, Dodgers, and Kings. Ian is also an avid enjoyer of nature, of which San Diego County has plenty to offer. 


Maximilian Nguyen

Grant Administration Assistant

(619) 441-4327

Maximilian.Nguyen1@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Maximilian Nguyen is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC San Diego. Studying as a double major in Political Science – Data Analytics (B.S.) and Education Science (B.S.). He is the Club president of the Marksmanship Club at UC San Diego and is a NPDA and Extemporaneous speech competitor in Speech and Debate at UC San Diego. Max started working with Supervisor Joel Anderson as a legislative Intern during Summer of 2022. After his time as an intern was completed in the fall, ending with the title of Senior Intern, he was given the opportunity to help District 2 through its grants program and started late January 2023. Max is honored to continue his public service journey with Team Anderson as a Grant Administration Assistant.

 

For any questions regarding the application process or information on grants, please contact Max.


Jose Chavez

Grant Outreach Assistant

(619) 441-4327

Jose.Chavez1@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Jose is a soon-to-be UC San Diego graduate hailing from a small farm town in the California’s San Joaquin Central Valley. At UCSD, he started off as a Senior Staff Writer for his university’s flagship newspaper and Coach for the school’s Speech and Debate team and now serves as a Resident Assistant for Eleanor Roosevelt College as well as an impartial panelist for hearings with the Academic Integrity Review Board and Office of Student Conduct. Outside of college, he is a volunteer coach for Mt. Carmel High School’s Speech and Debate Club and is currently a UCLA School of Law Fellow. Jose joined Team Anderson as a legislative intern in their District Office, taking inbound inquiries from constituents, writing proclamations for local public servants, and issuing certificates of recognition on behalf of the Supervisor. In his free time, Jose loves embracing his roots by studying horticulture and cooking Spanish dishes for his loved ones.


Communications Team


Michael Botello
Director of Communications
(858) 276-9119
Michael.Botello@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Michael has been a member of Team Anderson since 2014. Having started his career with Supervisor Anderson at the state legislature as his communications assistant, Michael later honed his skills as a communications professional by working for a nonprofit in the foster care system. In addition to a love for marketing and communications, Michael is passionate about leadership; he holds a Masters of Business Administration in organizational leadership. Michael uses his creativity to connect constituents with Team Anderson through digital media platforms, including social media, website, traditional media and more. 

 

For media inquiries, please contact Michael.

 


Paige Bounds

Communications Manager
(858) 264-9257
Paige.Bounds@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Paige is a communications professional who strives to serve the public good. A native East County resident, Paige is passionate about connecting people with their government institutions through the power of storytelling. Prior to her current role, she worked as one of the County’s first Lead Contact Tracers during the COVID-19 pandemic, served as a Digital Media Coordinator on a local congressional campaign, and jumpstarted her career through an internship with then-Senator Anderson. Paige is a proud San Diego State alumna and former Aztec Cheerleader. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication and was recognized as the best student in American Politics and Public Policy.


Miyu Oda-DesHotels
Constituent Affairs Coordinator

(619) 705-9601

Miyu.Oda@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Miyu Oda-DesHotels is passionate about communicating with constituents in order to advocate for their needs. Miyu is a senior undergraduate student at San Diego State University majoring in Psychology. Before joining Team Anderson, Miyu served as senior intern for Senator Jones. Throughout her college education, she served as President for the Black Student Science Organization and the College of Sciences student council representative.


Victoria Valdes

Communications Assistant
(619) 531-5522
Victoria.Valdes@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Victoria is a senior undergraduate at UC San Diego studying Political Science with a focus in Public Law. She worked her way through Supervisor Anderson’s internship program, earning the title of Senior Intern before being hired as a student worker. Prior to her time with Team Anderson, she worked as a staff member with the State Assembly where she assisted constituents who were seeking resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a southern California native, Victoria is excited to continue learning about the specificities of the San Diego County. She is eager to serve the people of District 2 by helping them stay connected with Team Anderson.

 

If you would like to request a proclamation or adjournment in memory from Supervisor Anderson, please contact Victoria.