Mayor Edwin M. Lee today nominated Rich Hillis, Executive Director of the Fort Mason Center and former Deputy Director for the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), to the Planning Commission and re-nominated Planning Commissioner Michael J. Antonini, D.D.S. for another term.

“Rich Hillis’ extensive public service and expertise in the region’s economic development will be a tremendous asset to the Planning Commission,” said Mayor Lee. “I’m proud to nominate him and I am grateful for his commitment to our City’s residents, workers and visitors. Michael Antonini’s leadership and work on behalf of the Planning Commission has helped San Francisco grow and develop responsibly for our residents, and I’m grateful that he has agreed to serve another term.”

Rich Hillis is currently the Executive Director of Fort Mason Center, a 30 year old non-profit arts and cultural center located in a national historic landmark along San Francisco’s waterfront. The Fort Mason Center is a partner of the National Park Service and supports a campus of 28 venues, including theaters, exhibit halls, museums, and non-profit and retail spaces for programs and activities.

Hillis has served the last four Mayoral administrations and was responsible for the management of complex public and private real estate and economic development projects. Previously, Hillis served as Deputy Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, where he led the City’s efforts on a variety of major development projects including all aspects of the acquisition and redevelopment of Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island and the creation of a strategy for the development of the Octavia Boulevard corridor. He also oversaw Port of San Francisco development plans, Central Market redevelopment, Recreation and Park projects, and public-private business partnerships including the annual Outside Lands concerts and expansion of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Mayor Lee appointed Hillis to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Appeals in February 2012. His term expired on July 1, 2012.

Hillis holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from State University of New York at Albany.