Who we are
Meet our Board of Directors and core contributors.
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Dave Alden
Dave Alden was at the table when Urban Chat was founded. Over a decade later, he serves as chair, bringing the lessons of a 40-year engineering career, along with a diligent and continuing study of urban planning, to Petaluma’s land-use opportunities…
Dawn Haagstad
Dawn brings over two decades of experience leading programs, building partnerships, and developing emerging-talent initiatives for mission-driven organizations in the tech and creative industries. As an independent project manager with Urban Chat, she leads key initiatives such as the Better Petaluma Film Festival and helps strengthen organizational operations, event strategy, and community engagement…
Kevin Goulding
Kevin Goulding serves as Treasurer for Urban Chat, where he applies his extensive background in finance to support the organization’s mission and ensure sound fiscal stewardship. Throughout his career, Kevin has held leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer for privately held companies, and has also worked as a personal financial advisor, helping individuals and families plan for their future…
Sharon Kirk
Sharon Kirk’s interest in Petaluma urban planning was piqued when she attended a special 2016 Petaluma Urban Chat event featuring Joe Minicozzi, a leading expert on municipal sustainability. What he had to say just made sense.
Kevin McDonnell
Kevin McDonnell was bothered by the lack of community engagement on developments being built in Petaluma. It seemed the only public meetings had to do with windows and paint color.
Sean Payne
Sean Payne is the Owner/Founder of LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle in downtown Petaluma. He served on the Petaluma Downtown Association Board from 2012 to 2015.
Passionate about sustainable urban living, he champions alternative transportation to enhance city livability.