Meet the New Leadership of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works: A Team Dedicated to Community, Labor, and Economic Growth
The Los Angeles Board of Public Works has announced a dynamic new leadership team. Vahid Khorsand has been appointed as president, with Jenny Chavez as vice president and John Grant as president pro tempore. Additionally, Steve Kang and Faith I. Mitchell bring their extensive community advocacy experience to the board, adding a wealth of knowledge and dedication. Together, this team is poised to make meaningful strides for Los Angeles’ diverse communities, addressing critical issues like infrastructure, public services, and economic opportunity.
Vahid Khorsand: Champion for the San Fernando Valley as President
Vahid Khorsand, long-time Valley leader and small business owner, is committed to advocating for his community and has served as both a Commissioner and Valley Advisor to Mayor Karen Bass. Among his achievements as commissioner, Khorsand spearheaded an initiative within the Office of Accounting, reducing the processing time for vendor invoices by 50%, making the city’s systems more efficient and supportive of local businesses. He also launched the Mayor’s Office Quarterly Infrastructure Series to ensure neighborhood leaders receive regular updates on local projects and have a direct platform to address community-specific issues. As president, Khorsand will continue to prioritize transparency and community engagement, especially as Los Angeles gears up for the upcoming 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.
Jenny Chavez: Economic Development Advocate as Vice President
Jenny Chavez brings years of hands-on public service to her role as vice president, having served communities like San Pedro, Watts, Harbor City, and Wilmington. Her work managing infrastructure projects alongside community stakeholders has made her deeply attuned to the needs of both residents and businesses. Most recently, Chavez held a senior executive role at the LA Tourism and Convention Board, where she built coalitions to boost tourism and create jobs in Los Angeles. In her new role, Chavez is focused on connecting local businesses with city services that enable them to grow and succeed, bringing an economic development perspective to the board’s mission.
John Grant: Labor Champion as President Pro Tempore
John Grant, the new president pro tempore, brings a career rooted in advocacy for workers. As a former union president, he successfully negotiated over 100 contracts for more than 30,000 workers, securing fair representation and quality working conditions. His experience managing a $25 million operating budget and leading a team of 125 staff members will translate well to his role on the board, where he’ll be advocating for efficient and responsive city services. Grant’s goal is to ensure that Los Angeles residents receive high-quality services that reflect their needs and values.
Steve Kang: Advocate for the Korean and Asian American Communities
Steve Kang is a dedicated advocate for Los Angeles’ Korean and Asian American communities. With a background in external affairs as Director at the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), Kang has provided direct services across the city, ranging from mental health counseling to financial literacy, tree planting, graffiti abatement, and more. Kang is a passionate leader who has dedicated his career to ensuring that Korean Americans and other marginalized communities have a voice in local government. He is committed to making sure neighborhoods can access essential city services, building safer, cleaner, and more welcoming communities for all Angelenos.
Faith I. Mitchell: Veteran Mediator and Community Advocate
Faith I. Mitchell, a recently retired Administrative Law Judge with a background in civil litigation, brings expertise in public contracts, infrastructure projects, and dispute resolution. A longtime South Los Angeles resident, Mitchell previously served on the Area Planning Commission for South Los Angeles and was a member of the Friends 4 Expo Transit Steering Committee, advocating for the construction of the Expo Line. Mitchell has a deep understanding of the power of community voices and remains committed to ensuring that residents have a say in their city’s development. As part of the board, she will advocate for quality services across Los Angeles, especially in historically underserved areas.
A Unified Team for a Stronger, More Inclusive Los Angeles
With Khorsand, Chavez, Grant, Kang, and Mitchell in leadership roles, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works has assembled a team that reflects the city’s diversity and commitment to inclusive, community-focused governance. Together, they will tackle essential issues in infrastructure, economic development, and public services, while ensuring that Angelenos have a say in how these services are delivered.
As this team steps into their roles, they’re ready to connect with neighborhoods, support economic growth, and build stronger, more resilient communities. The board’s new leadership promises a fresh, collaborative approach to public works—one that empowers all of Los Angeles and drives the city toward a prosperous, sustainable future.