Staff and Board of Directors

Devin Strecker is certified as a Leader in Place Management (LPM) by the International Downtown Association (IDA). He serves as executive director of the River District, a property based improvement district (PBID) on the northern rim of downtown Sacramento. A 2022 graduate of the IDA's Emerging Leader Fellowship, Strecker has over two decades of experience in the place management industry, previously serving as Vice President/Interim Executive Director for the Hollywood Partnership. He is a board member of the California Downtown Association (CDA), as well as the Sacramento Pride Festival volunteer entertainment committee. He has been a speaker at the West Coast Urban District Forum, completed the City of Sacramento's Planning Academy (2024), and twice served as a candidate for the American Cancer Society's Real Men Wear Pink campaign. A graduate of Fort Hays State University, Strecker grew up on a farm near Hays, Kansas.

Cristina Navarro is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration. She has previous experience as an outdoor educator, facilitator, and resource coordinator. Born and raised in Southern California, Cristina enjoys spending time outdoors and is a fierce advocate for parks and open spaces. An avid volunteer since high school, Cristina believes in the importance of giving back to her local community. Through her work, Cristina hopes to create healthy, vibrant communities here in The River District.

Maurice Scott serves as the River District’s Business Development Manager, connecting our business owners and managers with the greater community and the resources available to them in the way of grants, programs and assistance. A graduate of Las Vegas High School, Maurice attended Cosumnes River College and joined the Sacramento Inclusive Economic Development Collaborative in 2022. In addition to his role as Business Development Manager, Maurice also created and maintains the River District’s TikTok account and assists with events and outreach. He is fluent in Spanish and is technologically savvy, and prides himself on his exceptional customer service.

Ahmed Hamdy is the Business Development Manager for Matriscope Engineering. With over 15 years of experience in commercial real estate and development in public and private agencies throughout northern California, he hopes to assist in creating a sense of place and stimulating economic growth here in the River District. Ahmed spends his free time on home-improvement projects and enjoying the culinary scene here in Sacramento or wine tasting with friends in Napa. A little-known fact about Ahmed, he can name all the U.S. states in alphabetical order in under 20 seconds and he also helped launch the spirit brand, Fireball, in Northern California.

Diane Ortega is a dedicated advocate for the growth and activation of the River District, bringing over a decade of experience working and living in the heart of Sacramento. As the General Manager of Sacramento Pipeworks and a representative of Touchstone Climbing, Touchstone Brewing Co., and Showers by Touchstone, she is passionate about fostering community engagement and enhancing the district’s appeal. Diane’s expertise in event organization, attention to detail, and community building makes her a valuable asset to the board. Her top priorities include improving safety, expanding pedestrian and bike access, and ensuring the River District continues to thrive as a welcoming and dynamic destination.

Greta Lacin is Trustee of the Lacin Family Trust; she began her career in television news and used her skills in research and writing to ask important questions. Greta has been contributing to the work of the River District for decades as a Board Member and currently serves as the President of the Board. Greta is focused on developing the River District into a respected and vital center for businesses and residents as well as the revitalization of the riverfront to make it more accessible for residents and visitors and reclaiming its function as a natural habitat. In her free time, you will find her tinkering in her garden, creating habitats for birds, native bees, and butterflies. Fun fact: Greta and her husband ran a commercial photo studio that specialized in food shoots.

Patrick Stelmach is a commercial real estate broker dedicated to driving investment and redevelopment in the River District. With a strong track record in sales and leasing, he has played a key role in several projects in the neighborhood. Passionate about Sacramento’s urban renaissance, Patrick is committed to transforming the River District into a vibrant, walkable destination that attracts new businesses and residents while supporting existing stakeholders. As an active member of the community—whether at Pipeworks or on the Two Rivers Bike Trail—he brings both firsthand local insight and deep expertise in development, city planning, and market conditions. His priorities include improving public perception, strengthening connections to Downtown and Old Sacramento, enhancing bike and pedestrian access, and addressing homelessness with collaborative solutions.

Gina Albanese is Vice President, Asset Management, with First Pointe Management Group, which manages the residential community at Track 281 Apartments in the River District. Gina has over thirty years’ experience in the multifamily property management industry and has served on many boards and committees during her career. Her top priorities including improving the area economically, aesthetically, and with regards to safety to make the River District a place that residents, business owners, city officials and visitors are proud of.

Spencer Applegate is Senior Vice President at Colliers and is a leading broker in Commercial Real Estate in the Northern California area. He has 12 years of experience in assisting with leasing and sales of commercial properties with a focus on industrial facilities. He is a Sacramento Native and has seen the River District grow into a bustling commercial district with the redevelopment of older properties. Spencer’s focus for the River District is to ensure the area continues to be business friendly and help to design a community that attracts new projects from developers and business owners. He hopes that the visions of all the members of the district can come together to create a safe and economically strong region for the City of Sacramento.

Eric Crane currently serves as a Government Affairs Representative on SMUD’s Regional and Local Government Affairs team. Prior to joining SMUD, he spent 4 years at Downtown Sacramento Partnership as DSP’s Policy Advocate and previously worked on regional and local political campaigns in Placer, El Dorado, and Santa Clara Counties. Growing up in the Bay Area and working for a San Jose City Councilmember after attending U.C. Santa Cruz, Crane relocated to Roseville in 2013 and currently resides in West Sacramento with his dog, an Australian Shepherd. In addition to his experience within the realm of local government, Crane enjoys economic development, business attraction and the vibrant culture of the Greater Sacramento restaurant and entertainment scene.

Mark Dutrow is the President and CEO of U.S. Glass, Inc. He is also President of Northern California Allied Trades, representing the owners and managers of over 250 Union companies. Mark received his degree in Engineering from University of California Berkeley. He has over 40 years of experience in commercial construction and hopes to use his experience to steer the River District in a positive direction for both businesses and residents. Mark spends his days boating, and has recently made the switch from sailboats to steamboats.

Ernie Gallardo has over 37 years in development and investment experience in the River District, representing investments valued over $100 million, including 300 Richards Boulevard. Ernie is a Member and Director of Real Estate at the Grove River District, LLC and River District Campus, LLC. Ernie currently serves on the Board of Directors of the River District. He hopes to help guide the future growth and development of the River District to make it an important part of the greater downtown and central city fabric, while uplifting programs that will benefit the community long-term. In his free time, you will find Ernie reading histories, biographies, and spending time with his family.

David Gull is the Chief of Staff to Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum, representing District 4, which includes the River District. He brings extensive experience in district-level governance, public policy, and economic development. David is a founding board member of the Greater Broadway Partnership PBID—now known as the Tower District—where he helped establish a successful property-based improvement district focused on clean, safe, and vibrant commercial corridors. As a River District Board member, his priorities include advancing public safety and cleanliness while supporting strategic economic development to strengthen the district’s long-term growth and vitality.

Kesha Harris is Founder of July Forward, a non-profit organized to operate as a resource provider for low-middle income individuals in the Sacramento Region. She also serves as a consultant to individuals and businesses whose work focuses on equitable and inclusive solutions. Kesha holds a Real Estate Sales License and over 15 years experience in managing market rate and affordable housing. She continues to be committed to her professional advancement and is actively working towards a commercial real estate brokers license. It is her mission to assist the River District board by increasing opportunities for economic wealth, green technology and representation through action. Kesha is often found leading a group workshop or event, taking a walk in the park or listening to classical music and motivational audio books!

Ranjana Rajput is the General Manager of the SureStay Plus by Best Western in the River District. As an active and highly engaged on-site business leader, she brings a strong operational and hospitality perspective to district governance. Ranjana has extensive experience in business management and daily collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, enabling her to translate strategic priorities into practical, on-the-ground action. Her background in hospitality and tourism supports efforts to strengthen the River District as a welcoming destination for residents, businesses, and visitors. In addition, her academic training in life sciences and psychology informs her commitment to sustainable, resilient development that prioritizes environmental best practices and community well-being. As a board member, her priorities include enhancing public safety and perception, improving district connectivity, and supporting ongoing economic development initiatives.

Christopher Romney is the co-owner and operator of Two Rivers Wellness, where he has been an active business and community presence for more than five years. He has contributed to district-wide engagement efforts and has worked collaboratively with River District leadership on local initiatives. Christopher brings a diverse professional background that includes experience in real estate and development in Sacramento, clinical research at the UC Davis MIND Institute, and over a decade of owning, operating, and consulting for local businesses. A lifelong Sacramentan, he is deeply invested in the River District’s continued growth. As a board member, his priorities include sustained public outreach, community-driven improvement projects, and fostering a vibrant, arts-focused district that supports both working and living in the River District.

Laura Tinti is an executive leader with Kaiser Permanente and oversees the J Street Medical Office Building in Sacramento. With Kaiser Permanente’s medical facilities located adjacent to the River District—including the new hospital under construction at the Railyards—she brings a strong institutional and community-focused perspective to the Board. Laura has more than 35 years of experience in public health and health and human services, including 25 years with Kaiser Permanente. She has served in leadership roles and on boards for health agencies and Chambers of Commerce, contributing governance, collaboration, and strategic planning expertise. As a River District Board member, her priorities include supporting implementation of the district’s strategic plan, strengthening partnerships, and representing Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the health, vitality, and long-term success of the River District community.