About East Bay Economic Development Alliance

Technology & Trade Director

(510) 272-3881 | Robert@EastBayEDA.org

Robert currently provides staff support for East Bay EDA’s activities involving trade and the region’s extensive technology resources. Having retired in 2012 as one of the organization’s original staff members, Robert was asked to come back in 2013 as a part time resource to provide institutional history for an organization that is built upon network relationships. Robert was also called upon to reinstate East Bay EDA’s international business services and to provide technical expertise in dealing with foreign dignitaries, Consuls General, and venture capital activity.

Robert received his AB degree in history from Harvard College, received an MA in Sociology from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, conducted two years of research at Tokyo University and received his MCP degree from the UC Berkeley.

Government Affairs and Communications Director

(510) 272-3885 | Adrienne@EastBayEDA.org

Adrienne Ursino serves as the Government Affairs and Communications Director. She will serve as key support for the following committees; Legislation & Advocacy, Land Use & Infrastructure and Communications & Marketing.  

Adrienne has over fifteen years of experience with the United States House of Representatives as a staff member for both Congressman George Miller (retired) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. With Congressman Miller, Adrienne worked on Capitol Hill before later returning to California to serve as his Director of Public Outreach. While with Congresswoman Lee, Adrienne served as Manager of Public Engagement and oversaw her District Office in Oakland, CA. Adrienne lead the development of strategic outreach efforts while managing district staff and overseeing a large portfolio of issues including, Economic Development, Workforce Development, STEM, HIV/AIDS, and the Re-Entry Population. She brings her legislative experience and adeptness in communicating to her role with the EDA.

Adrienne received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University and currently resides in Martinez with her daughter Madison.

Administrative Associate

(510) 272-6745 | Maribel.Purificacion@acgov.org

Maribel (Bel) Purificacion joined the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) in December 2017 as an Administrative Associate.  She is the Assistant to the Executive Director for East Bay EDA and provides administrative support to  East Bay EDA staff. 

Prior to East Bay Economic Development Alliance, Bel worked at the Alameda County Administrator’s Office (CAO) supporting Joni Pattillo and Aki Nakao, Special Assistants to Susan S. Muranishi, County Administrator.   Before joining the CAO’s Office in 2015, she worked for AT&T for 27 ½ years.  She started as a Reports Clerk in the Comptroller’s Department and worked her way up to an IT Analyst in the Vice President-Consumers Organization.  She was responsible for monitoring the vendors’ expenses, time reporting and mandatory guidelines for the organization.  In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and ballroom dancing.

Economic Development Analyst

(510) 208-3996 | Celina@EastBayEDA.org

Celina Chan serves as an Economic Development Analyst at East Bay EDA. She supports East Bay EDA city/town members and provides data analysis support. She provides staff support for the Employer Advisory Committee and Transportation and Land Use Committee.

Celina comes to East Bay EDA with a range of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors and with a background in public health and transportation planning. She is skilled in research, data analysis, meeting facilitation, and report production. Her interest is in creating healthy and thriving communities through collaborative work with different sectors. Celina holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology from Boston University and Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of City Planning (MCP) degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

Economic Development Analyst

(510) 272-3889 | Michael@EastBayEDA.org

Michael Northam serves as an Economic Development Analyst supporting the East Bay EDA’s members. 

An experienced researcher, Michael brings a wide array of experience to the East Bay EDA. He has worked on projects ranging from an economic impact assessments of proposed minimum wage increases to an assessment of proposed development impact fees.  Prior to joining the East Bay EDA team, Michael most recently worked for the City of Alameda assisting with the management and redevelopment efforts of Alameda Point-the former Naval Air Station located in the City of Alameda.   

Michael received both his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of Arizona. He moved from Arizona to Oakland in 2011 where he still lives with his wife.

Administrative Associate

(510) 272-6745 | Maribel.Purificacion@acgov.org

Maribel (Bel) Purificacion joined the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) in December 2017 as an Administrative Associate.  She is the Assistant to the Executive Director for East Bay EDA and provides administrative support to  East Bay EDA staff. 

Prior to East Bay Economic Development Alliance, Bel worked at the Alameda County Administrator’s Office (CAO) supporting Joni Pattillo and Aki Nakao, Special Assistants to Susan S. Muranishi, County Administrator.   Before joining the CAO’s Office in 2015, she worked for AT&T for 27 ½ years.  She started as a Reports Clerk in the Comptroller’s Department and worked her way up to an IT Analyst in the Vice President-Consumers Organization.  She was responsible for monitoring the vendors’ expenses, time reporting and mandatory guidelines for the organization.  In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and ballroom dancing.