Alex Tourk, Public Relations and Communications

Alex Tourk

Alex Tourk's Bio:

Alex Tourk is the Founder and Principal of Ground Floor, where he plays the lead role in all client portfolios. Tourk launched Ground Floor in March 2007 after working in the public sector for 15 years and playing an integral role in the past five San Francisco mayoral campaigns. At City Hall, Tourk worked for two mayoral administrations. As Deputy Chief of Staff, he created and implemented Project Homeless Connect, a unique civic initiative that has now been adopted by over 200 cities worldwide. Because of Tourk's deep relationships within government and the community, Ground Floor specializes in serving as a bridge between the private sector, City Hall and the diverse neighborhoods of San Francisco.

Alex Tourk's Experience:

Deputy Chief of Staff at Office of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom
2003 - 2007
Reported directly to Mayor Newsom. Directed and managed mayoral staff of 58 people. Created and implemented a key administration policy: Project Homeless Connect. This policy has been adopted by over 200 cities throughout the United States and in Australia and Puerto Rico, and has been recognized as a national model by President Bush's Homeless Czar, Phillip Mangano. As Campaign Manager, created overall strategy for the mayoral campaign, and crafted multi-million dollar budget. Charged with all fundraising responsibility; exceeded four month goal of $500,000 by 22%. As Field Director, coordinated entire field campaign strategy; Identified 100,000 supporters in vigorous outreach and vote-by-mail campaign. Managed staff of 15, led volunteer army of over 2,000 individuals and helped win the campaign by a margin of 15,000 votes.
Director, Government Affairs at San Francisco 49ers
2002 - 2002
Developed the initial stadium feasibility plan and served as liaison to the community, government, and corporate sponsors. Managed budget for the expansion of the 49ers brand in community events. Served as interface to Executives in the Luxury Suites on Game Day. Coordinated players' public appearances. Collaborated in philanthropic activities on behalf of the 49ers Foundation to spread good will throughout diverse communities in the Bay Area.
Director, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services at Office of San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown
1999 - 2002
Managed staff of 15 dedicated to constituent casework. Wrote and delivered speeches to business and labor organizations, non-profits, academic institutions and community groups. Represented the Mayor at various diversity groups in the community, such as the Cesar Chavez Parade, the Black History Month Commemoration, and the Chinese New Year activity celebration. Reported to the Chief of Staff. As Deputy Field Director, managed staff of 11 to recruit 600 Precinct Captains and all volunteers, to generate support for the Mayor's re-election. Led and motivated field staff and precinct captains in all campaign field related activities. Helped win re-election campaign by 20 percentage points.
District Director at Assemblyman Lou Papan
1996 - 1999
Reported directly the Assemblyman. Wrote and delivered speeches to business and labor organizations, non-profits, academic institutions, and community groups. Fully responsible for the Assemblyman's district schedule. Arranged all public appearances and private meetings with local elected officials, labor and business leaders, non-profit directors. Managed a staff of 6 dedicated to constituent casework and general office administration. As Campaign Manager, managed and led all elements of field and fundraising. Developed campaign strategy, including targeting key constituencies, forming a calendar of functions for the candidate to attend, and collaborating on the marketing campaign and materials. Oversaw fundraising, initiated special events, and ensured the candidate was prepared to address each special interest group. Crafted mass mailings directed for target audience. Organized phone bank follow-up to solicit campaign contributions. Oversaw activities of entire campaign staff.
Principal at Ground Floor Public Affairs
2007
Principal and Owner of full-service public affairs strategy firm. Partner with clients in the private, public and community sectors to: create and implement community engagement strategies, launch public relations efforts, manage campaigns and work with elected officials throughout the Bay Area. Utilize deep personal ties with elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit executive directors, government employees, local reporters, and neighborhood and community leaders, to achieve client goals. Managing Director of sf.citi, an advocacy organization created to leverage the power of the technology community around civic action in San Francisco. Support innovative policies and work collaboratively with government to find new solutions to historic problems facing San Francisco, and consolidate a voice in promotion of tech sector interests and growth.

Alex Tourk's Education:

Boston University
1989 – 1993
Bachelor's degree

Alex Tourk

Public Relations and Communications

Alex Tourk

Alex Tourk's Bio:

Alex Tourk's Experience:

Deputy Chief of Staff at Office of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom

Director, Government Affairs at San Francisco 49ers

Director, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services at Office of San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown

District Director at Assemblyman Lou Papan

Principal at Ground Floor Public Affairs

Alex Tourk's Education:

Boston University