LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass announced today that she has selected Domenika Lynch to serve as the new General Manager of El Pueblo. Local leaders applauded her appointment. Here’s what they are saying:
Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; former Mayor of San Antonio
“Domenika Lynch has the special skill of being able to disaggregate the elements of a problem and then address them systematically and effectively. She is one of the best leaders I have ever encountered in terms of connecting all the dots related to a situation and then forging a solution that is comprehensive, durable, and fair to all. She has the gift of a sixth sense that enables her to see the shape of a solution and then to work toward it until all the stakeholders are on board. I commend Mayor Bass for appointing a leader of Domenika’s caliber and with a deep commitment to inclusive civic progress. El Pueblo will thrive under her leadership.”
Liliana Perez, President, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Commission
“I wholeheartedly welcome and support the appointment of the new General Manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles. This phenomenal choice brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our historic district, poised to amplify its impact and relevance. With a proven track record of navigating complex situations and devising practical solutions, she is well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing El Pueblo.”
Raul A. Anaya, President, Business Banking at Bank of America
“Domenika Lynch is a trusted leader who understands how to build coalitions, amplify local assets, and drive long-term impact. I’ve had the privilege of working with her to advance economic opportunity and community development across Los Angeles and beyond. Her appointment as General Manager of El Pueblo is a significant step toward revitalizing this historic site and ensuring it reflects the diverse entrepreneurial and cultural spirit of our city. I applaud Mayor Bass for her thoughtful choice in selecting Domenika to lead this effort.”
Dr. Tomás Morales, President, California State University San Bernardino
“Domenika Lynch is a visionary leader who brings people together to turn bold ideas into action. Through our collaboration with the Aspen City Action Lab and investment initiatives in San Bernardino, I’ve seen firsthand her ability to build trust, align partners, and deliver meaningful change. I have every confidence that she will bring that same dedication and strategic leadership to El Pueblo, revitalizing this historic site in a way that honors Los Angeles’ past while advancing an inclusive future for all.”
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO, Variety; Board Member, Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Advisory
“Mayor Bass made an excellent choice in appointing Domenika Lynch to lead El Pueblo at this transformative moment. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Domenika over the years to elevate diverse voices, particularly within the Latino community. She brings passion, vision, and cultural fluency to everything she does. I’m excited to see her bring that same creative energy to El Pueblo, revitalizing it through festivals and events that celebrate the rich diversity of Los Angeles and invite people back to rediscover the birthplace of our city.”
King Cheung, retired California Senior Deputy Labor Commissioner
“As a Chinese American who has long acknowledged the contributions of Chinese immigrants to this historic area, I am excited by the selection of Domenika Lynch to lead El Pueblo. I’ve known Domenika since she was my intern in 1996, and I’ve watched her grow into a leader who listens deeply, bridges communities, and uplifts overlooked stories. Her appointment signals a new chapter, one rooted in inclusion, respect, and the cultural richness that defines Los Angeles.”
Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, President, 50/50 Women on Boards; CEO, Berkhemer Clayton Retained Executive Search
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and mentoring Domenika Lynch for over twenty years, and I’ve watched her evolve into a leader of integrity, vision, and heart. She understands how to navigate complex systems, build trust across diverse communities, and deliver results that last.”
Bob Davidson, Chairman and CEO, Surface Protection Industries, Inc.
“Domenika Lynch is the kind of leader who brings people together across backgrounds, sectors, and communities to build something greater than themselves. Her return to Los Angeles to lead El Pueblo comes at a moment when inclusive, unifying leadership is more important than ever. I commend Mayor Bass for choosing someone who will not only protect the cultural significance of this historic site but reimagine it as a place where all Angelenos feel seen, valued, and invited to belong.”
John Iino, President, Jonathan Club; USC Trustee
“Domenika Lynch is a unifying force with the rare ability to bring communities together around a shared purpose. I’ve seen her lead with passion, discipline, and an extraordinary talent for inspiring others, from her transformative work with the USC Latino Alumni Association to her national impact. Her appointment to lead El Pueblo is not only well-deserved, it’s a testament to the kind of inclusive, catalytic leadership Los Angeles needs. I applaud Mayor Bass for this outstanding choice.”
Nathalie Rayes, retired U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Domenika for over a decade, from her extraordinary leadership at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute to her impactful work with the Aspen Latinos and Society Program. She is a visionary with an unmatched work ethic, a deep commitment to service, and a clear dedication to uplifting our communities. Domenika’s appointment as General Manager of El Pueblo is a powerful and fitting choice. Her lived experience, integrity, and passion make her uniquely equipped to honor its legacy while shaping its future.”
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Social Action Officer for the International AME Church
“The appointment of Ms. Lynch is powerfully illustrative of the legacy she inherits at El Pueblo. Among other trailblazers, Biddy "Bridget" Mason arrived in LA as a slave woman, learned that freedom was hers for “the claiming,” and gathered strong voices who stood with her as she was declared a freewoman. Biddy Mason began a life of people empowerment through community serving daycare for working moms, doula training, small business support, relief program for families, and founding the first African Methodist Episcopal Church at Third and Spring St. (now known as the iconic FAME). Ms. Mason, fluent in Spanish, was well known and respected at La Plaza, where she brokered many deals while dining at the Pico House. Ms. Biddie cherished the diversity that El Pueblo has helped to preserve, to this day."
Debbie Pattillo, Principal, DP Consulting Group LLC
“Domenika Lynch is a bridge builder, committed to lifting up voices and communities that are too often kept separate. When we worked together at USC, she brought together the Black and Latino alumni communities with intention, respect, and a clear sense of shared purpose. I commend Mayor Bass for selecting someone who will ensure this historic site reflects the cultural richness and unity that defines Los Angeles.”
Dr. Amy Ross, Vice Chair, USC Health System Board; USC Trustee
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Domenika Lynch for over a decade, and I’ve witnessed her exceptional ability to lead with both strategic clarity and a deep sense of purpose. Her leadership at USC and beyond has always centered on building bridges across communities, institutions, and sectors.”