Ronald Baranov, Treasurer

Ron Baranov, a native San Diegan, is the busy owner of Baranov and Baranov Accountancy Corporation, as well as Baranov Properties, Inc. As a retired accountant, he assists the Board in managing its financial affairs and record keeping.

Ron has been a property and business owner in Hillcrest since 1975 and recently renovated a classic commercial building. His other community involvements include the Hillcrest Association and the Balboa Park Kiwanis Club.

John Eisenhart

John Eisenhart is an Uptown resident and architect with a firm based in the Five Points neighborhood in Uptown. He contributes his experience and insight in architecture, planning, and historic preservation to Uptown Partnership. Prior to becoming a Board member, John had been and remains actively involved in the Five Points Community Advisory Committee.

John has also shown his commitment to the well-being of the Uptown community by volunteering as a Board member of Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO).

Jim Frost

Jim Frost is a resident of Bankers Hill-Park West who is committed to neighborhood development that benefits all sectors of the general public. He has world-wide airport design experience from Europe to Asia and including the United States. His expertise also includes architecture, airport design, building failure analysis, and urban planning and development.

Jim is involved in numerous professional and community groups and is dedicated to working with and improving the Uptown Community. He brings to Uptown Partnership the analytical and public participation skills he learned as a c onsultant on projects including airport master planning and design, urban infill housing, construction quality control, residential design and project organization management.

Robert Grinchuk

Bob Grinchuk is one of the Partnership’s pioneering board members. As a property owner and business person for many years in Uptown, Bob willingly contributes the expertise he has gained to the Board.

His commitment to community service also includes service with Uptown Planners, Hillcrest Association, Greater Golden Hill Community Development Corporation, Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO), and Mercy Gardens. In recognition of his efforts he has received the Community Spirit Award from Council District 3. 

Cindy Lehman, President

Cindy Lehman is a generous Uptown community leader and advocate, in addition to being Vice President and Manager of the Hillcrest branch of California Bank and Trust.  As one of the founding board members of Uptown Partnership and a board member of the Hillcrest Association, she is involved personally in many Hillcrest events.

Cindy describes her role at the Uptown Partnership as an advocate for the welfare of the Uptown community, “It really is about improving parking for the benefit of all who live and work in this vibrant community.” 

Robert Orphey

Bob Orphey is one of the earliest members of the Board, and he contributes expertise in real estate transactions and management. He has a long history of community service including Uptown Planners, Midway Community Planning Advisory Committee, North Bay Redevelopment Project Area Committee, and Episcopal Community Services.

Anne Rast, Vice-President

Anne Rast is a retired land use planner and a property owner who resides in Uptown.  Her extensive community service includes Mission Hills Business Association, National Conflict Resolution Center, Voices of Women, Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Center, and the San Diego Human Dignity foundation. 

Her professional experience and volunteer activities make a valuable contribution to Uptown Partnership. Anne is as passionate about finding solutions to issues that affect the community as she is familiar with the political processes that often determine the outcomes.

Sean Schwerdtfeger

As a partner in the law firm of Christensen, Schwerdtfeger and Spath, LLP, Sean Schwerdtfeger brings to the Board his expertise in land use, housing law, municipal law, and civil litigation. He also is involved with Mercy House and the San Diego County Bar Association.

As a native of Uptown, Sean “appreciates the opportunity to make a contribution to the community by donating my time and professional expertise to help reduce traffic related impacts created by the growth of the community.”

Warren Simon, Secretary

Warren Simon, who also serves at the Executive Director of the Hillcrest Association, has been active in the Uptown community for many years.  He has served as a member of the Uptown Planners, City Economic Development and Tourism Grant Support Program, City Small Business Enhancement Grant Review Committee, and Balboa Park Advisory Board.  

In 2001, Warren completed the Community Economic Development certification program at San Diego State University. Not only is he knowledgeable and experienced in community development, Warren has a passion to improve and maintain Uptown.

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