In April, José García became MEDA’s Chief Real Estate Officer, carrying forward the legacy of Karoleen Feng, who led the program’s growth over the past decade.
José joined MEDA in 2018 at a pivotal moment when the organization was beginning to invest in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. José began as a project assistant and later became Associate Director of Preservation, playing a key role in expanding MEDA’s portfolio through the Small Sites Program. Today, he reflects on his personal history, his journey, and the responsibility of leading MEDA’s Community Real Estate team.
José brings a deep, personal understanding of how place-based community development can truly transform lives. As an immigrant who arrived in this country with his family in search of opportunity, he was raised in a home shaped by sacrifice, hard work, and the challenges of accessing financial education and formal mentorship. These early experiences continue to ground his commitment to MEDA’s mission and fuel his belief that housing is not just about stability—it’s a key driver of long-term economic mobility.
A Message from José García:
“I’m filled with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility as I step into the role of Chief Real Estate Officer at MEDA. I’ve experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate systems not designed for families like mine. These early experiences ground me, remind me of where I come from, and fuel my passion for ensuring our communities are never left behind.
This is more than just a new title for me, it’s a continuation of a journey that began decades ago. My family and I arrived in this country with little more than hope, faith, and the belief that hard work and community could open doors we never imagined.
I credit my growth to the support of countless colleagues, mentors, and leaders at MEDA who saw potential in me from my earliest days.Their confidence in me reflects one of MEDA’s core strengths: investing in our people, cultivating leadership from within, and trusting those who understand the community because they are the community.
I also want to acknowledge our incredible MEDA staff, who are the heart of this organization. Your dedication to the community, your invaluable lived experiences have an immeasurable impact on everything we do. It’s because of you that our tenants feel seen and supported, and that our developments are more than just buildings. They’re places where families can thrive, where culture is preserved, and where opportunity takes root. Having a team that reflects and champions the very community we serve isn’t just a strength, it’s the foundation of our success.
At MEDA, we nurture hope. We protect culture. We create spaces where tenants can feel secure and where generations can build wealth and stability. As I take on this role, I am committed to ensuring that our work always centers the needs, voices, and dignity of our communities.
Together, we will keep fighting displacement. We will continue uplifting our neighbors. And we will honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a more just San Francisco for all, because creating lasting change isn’t just about where you live, but who you invest in and what you stand for when no one is watching.
Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I am excited for the work ahead and I am proud to serve alongside each of you. Let’s keep building—together!”
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