SAN DIEGO – Apr. 6, 2023 – Episcopal Community Services (ECS) is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Cate, a distinguished public servant and accomplished entrepreneur, to its Board of Directors. As the founder of 3MC Strategies and former San Diego City Councilmember, Cate brings a wealth of experience in public policy, public affairs, and business development to the ECS board. 

“With his deep experience in finance, policy, and public affairs, Chris will help our board and staff set smart strategies and make sound decisions as ECS grows to meet the needs of our community,” said ECS Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Fitzsimons. “I am grateful for Chris’s commitment to service, and his support of the ECS mission to break barriers and transform communities.”

"I am proud to join the Board of ECS and support an amazing organization that is providing much-needed services to San Diegans,” Cate said. “I look forward to joining my colleagues to strengthen the childhood education and behavioral health services ECS provides each and every day."

Elected to represent District 6 on the San Diego City Council in 2014, Cate was only the third Asian American in the city's history to hold such a position. During his tenure, he focused on public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, and civic engagement. Cate championed key legislation that eliminated burdensome fees for small business owners, developed programs to reduce crime and human trafficking, addressed the housing shortage, and secured tens of millions of dollars for infrastructure projects throughout District 6.

Cate is well-known for his efforts to increase civic engagement within the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community in San Diego. He spearheaded initiatives to appoint more API leaders to various boards and commissions and revitalized the Convoy District corridor, officially recognizing it as the Convoy Pan Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District.

With a strong background as a taxpayer advocate, Cate has consistently championed local and state legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, efficiency, and fiscal discipline on behalf of taxpayers. His dedication to public service has earned him numerous awards, including San Diego Magazine 40 Under 40, Building Owners and Managers Association Elected Official of the Year, San Diego County Taxpayers Association Taxpayer Advocate of the Year, and the Filipino American Community Empowerment Luminary Award, among others.

The ECS board of 18 community and business leaders from across the region governs the organization through active oversight of mission development and long-range planning, financial management, and resource development and fundraising. The board is led by its Chair, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and its President, Jessica Ripper, Director of Market Execution, Global Policy Leadership Academy.

Since its establishment in 1927, ECS has been taking action to end generational cycles of hardship, advancing equity and opportunity across our region. Annually, the organization assists over 7,000 individuals by providing access to early childhood education and development services, as well as supporting the mental and behavioral health of individuals and families within our communities.

For more information on Episcopal Community Services, visit https://www.ecscalifornia.org/.

Media Contact:
Adrienne Wilkerson
ECS Communications Director
awilkerson@ecscalifornia.org. ###