Meet HIP Housing’s New Board Members!

\We are thrilled to welcome three new members to HIP Housing’s Board of Directors, and one new member to the HIP Housing Development Corporation Board of Directors.  We can’t wait to see where their energy, ideas, and experience take our agency going forward.

Ian Bain
HIP Housing Board Member

Ian served as a member of Redwood City’s city council from 2003-2020, including terms as Mayor and Vice Mayor. During that time, he was known as a leading voice for government transparency, a strong supporter of local businesses and a champion for the average citizen. Ian is a life-long Bay Area resident who grew up on the Peninsula, attended local public schools, and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science. Ian runs corporate communications for a global technology company.

“I’ve supported HIP Housing for more than two decades, and fully believe in its mission. HIP has a unique model for solving our region’s unique housing challenges, and I look forward to helping guide the organization as it determines its course going forward.”

Sophia Brink
HIP Housing Board Member

Sophia Brink is a legislative aide for the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and an MSc candidate in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  In these roles, Sophia advocates for equitable solutions that better the lives of people.  Raised in San Mateo County and holding a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, Sophia was the youngest individual in the U.S.A. to present autism research at UC Berkeley when she was 15 years old.  She previously was a project leader for domestic violence prevention efforts for the Red Elephant Foundation in India and a curriculum developer for an educational app within the start-up space.

“Secure housing is healthcare.”

Craig Simmons
HIP Housing Board Member

Craig Simmons is a successful HR, legal, and workplace diversity and inclusion thought leader.  He has a broad-based company, organization (both profit and nonprofit sectors), start-up, government, and political background, and has had measurable success in maximizing organizational strategy, employee value proposition, productivity, company morale, and employee and labor relations solutions.

“During this extremely difficult time, it is absolutely critical that organizations like HIP Housing continue to lead the community in providing vital housing solutions to individuals and families so each person can thrive in a safe, secure and healthy home environment..”

Janet Borgens
HIP Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) Board Member

Janet Borgens moved to Redwood City in 1969 and has been married to her husband, Milt, since 1981.  She has an amazing family with three children, four grandchildren, two dogs, and two cats.  Janet’s business endeavors include owning and operating The Beauty Wheel Hair Salon in Redwood City for 48 years.  Currently, she manages the hair salon at Vi at Palo Alto, a senior living community.  Her past and present elected and appointed community service includes: San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities (current); City Council Member, Redwood City (2015 – 2020); Planning Commissioner (2006 – 2015); Housing and Human Concerns Committee member (2002 – 2006); and Seniors Affairs Commissioner (1998 – 2002).