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34e6ab9a-6961-492f-b947-5fcc96bcbc67The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) announced Thursday that Broc Coward, current Chief of Staff for Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, will serve as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) starting January 1, 2016.

“I’m excited to add Broc’s strong knowledge and understanding of the DLBA and the role we play in the community to our team,” said Kraig Kojian, the DLBA’s President and CEO, in a statement. “His experience with the constituents in the Second Council District, as well as his familiarity with the issues we address and the partnerships we utilize on a daily basis, made him a perfect fit for this position.”

In his new role, Coward will manage the DLBA’s clean and safe programs and the budget, play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of each department and serve as a spokesperson on behalf of the organization, the announcement stated.

“I look forward to joining the DLBA team, contributing my knowledge of Downtown and providing solutions to further serve the residents and businesses of our growing and vibrant urban center,” Coward said in a statement. “Although in a somewhat different capacity, I am both honored and thrilled to continue serving the Downtown as it evolves both as an economic engine for the region and as a growing residential community.”

During his 10 years as Chief of Staff for Vice Mayor Lowenthal, whose council seat terms out in June, Coward was responsible for managing staff as well as overseeing legislative initiatives, budgetary measures, public relations, constituent services, special events and district infrastructure projects, according to the release.

During his tenure with the Second District, Coward managed three small business corridor visioning studies as well as played a key role in creating the Stewards of the Second District, E-Waste Drive, State of the Second District, Season for Nonviolence, LA River Trash & Nonpoint Source Pollution panel discussion and Community Parking Program, the announcement stated. His previous experience includes representing Alan Lowenthal in the 54th Assembly District as and serving as the Chief of Staff to former Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Mike Lansing.

Image courtesy of the DLBA.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].