Our People

Our management team brings together people from a variety of industries along with people that have practically grown up in our business.

We designed the Block by Block operating model to always have the capacity to be consistently involved in your program. You should always expect an engaged team, not just when issues arise. It is this level of engagement that prevents issues. This is a stark contrast from other competitors.

Meet the Team

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Derreck Hughes

Derreck leads the Block by Block, CA operations and provides oversight for corporate staff across the state. Derreck is focused on innovative operations and building strong relationships with clients, employees and stakeholders. Derreck is also heavily involved in the overall design of Block by Block operations impacting programs all across the country.

First Job with Block by Block: Security Officer at high rise office building w/ predecessor company

Division Vice President

Chip

Chip, known mononymously as just Chip, is a seasoned Place Management Professional passionate about supporting communities one block at a time. Before working with Block by Block, Chip served as the CEO of the Downtown Boulder Partnership and, before that, led the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Having worked in Downtown district management for over 20 years, Chip is a strong proponent of supporting social infrastructure and is fascinated by the intersection of the public realm and private interests. He is a long-time advocate for arts, culture, and innovation. In 2023, Chip received a Leadership in Place Management Certification from the International Downtown Association.

First Job with Block by Block: Current Role

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT – SOUTHWEST

David Aguilar

David’s primary role is to provide quality assurance at our Southern California locations while troubleshooting and or problem solving through difficult challenges. Like so many others in our company, he began his career with Block by Block as an Ambassador and has risen through the ranks. David has been vital to growing our services in Southern California as the head of four programs for Los Angeles districts including Sunset Strip, West Hollywood and most recently, the South Park Business Improvement District where he has helped elevate their program.

First Job with Block by Block: Safety Guide in Downtown Long Beach

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Don Lepana

With over two decades of expertise in HR and Multi-Unit Operations, Don is a results-focused leader who delivers in talent acquisition, retention, building high-performing teams, and proactive solutions to harness a company’s greatest asset – their people. His unique ability to create a robust and inclusive culture for his team motivates employees to realize their potential, ultimately resulting in success and growth for the business and its workforce. Don has a heart of compassion that extends to his personal life through volunteer services focused on the unsheltered. As his first assignment in the Urban Place Management industry, his skillsets were instrumental in elevating operations in our Uptown Downtown Oakland program. As Project Manager, Don implemented the Block by Block business model for new programs and provides consulting services for existing accounts. He has recently stepped up as a Regional Vice President for Northern California to take on more responsibility and a broader reach!

First Job with Block by Block: Operations Supervisor in Oakland

REGIONAL DIRECTOR – SOUTHEAST

Steve Be Cotte

Steve comes to Block by Block with eight years of experience in business improvement district management as the Community Outreach Manager and Operations Supervisor for the Downtown Long Beach Alliance where he wore many hats, including overseeing the DLBA’s Clean and Safe Programming. In his current role, Steve provides support and oversight for accounts in the Southwest Region, gives constructive feedback on all aspects of the services we provide and maintains relationships with BBB managers and our clients.

First Job with Block by Block: Regional Support Manager

REGIONAL DIRECTOR – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Johnny Linares

Johnny oversees multiple accounts in the Bay Area and Northern California. He is who managers call on when they have questions that need an answer. He assists each account as if it were his own. Johnny does what it takes to make sure his team succeeds in every way and ensures accounts are running as efficiently as possible. He is that helping hand when they need it and even when they don’t.

First Job with Block by Block: Operations Manager for City of Livermore

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

Paulita Elliot

There’s no easier way to put it than Paulita knows operations inside and out. Paulita has developed a strong standard of what good program operations looks like and how to get it there. Paulita has demonstrated her leadership ability after managing a medium-sized programs in Long Beach and Downtown Santa Monica, and then being promoted to manage of one of our largest programs for San Francisco Travel. She’s practical, smart and doesn’t cut corners!

First Job with Block by Block: Security Ambassador in Downtown Long Beach

RECRUITING COORDINATOR

Zori Nevarez

Zori is vital to finding quality candidates and keeping our accounts in the Bay Area staffed. She brings 20+ years of upper management and recruiting experience to Block by Block. She has a true passion for helping people, which is one of the many reasons she excels in her position.

First Job with Block by Block: Current Position

DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH

Chico Lockhart

As a 12-plus year veteran of Block by Block, Chico brings a practical understanding of the Social Service Outreach system having provided case management and street outreach for more than twenty years. Chico has a strong ability to quickly assess situations and provide the “straight” story on what’s going on in nearly any situation, while connecting with people at all levels. Chico has been invaluable resource for our growing outreach programming across the country and has helped elevate our programming with the growing need for outreach services for our customers.

First Job with Block by Block: Outreach Coordinator for Downtown Cincinnati

Get Connected With Block by Block

We provide superior specialized services through management of systems and people that allow our customers to focus on their core business. Learn more about how we have fine-tuned our cleaning and maintenance programs to bring your property better results at a better value.

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