HLC Housing Agenda Blog

Celebration for Fran Wagstaff

Last week Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition hosted a celebration for Fran Wagstaff upon her retirement after 25 years as CEO of Mid-Pen. Held at the San Mateo County History Museum, it was a wonderful event with a packed house for the celebration program. The program featured a well-done tribute video, particularly the amusing comments by architect Jeff Zimmerman, as well as United States Representative Anna Eshoo and HLC Board Member Mark Moulton, whose father, Bob Moulton, was Fran’s predecessor at Mid-Pen.

Following the video, Fran said, “All I can say is, ‘Who’s that great person up there?’ I wouldn’t be here without all of you. Thirty-two years ago it started when I volunteered. Who knew what would come of it? I was an art major. I love colors; I wanted to do something tangible.

“I don’t remember ever asking for help when they didn’t say yes. I was very fortunate. Even when we were frustrated, we had a great chance to make the world better.”

Jane Barr, senior project manager with Mid-Pen, noted that 40 developers had passed through Mid-Pen over Fran’s time there. “They flowered our industry, leaving a legacy to other developers, nonprofits and agencies.”

She then presented Fran with a gift from the Mid-Pen Board of Directors: a certificate for a trip to Bali. “We have only one request, don’t do any research on housing there!”

Congratulations to Fran and best wishes for her post-Mid-Pen life.