Meet the Team

Alex Bastian, a San Francisco native, is the President and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. He leads the city’s hospitality community, a vital sector employing 20,000 people and generating hundreds of millions in annual tax revenue. A dedicated advocate for the industry, Alex spearheaded the first-ever business tax cut ballot initiative in San Francisco, Proposition M in the 2024 election cycle and successfully led efforts for increased investments in public safety.
He formed the industry’s first Security Committee, partnering with SFPD to enhance safety outcomes, and has worked nationally to reshape San Francisco’s narrative and promote sustainable tourism.
Before joining the Hotel Council, he served as Special Advisor to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and as Assistant District Attorney and Deputy Chief of Staff at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Alex speaks five languages and has appeared in media outlets on topics from public safety to human rights. Named among the Bay Area’s Top 100 People to Know by the San Francisco Business Times, Alex harnesses his seasoned expertise and relentless drive to help champion San Francisco’s hospitality and tourism success, always working together to put our city first.

Raina Christeson is the Manager of Communications and Membership at the Hotel Council of San Francisco. She organizes and executes communications and marketing projects to support the organization’s advocacy efforts, internal operations, and industry events. Previously, Raina has worked in education and political advocacy, as a substitute teacher and an organizer conducting voter outreach and directing field operations for political campaigns. Raina graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, Music, and Rhetoric (Public Discourse), achieving Highest Honors in Geography. A classically trained violinist, she has traveled to Washington DC, France, Spain, and Central Europe for performance tours and she is a recipient of the 2018 Mary Nunes Souza Prize from the UC Berkeley Department of Music. Raina was also honored with the 2021 Departmental Citation in Geography from the UC Berkeley Department of Geography, a prize that is awarded to one student each year in recognition of exceptional undergraduate work across all realms of Geographical inquiry. She is inspired in her daily work by the creativity, adaptability, and discipline she developed as a classically trained violinist. Outside of work, Raina likes to spend time exploring the Bay Area’s unique neighborhoods and beautiful outdoor parks. She was born and raised in San Francisco.
rchristeson@hotelcouncilsf.org

Milana Gasparyan is the Project Coordinator at the Hotel Council of San Francisco. She supports communications and marketing initiatives that advance the organization’s advocacy efforts and industry-wide programs. Her work focuses on visual design, brand alignment, and strategic messaging. Originally from Marin County, California, she brings a strong background in marketing and communications, with experience in brand strategy and social media management. She recently graduated from Hawaiʻi Pacific University with a B.S in Marketing. While in Honolulu, she worked at a marketing agency and developed experience managing social media and digital presence for small businesses across Hawaiʻi, helping brands strengthen their presence and connect with local audiences. Milana is passionate about creating, learning about different cultures, and embracing sustainable, healthy living. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, and spending time in nature, and values collaboration, growth, and positive community impact.
mgasparyan@hotelcouncilsf.org

Isabella is a Project Coordinator at the Hotel Council of San Francisco. She works on supporting communications, marketing, and event planning projects. Isabella is a Bay Area native and grew up in Berkeley, California. She is currently a fourth-year undergraduate student double majoring in Business Management and International Business at the University of San Francisco. Isabella was previously an Administrative Intern at the Hotel Council of San Francisco where she supported event planning, marketing projects, and general office tasks. She also has experience in operations and international business development through previous internship experiences. In her free time, Isabella likes to travel, go on walks, and play the piano. She also likes to spend time outside and explore San Francisco with friends and family.
admin@hotelcouncilsf.org