Former San Diego City Councilmember Mark Kersey was named chief executive Tuesday of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, a nonprofit that has focused in recent years on supporting or opposing local bond measures and other proposed tax increases. Kersey’s tenure begins just in time for the 2026 election cycle, which includes the June 2 primary and the November general election. Kersey, a former Republican who is now an independent, represented north inland District 5 from 2012 to 2020 on the city council, where his most notable accomplishment was intensifying the city’s focus on its backlog of delayed infrastructure projects. Kersey’s appointment comes as the taxpayers association faces financial challenges, including structural deficits. Taxpayers association officials said Tuesday that he would be a perfect fit for their organization. “His experience, knowledge, communication skills and ability to maneuver the region’s political landscape were immediately and enthusiastically recognized by the board,” said board chair Mike McLaughlin in a news release. “We found just the right person at just the right time.” Kersey takes over for longtime chief executive Haney Hong, who resigned last winter. He said he is enthusiastic about taking the helm of the 80-year-old organization. “The San Diego County Taxpayers Association is a widely respected organization with a long history, and its independent policy expertise and analysis are needed today more than ever,” Kersey said. “I’m thrilled and honored to be selected to lead the region’s preeminent taxpayer watchdog organization at such a critical juncture.” Patty Ducey-Brooks, the association’s communications director, said Kersey’s intelligence makes him an ideal fit. “We really do want to work with everyone, but sometimes you have to challenge the status quo, including individuals and organizations that are not acting on behalf of the taxpayers that they are here to serve,” she said. “Mark knows this. He’s smart, thoughtful, reasonable and has the courage to act.” Association officials said they recently updated their criteria for evaluating school bond proposals. Kersey, 49, lives in Black Mountain Ranch. He has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and is also an alum of the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He has founded and co-founded multiple small businesses in San Diego, most recently Cask Coast California Bourbon. ...read more read less