Mayor Lurie Announces Appointment of Mawuli Tugbenyoh As Human Rights Commission Executive Director

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced the appointment of Mawuli Tugbenyoh as executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC). Tugbenyoh is a longtime public servant with nearly two decades of service to San Francisco’s communities. He has been leading HRC as acting executive director, having previously worked in the Mayor’s Office, Department of Human Resources, and Board of Supervisors. He will continue that work alongside Mayor Lurie to engage communities across the city and ensure government is effective, accessible, and accountable for all San Franciscans.

“Throughout his nearly two decades of public service, Mawuli Tugbenyoh has made it his mission to advocate for all of San Francisco’s communities, especially those who have felt left behind by government,” said Mayor Lurie. “As he takes on this role permanently, he will bring that experience working within city government and across communities to ensure that every dollar the city spends improves the lives of San Franciscans.”

“I am honored to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time of transition for the department and the communities we serve,” said Mawuli Tugbenyoh. “For more than 60 years, the Human Rights Commission has stood as a vital institution in San Francisco—advancing equity, protecting rights, and uplifting the voices of our most vulnerable communities. Together with the dedicated staff at the HRC, I am committed to strengthening our partnerships across city departments and with the residents of San Francisco. Guided by history and the fight ahead, the HRC’s highest purpose is to serve our diverse communities with integrity, transparency, and impact, and I look forward to advancing that mission in the months and years to come.”

"Mawuli is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in government and community advocacy," said Rafael Mandelman, President of the Board of Supervisors. "He has stepped up to lead the Human Rights Commission at a uniquely challenging time for the agency, and we are fortunate to have someone of his great talent and character in the role. I and my team look forward to continuing our work with Director Tugbenyoh."

“The commission is pleased to have Mawuli’s steady hand at the helm of the HRC,” said Leah Pimentel, Chair of the Human Rights Commission. “Over the last year, during his appointment as acting director, we have relied on him as a leader committed to the critical work of the department. We all look forward to continuing to benefit from his vision and thoughtful approach.”

“Mawuli and his team have been champions for San Francisco’s immigrant communities and other vulnerable groups we serve,” said Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, Executive Director of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN SF). “As a former grants manager with the city, I know that true success in this work requires building consensus, leading proactively, engaging with the diverse communities that make up our city, and empowering people to do their best. Mawuli has demonstrated these qualities. As acting executive director of the Human Rights Commission, he has led with integrity, collaboration, and vision. I have no doubt he will continue to strengthen the commission and the communities it serves.”

“I’ve known Mawuli for years, starting from our work together in Bayview-Hunters Point,” said Oscar James, longtime district 10 community organizer. “All my life, I’ve fought to make San Francisco a fairer city for working people and for communities too often left out, not just the privileged few. Mawuli shares that commitment. I’m proud to see him stepping into this role. I know our community and our city will be stronger because of his leadership.”

Tugbenyoh was appointed HRC’s acting executive director in September 2024. A longtime and dedicated public servant who has worked in service of San Francisco’s communities for nearly two decades, Tugbenyoh served previously in a number of roles in city government, including in the Department of Human Resources, in the offices of Mayor London Breed and Mayor Ed Lee, and as a legislative aide to former District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen.

Tugbenyoh served previously as the administrator of an Oakland housing nonprofit organization that worked with adults struggling to manage mental illness and substance abuse issues. He has also been an active volunteer with a number of community and civic organizations, including serving on the LGBTQ Policy Committee of the Biden administration’s transition team, the Bar Association of San Francisco’s criminal justice task force, and the board of directors of the Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Tugbenyoh holds a degree in political science and biology from San Francisco State University.

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