John Estalilla is an entrepreneur, civic leader, and creative economy advocate serving District 2 on the San Mateo County Arts Commission. Appointed in 2026 by the Board of Supervisors on the recommendation of Board President Noelia Corzo, he brings more than two decades of leadership experience to advancing cultural equity, elevating diverse voices, and strengthening community connection through the arts.

As founder of Sfventures, John has spent his career at the intersection of global media, technology, and human‑centered design. His work includes leadership roles at Amazon, Hearst, and Federated Media, where he helped shape brand and video strategy during the rise of the creator economy. This background informs his commitment to building inclusive, future‑focused arts ecosystems that reflect the region’s cultural richness.

John’s public service extends to the City of Foster City Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee and as a visionary member of SPUR, where he supports equitable and resilient urban planning. His creative advocacy includes serving as a creative judge for Your Voice is Power—a collaboration between Pharrell Williams’ YELLOW, Georgia Tech, and Amazon—and supporting local arts and recreation through the Parks and Recreation Foundation of San Carlos.

A lifelong Peninsula resident and early‑stage investor, John champions purpose‑driven ventures that strengthen the Bay Area’s cultural and economic vitality. He is dedicated to ensuring that all San Mateo County residents have access to meaningful, high‑quality arts experiences. 

He is a graduate of San Francisco State University and an alumnus of the Stanford Graduate School of Business.