Amber Kappa comes to the City of San Jose with more than two decades of experience building innovation and partnerships, turning ambitious ideas into real-world impact. At companies including eBay, Samsung, Microsoft, and Albertsons, she has led multi-billion-dollar revenue expansion, optimized profitability, and scaled digital businesses through innovation and operational excellence. She has brought together organizations, technology, and resources to reduce friction with technology, expand access and affordability, and meet customers whenever, wherever.

As Director of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation & Public-Private Partnerships, Amber will lead our efforts to bring San Jose’s businesses, philanthropies, institutions, and community partners together with City Hall to strengthen City programs and align business growth with social impact and public good.

Amber is a Bay Area native and earned her undergraduate degree at University of San Francisco. She is also a 2027 candidate for a Masters in Public Policy, with a focus on AI Policy & Development at Johns Hopkins University.