Posted March 8, 2016 by Editorial Staff in Photo

[PROFILE] In 25 Words or Less: Otis Bruce, Jr. (Organization Leader / Candidate)

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Key Influencers • Arts, Community and Business Leaders • Bay Area Personalities • Industry Experts. What makes them tick? Find out . . .
In 25 Words or Less

Posted: March 13, 2016 —

ORGANIZATION LEADER | MARIN AFRICAN AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL NETWORK (MAAPN)

THE BASICS

Name: Otis Bruce, Jr.
Age: 50s • Status: Married • Kids: Yes
Place of Birth: Laurel, Mississippi • Raised: SoSo, MS
Professional Background: Otis is a Senior Deputy District Attorney with the Marin County District Attorney’s Office. He is assigned as a trial attorney prosecuting all criminal cases: felonies, misdemeanors, elder/financial fraud, domestic violence and drug cases. He have served as a Supervisor/Team Trial Coordinator in all Marin County Criminal Courtrooms.
What achievement or position is he most known for? First African-American Prosecutor-Marin DA’s Office; first African-American President-Marin Bar Association; founder Marin African-American Professional Network.
Contact/Follow: Website • Email
Editor’s Note: Otis is currently a candidate for Judge – Marin County Superior Court.
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25 WORDS OR LESS: WORK

Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: Worked in quarter horse stables after school (high school-Mississippi); meat/cheese packaging plant local grocery store chain(Oakland); gas service station attendant (Marin).
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Field #1: Diversity & Inclusion
Years of Experience: 2
Title: Founder
Organization: Marin African-American Professional Network (MAAPN) – North Bay/San Rafael, CA
What it does and what I do: MAAPN – professional network – private, business, government, educational and community members. Mission: work together to development a network for professional, career, leadership opportunities in the North Bay.
Current Big Project: Creating opportunities for MAAPN’s members to expand their professional network and resources throughout the North Bay and the Bay Area with other AA Professional Groups.
Staffing/Resource Needs: Internship opportunities!
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Field #2: Government / Law
Title: Senior Deputy District Attorney
Yrs of Experience: 25
Company: Marin County – San Rafael, CA
What it does and what I do: Public safety-prosecution, protection and prevention in consumer and criminal cases.
Current Big Project: Helping to develop the collaborative justice system in Marin: drug court, mental health, restorative justice and education about human trafficking.
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Additional Positions: Senior Deputy District Attorney (Trial Attorney); first Marin DA Office Community Justice Coordinator.
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Additional Organizations: Marin Bar Association; Charles Houston Bar Association; Calif. State Bar Criminal Law Executive Committee; Rotary Club of San Rafael, Marin Symphony Board.
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Significant Challenge: Educating professionals and organizations about the importance of diversity and inclusion on all levels of opportunities and leadership in our American Justice System.
Significant Mistake/Regret: None
Significant Accomplishment: Making the decision to run as a 2016 candidate for Judge for the Marin County Superior Court.
Biggest Strength(s): Mentoring, organizing, empowering those who think that opportunities for success and happiness are not accessible for them-giving back and paying forward.
Biggest Weakness(es): Saying no to giving back and paying forward. I always try to find time to help others if I can.
Career Advice: Be humble, smart and tenacious in pursuing career goals!
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Significant Challenge: Overcoming challenges to my life goal since I was 14 years old-to become a lawyer.
Significant Accomplishment: Achieving the goal of becoming a lawyer while maintaining a humble spirit!
Life Advice: Reflecting on my life up to this point, my advice to others: “true faith, belief, tenacity, education, networking and commitment, that’s it.”
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25 WORDS OR LESS: OFF THE TOP

Trait(s) most admired in others: People who give back and pay forward-sincerely and genuinely!
Some causes/organizations I support: Organizations that support and provide real development and training opportunities for our youth and young professional to accomplish education, career and leadership opportunities.
*Hours of “personal” downtime/week:* 25
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Exercising, attending interesting/educational cultural events in the Bay Area (e.g. theatre performances) and just simply having a good time with family and friends.
Some of my favorite local hangouts: I enjoy all fine dining experiences (e.g. Spinakers-Sausalito) as well as supporting local family restaurants (e.g. Everett & Jones-Oakland).
Some of my favorite TV shows: Actually, I don’t watch much television. I like documentaries, American justice system related programs and programs by African-American producers.
What news outlets or media sources do you most rely on?: New York Times, CNN, other Professional Publications.
Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Hawaii, New Orleans, Miami and other Gulf Coast Cities.
Place(s) I would like to visit: Tanzania, Italy, Dubai, Spain.
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Traveling, experiencing and learning about different cultures and societies; reading; empowering young people – giving back and paying forward.
Favorite Book(s): To Kill a Mocking Bird
Something about me that may surprise you: I enjoy the outdoor experience-nature walks, farm life and traveling. I really enjoy life and people!