Dan Belsky

Dan Belsky serves as the Operations and IT Director at the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC). He has a rich background in technology, having begun his journey in web development as a teenager. His first project was a website that helped users locate skateparks in Washington, D.C., inspired by his love for inline skating and skateboarding.1

Belsky's connection with SFZC started in 2009 when he spent a summer at Tassajara, one of the Zen Center's practice locations. Over the years, he has held various roles within the organization, including time spent living at Green Gulch Farm and working as the temple work leader at City Center. He received lay initiation from Eijun Linda Cutts, adopting the Dharma name Kishi Koshin, which translates to "Joyful Lion, Boundless Heart" .1

After pursuing a master's degree in secondary education and teaching Math and Computer Science for four years, Belsky returned to SFZC in 2019 as Operations Manager. He later took on the role of IT Director, merging both responsibilities due to their interconnected nature. His current role encompasses managing a variety of operational tasks, including overseeing the website, Salesforce, online store, and registration systems, as well as cloud applications like Gmail and Zoom.12

Belsky emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing access to SFZC's programs and fostering an inclusive community. He values the trust built through long-standing relationships within the Zen Center community, which he believes contributes to a positive work culture.1 Currently residing in the Washington, D.C. area with his family, Belsky continues to engage with Zen practices and has initiated a weekly sitting group that meets online.1