TITLE
Recommendation to receive and approve Commission appointments to Non-Charter Commissions.
DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS
Board of Health & Human Services
Barbara Schwerin (CD 3) - At-Large -Interim Term through June 2020 (to fill Vacancy left by Christine Petit)
Barbara Schwerin is a 3rd District resident with three decades of experience in the legal field. Prior to retiring from Loyola Law School, Barbara spent many years designing development programs for communities experiencing health challenges. She is an active member of numerous health-related boards, including the Cancer Legal Resource Center and the Miller Children's and Women's Hospital, and has received several awards for work.
Commission on Youth & Families
Vivian Malauulu (CD 7) - At-Large - First Term through June 2020
A CD 7 resident, Vivian Malauulu was formerly involved with the Commission on Youth & Children for four years and helped restructure it. Vivian was an educator for twenty years and was the first Latina elected to the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees. She is also involved with the Greater Long Beach YMCA Early Education Program and several neighborhood groups.
Andrea Sulsona (CD 7) - At-Large - First Term through June 2020
Andrea Sulsona lives in the 2nd District and currently serves as the Executive Director for Early Childhood Education Programs for the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. She received a Master of Arts in Education from UCLA and has long been passionate about education equality and access, for children as well as adults. Andrea has extensive experience serving children and families in the fields of education and social work.
Dr. Charles Smith (CD 7) - At-Large - First Term through June 2020
Dr. Charles Smith is a CD 7 resident and an educational leader. Charles has worked for Los Angeles Unified School District for sixteen years and currently serves as the Principal of the NOW Academy, where he is committed to closing the achievement gap and advocating for school reform. He holds a Doctorate in Education from USC and was formerly on the Commission on Youth & Children.
Jonathan Schnack (CD 3) - At-Large - First Term through June 2020
A former member of the Commission on Youth & Children and a resident of the 3rd District, Jonathan Schnack is passionate about education and youth development in the classroom. Jonathan is a Theater teacher at Frank C. Leal Elementary School in the ABC Unified School District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Long Beach State University, as well as a Masters of Elementary Education.
Dr. Sara Zaidi (CD 2) - At-Large - First Term through June 2020
Dr. Sara Zaidi is a CD 2 resident and a former professor of education with extensive experience in early childhood education, educational policy, and youth development. Her research focuses on how policy and identity shapes educational paths for youth in the U.S. Sara holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education from City University of New York and is a graduate of CSULB's Social and Multicultural Education program.
Dr. Ennette Morton (CD 2) - At-Large - First Term through June 2020
Dr. Ennette Morton lives in the 2nd District and is a higher education administrator. In her role as Director of Academic Affairs at the Pepperdine University business school, Ennette oversees faculty and assists with curriculum and leadership development. She is interested in serving on the commission to support educational equity, student success, and community engagement. Ennette holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine.
Dr. Seema Paul (CD 3) - LBUSD Rep - First Term through June 2020
Dr. Seema Paul is a CD 3 resident with more than fifteen years of experience in the education field. Seema is currently a Special Education Administrator for Long Beach Unified School District, where she works to develop and support special education programs for Long Beach youth. She earned an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and a Master of Arts in Marriage Family Therapy from USC.
Viviana Ponce (CD 7) - Youth Member - First Term through June 2020
Viviana Ponce lives in the 7th District and is a Freshman at St. Anthony High School. She is active in several clubs and athletic teams at school and is involved with the Long Beach Ballet and Girls Scouts of America. Viviana has a passion for service and is excited to give back to the community through the Commission on Youth & Families.
Gillian Doplemore (CD 9) - Youth Member - First Term through June 2020
Gillian Doplemore, a CD 9 resident, is in her first year at Valley Christian High School, where she plays the clarinet and basketball. Gillian is an outstanding student and is a Counselor-in-Training with the Girls Scouts. She also was selected for the Empower Uptown Youth Award and hopes to advance youth development on the commission.
Marine Advisory Commission
Colin Kelly (CD 5) -Interim Term through June 2020 (to fill Vacancy left by Peter Schnack)
A CD 5 resident and Senior Staff Attorney with Orange County Coastkeeper, Colin Kelly is an expert in the fields of water and administrative law. He has become a regional leader in advocacy for clean water, providing counsel, investigative support, and mediation on numerous environmental cases. Colin holds a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Oregon.
Senior Citizen Advisory Commission
William Smith (CD 4) - Interim Term through June 2020 (to fill Vacancy left by Ronald Eomurian)
William Smith is a 4th District resident and Community Relations Coordinator for Long Beach Transit. In this position, William serves as the Transportation Chair on the City's Age-Friendly Consortium Steering Committee and helps older adults access public transportation through the Connected Seniors Club. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Long Beach State University and is a graduate of Leadership Long Beach.
Transactions & Use Tax Citizens Advisory Committee
Kevin Shin (CD 7) - First Term through June 2020
Kevin Shin lives in the 7th District and is actively involved in several equity-driven advocacy groups, including Walk Bike Long Beach and Healthy Active Streets. Kevin works as a Customer Success Manager with Blackbaud, advising non-profit executives on fundraising and engagement strategies. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Science and Management at Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from George Washington University.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA