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Approve the reappointment of Mark DeWeerdt to the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County as Labor Organization Representative for a term to expire June 30, 2028; Approve the reappointment of Suzanne Castano to the WDB of Solano County as Vocational Rehabilitation Representative for a term to expire February 8, 2029; Approve the new appointment of Dr. Kellie Butler, as Education Representative, to the WDB of Solano County, for a term of February 5, 2025 to February 4, 2029
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County recommends that, as required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the reappointment of Mark DeWeerdt to the WDB of Solano County as Labor Organization Representative for a term to expire June 30, 2028;
2. Approve the reappointment of Suzanne Castano to the WDB of Solano County as Vocational Rehabilitation Representative for a term to expire February 8, 2029; and
3. Approve the new appointment of Dr. Kellie Butler, as Education Representative, to the WDB of Solano County, for a term of February 5, 2025 to February 4, 2029, as required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
SUMMARY:
The Board of Supervisors, as the local elected official authorized under §107(b)(1) of the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and as described on page 2 of the Bylaws of the WDB of Solano County, Article VI-Section C. Selection of Directors, appoint representatives to the Board of Directors of the WDB.
The WDB Board of Directors approved the appointment of Dr. Kellie Butler and reappointment of Suzanne Castano at their January 24, 2025 Board of Directors meeting. The reappointment of Mark DeWeerdt was approved at their May 17, 2024 meeting.
Regarding the proposed new appointment, based on the technical certifications, membership nominations, and application (Attachment A), as well as WDB Board action, Dr. Kellie Butler can now be considered for formal ratification by the Board of Supervisors as the newest representative on the Board of Directors of the WDB.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This action has no financial impact. The WDB is fully grant funded and receives no County General Funds.
DISCUSSION:
New Appointment
Dr. Kellie Butler will be taking over the membership seat of Dr. Celia Esposito-Noy, who resigned from the Board of Directors in 2024. Dr. Butler brings nearly 25 years of experience in higher education, spanning roles in teaching, classified professional services, and administration. She has served as:
• Assistant Professor of Political Science at Penn State,
• Executive Director of the Civic Engagement Center and Undergraduate Research and Fellowships at Rice University,
• Assistant Dean of the Graduate Division at UC Davis,
• Dean of Student Services at Folsom Lake College, and
• Vice President for Student Services at Folsom Lake College.
In July 2024, Dr. Butler began her tenure as Superintendent/President of Solano Community College, where she continues her commitment to excellence in education and student success.
She holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in political science from Rice University and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science (Magna Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University. Dr. Butler’s scholarly achievements include prestigious fellowships such as the National Science Foundation Dissertation Fellowship and the Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship. She was also named to the USA Today All-USA College Academic Team, reflecting her academic excellence. Her commitment to public service is demonstrated through her receipt of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, awarded to only 62 college juniors nationwide each year.
Most recently, Dr. Butler was recognized as an Equity-Focused Student Leader in California, an honor by the California Futures Foundation in collaboration with the California Guided Pathways Project (CAGP) and the Ada Center, celebrating her dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive environments that promote student success.
After a technical review of the application documents, the appointment brought before the Board of Directors have been found to be in compliance with the regulatory requirements governing the Education Representative category for the Workforce Development membership appointment. The term of office will be from February 5, 2025 through February 4, 2029.
Attached for review is a copy of Dr. Butler’s Membership Application (Attachment A).
Reappointments
The following Directors seek ratification of their reappointment: Mark DeWeerdt as Labor Organization Representative and Suzanne Castano as Vocational Rehabilitation Representative. These Directors have expressed their desire to continue serving as members of the Board of Directors of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION