title
Approve the new appointments of Jaime Powell, as Community Workforce Representative, and Chris Rico, as Economic Development Representative, to the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, for a term of December 10, 2024 to December 9, 2028, as required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the new appointments of Jaime Powell, as Community Workforce Representative, and Chris Rico, as Economic Development Representative, to the WDB of Solano County, for a term of December 10, 2024 to December 9, 2028, 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 above-named nominees at their November 15, 2024, Board of Directors meeting.
Based on the technical certifications, membership nominations, and applications (Attachments A & B), as well as WDB Board action, Ms. Jaime Powell, and Mr. Chris Rico, can now be considered for formal ratification by the Board of Supervisors as the newest representatives 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:
Ms. Jamie Powell - Fighting Back Partnership
Ms. Powell is the Program Director of Fighting Back Partnership, a nonprofit organization deeply committed to eradicating poverty and its far-reaching effects in Vallejo and throughout Solano County. She has undertaken diverse roles at Fighting Back Partnership, including her initial position as an AmeriCorps Vista. Ms. Powell's educational background includes studies in Human Services at Solano Community College, supplemented by professional development training in the transformative approach of "Creating the Beloved Community: The Quest for Character, Civility, and Community."
A long-term resident of Vallejo and a devoted mother, Ms. Powell brings a wealth of lived experience and a profound sense of empathy to her work. In addition to her role at Fighting Back Partnership, Ms. Powell actively serves on several advisory boards, including the Solano County Black Infant Health Advisory Board and the Solano Home Visiting Community Advisory Board.
Mr. Chris Rico - Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
Mr. Rico is the President and CEO of the Solano EDC. Prior to his role at Solano EDC, Mr. Rico founded LevelUP, a social enterprise focused on developing diverse talent pipelines for creative industries. Before that, he led the Center for Innovation at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), where he launched InnovateLA, a multi-week festival showcasing Los Angeles as a hub for innovation. His background includes digital marketing for Activate ED and executive roles in Hollywood production. He has also been actively involved in politics, particularly on campaigns promoting sustainability and water conservation in California.
After a technical review of the application documents, the appointments brought before the Board of Directors have been found to be in compliance with the regulatory requirements governing their respective representative categories for the Workforce Development membership appointments. Both terms of office will be from December 10, 2024 through December 9, 2028.
Attached for review is a copy of their respective Membership Applications and Recommendation Letters (Attachment A & B).
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to ratify the appointments of Ms. Powell and Mr. Rico, and a new search for a Community Workforce Representative and/or Economic Development Representative could ensue. However, Ms. Powell and Mr. Rico are considered to be excellent candidates to serve in their respective representative category on the WDB.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Shandi J. Fuller, MD, MPH, MCAH Medical Director for Solano County Department of Health & Social Services, provided an endorsement on behalf of Ms. Powell. Randy Young, Executive Director of Benicia Chamber of Commerce, provided a nomination on behalf of Mr. Rico.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION