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Approve the new appointments of Emery Cowan, as Welfare-to-Work/Food Stamps and TANF Representative, and Alicia Mijares, as Labor Representative, to the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County, for a term of April 22, 2025 through April 21, 2029, as required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
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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 the Board of Supervisors appoint Emery Cowan, as Welfare-to-Work/Food Stamps and TANF Representative, and Alicia Mijares, as Labor Representative, to the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County, for a term beginning April 22, 2025, and expiring April 21, 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 above-named nominees at their March 21, 2025, Board of Directors meeting.
Based on the technical certifications, membership nominations, and applications (Attachment A & B), as well as WDB Board action, Emery Cowan and Alicia Mijares 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:
Emery Cowan - Solano County Health and Social Services
Ms. Emery Cowan will be taking over the membership seat of Mr. Gerald Huber, who resigned from the Board of Directors in 2024 due to his retirement from County service.
Ms. Cowan is the Director of Solano County Health and Social Services (H&SS) and brings over 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare, including mental health, substance use, and community-based services. As H&SS Director, Ms. Cowan oversees a $515 million annual budget and 1,400 employees across behavioral health, social services, public health, medical, and administrative services. She previously served as Chief Deputy Behavioral Health Director, overseeing the County Mental Health Plan, Drug Medi-Cal waiver, employment and housing/homelessness initiatives, CalAIM, Prop 1, and service contracts. Throughout her career across three states (FL, NC, CA), she has served in leadership and direct service roles, including supporting the expansion of evidence-based practices, quality and performance improvement.
Ms. Cowan is the first Latina to hold the H&SS Director role in Solano County and is committed to improving access to treatment while advancing equity, social justice, inclusion, resilience, and cultural competence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. She also serves as President-Elect of the California Association of LPCCs, advocating for the profession and supporting newly licensed professionals.
Alicia Mijares - Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104
Ms. Alicia Mijares will be taking over the membership seat of Mr. Danny Bernardini, who resigned from the Board of Directors in 2025.
Ms. Alicia Mijares was working a second job to make ends meet when she was introduced to the Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeship program in 1995. Encouraged to apply, she completed the required testing and was accepted into the program. Thanks to the excellent wages and benefits provided by the union, she was able to leave her second job and achieve financial independence.
Understanding firsthand the life-changing opportunities that union membership can provide, Ms. Mijares became actively involved in her union. She recognizes unions as a vital pathway to the middle class for Californians who may not have attended college or earned a degree. Ms. Mijares made history by becoming the first female Organizer for her union, followed by her appointment as the first female Business Representative.
Committed to creating opportunities for others, Ms. Mijares actively promotes careers in the construction trades to local students through career fairs and trade talks. She is a strong advocate for expanding access to the trades for women and individuals from underserved communities. A resident of Vacaville, Ms. Mijares is dedicated to serving Solano County and its residents in any way she can.
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 appointment. Both office terms will be from April 22, 2025, through April 21, 2029.
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 approve the appointment brought before them, and a new search for board members that meet the WIOA regulatory requirements could ensue. However, both appointments are considered to be excellent candidates to serve in their respective representative categories.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
NONE
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION