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Approve the appointment of Emery Cowan, Health and Social Services Director, to the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission for the term of August 20, 2025 through August 19, 2029
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No _ X___
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No _ X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board approve the appointment of Emery Cowan, Health and Social Services (H&SS) Director, to the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission for the term of August 20, 2025 through August 19, 2029.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission was established by the Solano County Board of Supervisors on June 8, 1999. The ordinance established a commission with nine members, including two representatives of the County Health and Social Services Department (H&SS). The department is recommending the appointment of Emery Cowan, H&SS Director.
Emery Cowan brings over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience across behavioral health and community-based services. Prior to her current role, Ms. Cowan served as the County’s Chief Deputy Behavioral Health Director, managing major initiatives like the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), Proposition 1 (the two-part initiative focusing on transforming the state’s behavioral health system), and housing programs. Ms. Cowan has a strong background in children's services, having previously served as a Clinical Director for a regional managed care organization in the State of Florida, focusing on youth and family-run services as well as child welfare and mental health integration. Previously, Ms. Cowan led behavioral health systems in both the State of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Florida’s Department of Children and Families. Ms. Cowan’s career began with providing direct services to children, youth, and adults for nonprofits in South Florida where she earned an Infant Mental Health Certificate from the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH) and ZERO TO THREE (an early childhood development organization). Ms. Cowan holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.S. in Counseling Psychology, and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida.
On November 5, 2024, the Board appointed Neely McElroy, Deputy Director, H&SS, Child Welfare Services, to the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission for the term of December 16, 2024 through December 15, 2028. Ms. McElroy will continue to serve as the other representative for the Health and Social Services Department.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the County General Fund with this appointment.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve this appointment to the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission. This is not recommended as Ms. Cowan brings professional and personal knowledge to the Commission, which enhances its ability to fulfill its roles within the community.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Health and Social Services worked with First 5 Solano staff on this appointment.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION