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Approve the appointment of Darris Austin as the Business Representative to the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No X
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No X
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors appoint Darris Austin as the Business Representative to the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County, for a term to expire February 8, 2025, as required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
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 two 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 nominee at their January 22, 2021 Board meeting.
Based on the technical certification, membership nomination, application, and supplemental application (Attachment A), as well as WDB Board action, Ms. Austin can now be considered for formal ratification by the Board of Supervisors as the newest representative on the Board of Directors of the WDB.
Ms. Austin joined Genentech as the Senior People & Culture Business Partner in May 2020. Ms. Austin has an extensive background in human resources with both strategic and tactical experience. Her experience includes interstate and international HR management across industries. In her roles, she has proactively engaged with businesses to design and execute strategic, operational, and developmental goals that maximized employee engagement. Her strengths include conflict management, leading change, developing collaborative partnerships, communication, and ability to effectively navigate in the “grey.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic management from the Dominican University of California.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This action has no financial impact. The WDB is fully grant funded and receives no County General Funds.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose to not ratify Ms. Austin’s appointment, and a new search for a Business Representative could ensue. However, Ms. Austin is considered to be an excellent candidate to serve in this representative category on the WDB.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Kathleen Skirpstuans, People and Culture Business Partner of Genetech, and Debbie Egidio, Interim President/CEO of Vacaville Chamber of Commerce both provided a nomination on behalf of Ms. Austin.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION