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Approve the reappointment of Mary Dubgartey as Business Representative, to the Workforce Development Board of Solano County for a new four-year term of October 25, 2025 through October 24, 2029; Approve the new appointments of Henry Funke, as Labor Representative, Heather Henry, as Community Workforce Representative, and Catherine Johnson, as Business Representative, to the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, for four-year terms of November 4, 2025 to November 3, 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 of Solano County recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the reappointment of Mary Dubgartey as Business Representative, to the Workforce Development Board of Solano County for a new four-year term of October 25, 2025 through October 24, 2029; and
2. Approve the new appointments of Henry Funke, as Labor Representative, Heather Henry, as Community Workforce Representative, and Catherine Johnson, as Business Representative, to the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, for four-year terms of November 4, 2025 to November 3, 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 reappointment of Mary Dugbartey and the appointments of Henry Funke, Heather Henry, and Catherine Johnson at their September 19, 2025, Board of Directors meeting.
Based on the technical certifications, membership nominations, and applications (Attachment A, B & C), as well as WDB Board action, Henry Funke, Heather Henry, and Catherine Johnson, can now be considered for formal ratification by the Board of Supervisors as the newest representatives on the Board of Directors of the WDB. Mary Dugbartey is also eligible and can be considered for reappointment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This action has no financial impact. The WDB is fully grant funded and receives no County General Funds.
DISCUSSION:
Mary Dugbartey - Northbay Healthcare Foundation
Mary Dugbartey seeks ratification of her reappointment as she has expressed desire to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County. Ms. Dugbartey has served on the Board of Directors since October 25, 2016, as a Business Representative from NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.
Henry Funcke - Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 & Bay Area Industry Training Fund
Mr. Funcke has over 44 years of experience and started as a Local 272 apprentice before merging into Local 104. Mr. Funcke has extensive experience in the following areas: shop layout; commercial and residential HVAC and architectural design (layout, fabrication and installation); sheet metal roofing systems; service work (residential and light commercial) and general foreman on HVAC and architectural jobs. He has spent over 31 years as a sheet metal instructor training apprentices. Mr. Funcke holds multiple National Training Fund (NTF) and International Training Institute (ITI) certificates for various training on industry requirements, along with a California Board of Regents Lifetime teaching credential. He has completed courses such as the OSHA 500 and instructor trainings through Canada College, U.C. Berkeley Extension, NTF (Ohio State) and ITI in New Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, he has held (or currently) holds the following certificates: Fire Life Safety level 1, Building Envelope certification, EPA 608 Universal Certification, Forklift Train the trainer certification and a SMACNA Supervisory Training certification.
Mr. Funcke currently performs outreach regarding the Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 industry and apprenticeship program as well as rotating apprentices to different shops to meet their mandatory work experience rotations.
Ms. Heather Henry - California Human Development
Ms. Heather Henry brings over two decades of experience to her role as the Chief Executive Officer for California Human Development Corporation (CHD) in nonprofit leadership, education, and workforce development, along with a deep commitment to advancing economic mobility and expanding opportunities for all communities. Throughout her career, she has focused on building human-centered systems that connect individuals to meaningful work, grounded in data-driven strategy, cross-sector collaboration, and program innovation.
Most recently, Ms. Henry served as President and Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County, where she led the vision and strategic direction of the organization. Under her leadership, the WDB cultivated strong partnerships with local education, labor, government, and community organizations to ensure that job seekers and workers had the skills and resources needed to achieve their employment goals, and that local businesses could access the talent and support necessary for their economic growth. The WDB also serves as the host organization for the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Prior to her time in Solano County, Ms. Henry built a successful workforce career in the state of Maryland. As Vice President of Industry Engagement and Job Services for WorkSource Montgomery and Chief Innovation Officer at the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, she earned a reputation for designing and implementing innovative workforce solutions that strengthened industry partnerships and supported vulnerable populations.
Ms. Henry holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in History from Mississippi State University. She currently serves as Board Chair for the Solano Community Foundation, as a member of La Cooperative Campesina de California and the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), and as a board member for Connections for Life in Suisun City.
Ms. Catherine Johnson - Travis Credit Union
Ms. Catherine Johnson is the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Travis Credit Union, where she leads enterprise-wide talent strategy, organizational development, and culture transformation. She has extensive experience in workforce planning, leadership development, and people analytics, driving initiatives that improve engagement, retention, and leadership capability. Ms. Johnson has successfully implemented streamlined HR technology solutions, launched capability academies to upskill critical roles, and embedded continuous performance management practices that foster candid feedback and employee growth.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Ms. Johnson is deeply engaged in the community. She serves as a Committee Member for the Solano County Behavioral Health Diversity and Equity Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors for DayBreak Adult Care Centers. Through these roles, she advocates for equity, workforce readiness, and inclusive growth, partnering with regional organizations to strengthen career pathways and align employer needs with community talent pipelines. Ms. Johnson is passionate about building inclusive, future-ready workplaces and fostering collaboration between business, education, and community stakeholders to create a thriving workforce ecosystem.
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. The term of office for the new members will be November 3, 2025 through November 4, 2029 subject to ratification by the Board of Supervisors.
Attached for review is a copy of their respective Membership Applications (Attachment A, B & C).
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, these appointments are considered to be excellent candidates to serve in their respective representative categories.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
NONE
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION