To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann (707) 565-5800, Michelle Revecho (707) 565-5557
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Board of Supervisors Countywide Appointments to the Workforce Investment Board
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Approve the following Countywide Appointments:
A) Approve the Appointment of Sean Nunez to the Workforce Investment Board for a term beginning January 28, 2025, and ending on January 27, 2027. (Countywide)
B) Approve the Appointment of Marlyn Garcia to the Workforce Investment Board for a term beginning January 28, 2025, and ending on January 27, 2027. (Countywide)
C) Approve the Appointment of Gary Beerbower to the Workforce Investment Board for a term beginning January 28, 2025, and ending on January 27, 2027. (Countywide)
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Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors are responsible for appointments to over 75 boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. Vacancies and upcoming expiring appointments are posted on the County’s list of Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces website: <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>.
Rule 50 of the Board Rules of Procedures states that the Clerk of the Board shall convene staff to review prospective countywide appointments and make appointment recommendations to the Board. The current item submits recommendations for positions on the Workforce Investment Board.
Discussion:
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal law designed to prepare youth and adults for entry into and advancement within the labor force. The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and its American Jobs Center of California, Sonoma County Job Link, provide support to both Sonoma County job seekers and businesses.
WIOA requires all local regions to create a WIB comprised of local business and community members to oversee and implement WIOA Title I programs. The Human Services Department (HSD) is requesting the reappointment of seven members to the WIB.
HSD’s Employment and Training Division administers Job Link, a one-stop shop where the public can access basic career services such as workshops and job fairs. More intensive services are offered for job seekers looking for training, education, and work experience. Employers can access Job Link Business Services, including funding for workforce training.
Efforts to fill WIB seats are ongoing through referrals from current members and outreach to businesses, the public, private industry, and nonprofit organizations. HSD also works closely with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to identify business members appropriate for the business seats on the WIB.
Membership Criteria/Process for Recommending Members for Appointment/Terms
In accordance with the written agreement between the Board and the WIB, the WIB reviews and approves candidates’ applications for membership and forwards its recommendations to the Board for final approval and appointment.
The WIB consists of member categories in compliance with WIOA regulation. Business seats must comprise the majority and include representatives of business in the local area who are either owners, chief executives or operating officers; those who represent businesses that provide employment opportunities which include high-quality, work-relevant training and development from in-demand industry sectors or occupations; or those who are nominated by local business organizations and trade associations. There are fifteen business seats representing 52% of the WIB.
Not less than 20% of the members of each local WIB must be representatives of the workforce within the local area, including representatives of labor organizations, apprenticeships, community-based organizations with experience and expertise in addressing the employment needs of individuals with barriers to employment, and representatives of organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in addressing the employment, training, or educational needs of youth. Within this workforce representative category, a minimum of 15% of the seats must represent labor organizations. There are seven workforce representative member seats, constituting 24% of the WIB. Five of the seats represent labor, constituting 17% of the WIB.
Each WIB must include representatives of entities administering education and training activities, including those administering adult education and literacy activities; representatives of institutions of higher education, including community colleges; and representatives of local educational agencies and community-based organizations addressing the education or training needs of individuals with barriers to employment. There are two education and training seats on the WIB.
Each WIB must include representatives of governmental and economic and community development entities; a representative from the state employment service office; a representative of the programs carried out under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; representatives of agencies administering transportation, housing, and public assistance programs; and representatives of philanthropic organizations serving the local area. There are currently three governmental and economic and community development seats on the WIB.
The WIB seeks business members who provide expertise in Sonoma County’s important or emerging employment sectors such as health care, hospitality, and the building and trades. Applications are reviewed by the WIB’s Executive Committee and then recommended to the Board for appointment.
WIB members are allowed to serve three two-year terms. At the end of three terms, members are welcome to attend as a member of the public or to reapply to serve additional terms. Members will automatically be reappointed for terms two and three unless they submit a resignation or change employment and become ineligible to maintain membership.
Approve the appointment of Sean Nunez to the Workforce Investment Board. Mr. Nunez serves as the Regional Director at Redwood Empire for the Department of Rehabilitation. He holds a master’s degree in social work with a focus on forensic mental health and brings 15 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation and employment services, with a focus on underserved populations. Mr. Nunez has led impactful initiatives, including expanding state internships for individuals with disabilities, promoting financial literacy, and forming partnerships to address employment barriers. His collaborations with tribal programs, justice-involved individuals, and those experiencing homelessness highlight a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through program development and advocacy, Mr. Nunez has created inclusive environments and ensured equitable access to resources, making him a valuable asset to the Workforce Investment Board. Mr. Nunez will fill a Governmental and Economic and Community Development seat.
Approve the appointment of Marlyn Garcia to the Workforce Investment Board. Ms. Garcia, the Adult Education Director for the Sonoma County Adult Education Consortium and Santa Rosa Junior College, has worked in adult education since 2016 in roles including Administrative Assistant, Outreach Specialist, Instructor, Data & Accountability Manager, and now Director. An immigrant from Mexico who navigated language and cultural barriers to become the first in her family to earn a college degree, Ms. Garcia brings a personal understanding of immigrant challenges. Dedicated to supporting diverse students, she aims to expand programs, forge new partnerships, and ensure accessible education for all community members, regardless of age, identity, or background. Ms. Garcia will fill an Education seat.
Approve the appointment of Gary Beerbower to the Workforce Investment Board. Mr. Beerbower is the Business Representative for the Sheet Metal Workers Labor 104. He brings a strong passion for workforce development, with experience in creating programs that enhance skills and employability. Holding a certificate in Sheet Metal Worker, Mr. Beerbower is committed to developing training initiatives aligned with labor market demands and advocating for policies that support job creation and worker advancement. His dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in efforts to promote equity and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups. With a focus on economic mobility, labor market analysis, and community engagement, he builds partnerships to address workforce challenges and leverage innovative technologies to improve job training and career pathways for all. Mr. Beerbower will fill a Workforce Labor seat.
Strategic Plan:
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Prior Board Actions:
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Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
1. Proposed Workforce Investment Board Member Roster
2. Applications Recommended for Appointment
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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