To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann, 707-565-5800 and Michelle Revecho, 707-565-5557
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board Membership Appointments and Reappointments. (Countywide)
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Approve the following countywide appointments to the Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board for a two-year term beginning July 8, 2025 and ending on July 7, 2027 (Countywide):
i) Jonathon Hughes
ii) Dr. Sarah Ellison
iii) Chris Van Nuys
B) Approve the following countywide reappointments to the Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board for a two-year term beginning July 8, 2025 and ending on July 7, 2027 (Countywide):
i) Brad Davis
ii) Paul Duranczyk
iii) Judy James
iv) Chris Knerr
v) John McEntagart
end
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 (AJCC), 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 approval for three new members and five renewing 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 six workforce representative member seats, constituting 21% 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 three 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 Jonathan Hughes to the WIB: Mr. Hughes brings a valuable blend of skilled trade experience, union leadership, and a strong commitment to workforce advocacy. As a Journeyman Operator and Union Business Representative with Operating Engineers Local #3, he offers hands-on knowledge of construction and infrastructure, along with expertise in labor relations and employment agreements. His work supporting both workers and employers positions him as a trusted advocate. With strong communication, problem-solving skills, and deep insight into industry needs, Mr. Hughes is well-equipped to help the WIB enhance job placement, apprenticeships, and labor-employer partnerships. Mr. Hughes will fill a workforce labor seat.
Approve the appointment of Dr. Sarah Ellison to the WIB: Dr. Ellison offers a strong blend of leadership, community engagement, and a deep commitment to equity-making them an asset to the WIB. As Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Sonoma State University, they lead programs in career services, student success, and access for underrepresented groups. Dr. Ellison’s ability to build partnerships across education, industry, and community organizations supports workforce strategies aligned with local economic needs. With expertise in strategic planning and data-driven program development, they will help drive inclusive, effective, and sustainable initiatives that strengthen Sonoma County’s workforce. Dr. Ellison will fill a workforce labor seat.
Approve the appointment of Chris Van Nuys to the WIB: Mr. Van Nuys will bring over 40 years of local engagement and diverse experience across the IT, manufacturing, and legal sectors. As Director of Operations and General Counsel at LEMO USA, they lead multiple departments and manage legal and strategic operations across global subsidiaries. Mr. Van Nuys’ journey from entry-level roles to executive leadership provides a rare, comprehensive view of the workforce landscape. With strengths in operations, workforce development, legal compliance, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, they offer valuable insight into local labor challenges and are deeply invested in developing skilled talent. Their blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience will make them a strong asset to the WIB. Mr. Van Nuys will fill a business seat.
Approve the reappointment of Brad Davis to the WIB: Mr. Davis is the Dean of Workforce Development and Career Education at Santa Rosa Junior College. In this role he is involved in the implementation and coordination of workforce development education at the post-secondary level. He is committed to preparing students to have the skills, training, and education to achieve their career goals, and to offer programs of study that employers can rely on for hiring and retaining outstanding employees. Mr. Davis has been involved with career and technical education for the last 27 years as an instructor and administrator. Mr. Davis fills an education seat on the WIB.
Approve the reappointment of Paul Duranczyk to the WIB: Mr. Duranczyk is the Health Care Administrator at Villa Marin, a senior living community of 250 residents in San Rafael. He has served on the Sonoma County Managed Medi-Cal Planning & Implementation Group, the Sonoma County Healthcare Disaster Planning Forum, and the Sonoma County Health Action Committee for health care improvement. Mr. Duranczyk fills a business seat on the WIB.
Approve the reappointment of Judy James to the WIB: Ms. James is the Founder and Managing Partner of Stony Point Vineyards and James Family Cellars. Her broad community leadership experience includes being a board member for Redwood Credit Union and Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Vice Chair of Sonoma County Alliance, former Chair of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and past Chair of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Advocacy Council. Ms. James has a strong record of accomplishments working with elected officials and city and county staff members on local, regional and statewide business issues. She is retired from Kaiser Permanente where she was Director of Public Affairs, managing community relations and professional partnerships. She has also worked in leadership positions in agriculture, waste management, and technology. Ms. James fills a business seat on the WIB.
Approve the reappointment of Chris Knerr to the WIB: Mr. Knerr is a Business Agent for the Plasterers’ & Cement Masons Local 300. He is an advocate for all workers in the North Bay. Mr. Knerr fills a workforce representative labor seat on the WIB.
Approve the reappointment of John McEntagart to the WIB: Mr. McEntagart is the Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 551. He also works with the local apprenticeship program that provides opportunities to local high school graduates and local community members to become electrical workers. Mr. McEntagart fills a workforce representative labor seat on the WIB.
Strategic Plan:
Not applicable.
Prior Board Actions:
Brad Davis
Initial appointment to an education seat on the WIB 2/25/2020 with reappointments on 6/8/2021 and 7/11/2023.
Paul Duranczyk
Initial appointment to a business seat on the WIB 1/8/2008 with reappointments on 2/24/2009, 2/15/2011, 3/26/2013, 5/12/2015, 4/25/2017, 3/12/2019, 6/08/2021, and 7/11/2023.
Judy James
Initial appointment to a business seat on the WIB 2/25/2020 with reappointments on 6/8/2021 and 7/11/2023.
Chris Knerr
Initial appointment to a labor seat on the WIB 5/7/2013 with reappointments on 9/1/2014, 4/25/2017, 3/12/2019, 6/08/2021, and 7/11/2023.
John McEntagart
Initial appointment to a labor seat on the WIB 5/12/2020 with reappointments on 6/8/2021 and 7/11/2023.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
No fiscal impact.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
No staffing impact.
Attachments:
1) Application Recommended for Appointment - Jonathan Hughes
2) Application Recommended for Appointment - Dr. Sarah Ellison
3) Application Recommended for Appointment - Chris Van Nuys
4) Proposed Workforce Investment Board Member Roster
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None