To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Michelle Revecho 707-565-5557, Angela Struckmann, 707-565-5800
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the Reappointment of Lauren Vasquez to the Workforce Investment Board for a two-year term beginning June 10, 2026 and ending on June 9, 2028.
End
Executive Summary:
Approve the Reappointment of Lauren Vasquez to the Workforce Investment Board for a two-year term beginning June 10, 2026, and ending on June 9, 2028.
Discussion:
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal law designed to prepare youth and adults for entry into the labor force. The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and its American Job Center of California (AJCC), Job Link, provide support to both Sonoma County job seekers and businesses.
WIOA requires all local regions to create a board comprised of local business and community members to oversee and implement WIOA Title I programs. It also requires the appointment of a policy oversight body, and the WIB serves in this capacity for Sonoma County. The Human Services Department (HSD) is requesting the reappointment of one member to the WIB.
The Employment and Training Division of HSD runs Job Link, where the public can access basic career search offerings such as workshops and job fairs. There are more intensive services offered to connect those looking for training, education, and work through WIOA programs. Employers can access Job Link Business Services, including funding for various types of workforce training.
Efforts to fill the WIB seats are ongoing through referrals from current members and outreach to businesses, the public, workforce, and private nonprofit organizations. HSD also works closely with the Economic Development Collaborative to identify business members appropriate for business seats on the WIB.
Membership Criteria and Process for Recommending Members for Appointment
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Supervisors and the WIB, the WIB executives review and approve candidates’ applications for membership and forward the recommendations to the Board for final approval and appointment/reappointment.
The WIB consists of member categories in compliance with Workforce Act regulation. Business seats must comprise the majority and include representatives of businesses 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 that are nominated by local business organizations and trade associations. There are 12 business seats representing 41% 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 three education and training seats.
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.
The WIB seeks business members who provide expertise in Sonoma County’s important or emerging employment sectors such as health care, hospitality, and building trades. Applications are reviewed by the WIB’s Executive Committee and then recommended to the Board for appointment. Current members in good standing are recommended for reappointment at the end of their term.
Member Reappointment
Lauren Vasquez meets the requirements set forth in the bylaws <https://s42248.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/04-10-2024-WIB-Bylaws-Approved-Code-of-Conduct-included.pdf> and reappointment is recommended.
Mrs. Vasquez currently serves as the Director of People and Culture at ESP Pros, a prominent security company based in Santa Rosa. With her extensive experience in human resources and organizational development, Mrs. Vasquez has been instrumental in fostering a positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement initiatives at ESP Pros. In her role, she oversees various aspects of talent management, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation. As a seasoned professional in the business sector, Mrs. Vasquez brings invaluable insights into workforce dynamics and organizational management. Her expertise in human capital development and strategic leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the deliberations and decisions of the WIB as she fills a business seat.
Prior Board Actions:
6-10-2024: Approved appointment of Lauren Vasques (Lauren Bodsworth) to the WIB
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Not applicable
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Not applicable
Attachments:
Proposed Workforce Investment Board Member Roster
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None