To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services/In-Home Support Services Public Authority
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann, 707-565-5800; Eric Glentzer, 707-565-5952
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the Appointment of Eileen Pat Christensen and Kary McElroy to the Public Authority Advisory Committee for a four-year term beginning on December 9, 2025, and ending on December 8, 2029. (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
The Human Services Department and the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority request approval to appoint new members Eileen Pat Christensen and Kary McElroy to the Public Authority Advisory Committee for a four-year term beginning on December 9, 2025 and ending on December 8, 2029.
Discussion:
In 2012, the Board of Supervisors approved by-laws for the Public Authority (PA) Advisory Committee that authorized an ordinance to amend Sonoma County Code Section 2-362, replacing the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee with the PA Advisory Committee. There are 10 positions on the PA Advisory Committee representing IHSS clients, providers, members at large, and one ex-officio member from the Human Services Department (HSD).
The purpose of the PA Advisory Committee is to provide ongoing advice and recommendations regarding the IHSS program to the Board of Supervisors, the PA, and the IHSS program. Of the 10 IHSS PA Advisory Committee positions, there are three vacancies after the two appointments. Recruitment for the three vacancies is ongoing, and when additional applicants are identified, HSD will return to the Board with recommended appointments. Members of the committee are appointed by the Board as a whole and not by supervisorial district.
Eileen Pat Christensen applied in September 2025 to fill one of the vacancies for the “current or previous user” representative of the committee. The PA Executive Committee interviewed Ms. Christensen in October and recommended her appointment to the PA Advisory Committee. Ms. Christensen worked for 2-1-1 Sonoma County from 2015-2019 where she provided referrals for services and advocated for clients.
Kary McElroy applied in August 2025 to fill one of the vacancies for the “current or previous user” representative of the committee. The PA Executive Committee interviewed Ms. McElroy in October and recommended her appointment to the PA Advisory Committee. Ms. McElroy has extensive experience advocating for community programs and supporting local government initiatives. While working in San Francisco she was a small business liaison for Supervisor Tom Ammiano on the 24th Street Revitalization Committee and supported the reelection campaigns of Kamala Harris and Terence Hanllinan and the election campaign of Ross Mirkarimi. She is interested in sharing her skills and experience to support individuals and programs in Sonoma County.
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Not Applicable
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Not Applicable
Attachments:
A) Public Authority Advisory Committee Member List
B) Applications for Recommended Appointments
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
No items on file with the Clerk of the Board.