The work and investments of First 5 El Dorado are guided by a nine member Commission. Commissioners are appointed by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors in compliance with the California Children and Families Act and local ordinance. Commissioners represent the fields of education, health, mental health and local government.
As a public entity, the Commission bases its decision making processes on local and state regulations with input from the community. The Commission operates in accordance with the Brown Act Open Meetings for Local Legislative Bodies. Public comment is welcomed and invited at all times.
The Commission:
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Advocate for children, and families and individuals within their community within the collective impact framework.
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Respect the diversity, strength, identity, and potential of all children, individuals, families, and communities.
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Address the structural and institutional practices that marginalize children, individuals, families, and communities.
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Solicit and listen to the ideas of stakeholders and others, encouraging a reflective and open dialogue.
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Employ a collaborative, transparent and inclusionary process.
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Make investments that are research based, long range and visionary.
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Focus on enhancing and supporting existing systems to achieve the Commission mission.
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Act responsibly, making First 5 an accountable steward of public funding.

Dr. Mary Rhonda Sneeringer
Pediatrician
Medical Representative

Tammy Chako
Deputy Director, Child Welfare Services, EDC HHSA (SLT)
EDC Department Representative
Tahoe Women's Community Fund, Behavioral Health Network - South Lake Tahoe, Community Health Advisory Committee, Tahoe Chamber, Leadership Lake Tahoe, Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra - Board of Director

Lori Parlin
Supervisor, District 4, El Dorado County
El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Representative

Janet Saitman
Community Member
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Latrobe School District, El Dorado County Habitat for Humanity, El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado Hills BACPAC

Luli Velasco
Community Member
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: El Dorado County Breastfeeding Coalition, Festival of the Americas Powwow Board, Foothill Indian Education Alliance, Health Services Advisory Committee, Western Slope Collaborative

Drew Woodall, Chair
Retired Educator
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Georgetown Divide Ready By 21

Dr. Ed Manansala
County Superintendent of Schools
Education Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Boys and Girls Club, El Dorado Community Foundation, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Lake College Foundation

EDC Health and Human Services Agency
EDC Department Representative

Connie Zelinsky, Vice Chair
Community Member
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Courthouse Reuse Blue Ribbon Committee Alternate