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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Serves as a voice and advocate for young children
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Uses a collaborative, transparent and inclusionary process
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Acts responsibly, making First 5 an accountable steward of public funding
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Makes investments that are research based, long range and visionary
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Focuses on enhancing and supporting existing systems to achieve the Commission's mission
Ginger Swigart; Chair
Retired Early Childhood Administrator
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Boys and Girls Club, Pollock Pines/Camino Rotary Club, NAEYC, and CAEYC.
Earl R. Washburn, MD; Vice Chair
Retired Pediatrician
Medical Representative
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
Sue Novasel
Supervisor, District 5, El Dorado County
El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Representative
Don Semon
Director, EDC Health and Human Services Agency
EDC Department Representative
Sabrina Owen
Manager, Mental Health Programs (SLT)
EDC Department Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Community Health Advisory Committee, Lake Tahoe Collaborative, SLT Mental & Behavioral Health Collaborative, El Dorado County ACES Collaborative
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
Drew Woodall MA Ed
Retired Educator
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Georgetown Divide Ready By 21
Connie Zelinsky
Community Member
Community Representative
Other Boards & Commissions: Courthouse Reuse Blue Ribbon Committee Alternate