Committees

Overview

Committees

CWDA’s policy and program committees identify and analyze issues, develop program and policy recommendations for consideration by the Board of Directors, and work with state agencies to develop and implement program services. Committees are open to CWDA members. 

Names listed above each committee indicate the current committee co-chairs.

General information Christine Huber Angela Struckmann

Adult Services Committee

The Adult Services Committee advises the Board of Directors on policies and practices related to the effective administration of the Adult Protective Services (APS) and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) programs. The committee also serves as a forum for discussion among counties to promote effective program administration and service delivery and works with the California Department of Social Services and California Department of Health Care Services to ensure consistent interpretation of laws and regulations pertaining to the IHSS and APS programs.

General information Bill Wathen Marla Stuart

CalFresh Committee

The CalFresh Committee discusses policy and operational issues in the Food Stamps program and works with the California Department of Social Services to ensure consistent interpretation of laws and regulations pertaining to the program. The committee may forward issues or recommendations to the Self-Sufficiency or Executive committees or the full Board of Directors.

General information Patricia Barbieri Ethan Dye

CalWORKs / Child Care Committee

The CalWORKs Committee discusses policy and operational issues in the CalWORKs program and works with the California Department of Social Services to ensure consistent interpretation of laws and regulations pertaining to the program. The Committee may forward issues or recommendations to the Self-Sufficiency or Executive committees or the full Board of Directors.

General information Randy Morris Brandon Nichols

Children’s Services Committee

The Children’s Services Committee advises the Board of Directors on policies and practices related to the effective administration of child welfare services, including foster care and adoptions. The Committee also discusses policy and social service delivery issues that affect county operation and administration of programs to children and their families. The committee works with the California Department of Social Services and other partner organizations to promote consistent interpretation and application of law, policy, standards and practices throughout the state.

General information Rachel Peña Roger Robinson

DEI Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, created in January of 2023, was convened as part of CWDA’s comprehensive plan for DEI, to focus on this important area for policy, practice and organizational development for the Association.

General information Claire Cunningham Deborah Martinez

Fiscal Committee

The Fiscal Committee advises the Board of Directors on fiscal policies and practices related to the effective administration of human services, including identifying, resolving, and/or developing recommendations on fiscal issues such as claiming, premise funding, Realignment social services caseload growth, and county allocations. The Committee also works with the California Departments of Social Services and Health Care Services to reach common agreement on federal and state fiscal policy issues.

General information Devin Drake Roderick Franks

HR Committee

The Human Resources (HR) Committee, created in January of 2023, was reestablished to assist counties and CWDA staff in addressing county workforce issues. The overarching goal of the HR Committee is to advance policies and practices at the State and county level that support and build a highly motivated, skilled and diverse county human services workforce.

General information Elizabeth Kelly

Information Technology Committee

The Information Technology Committee meets to ensure that California’s automation systems support the delivery of effective human services; that county needs are fully considered in the development, implementation, and operation of statewide information technology systems; and to foster the sharing of automation best practices among counties.

General information Bekkie Emery Trent Rhorer

Legislative Committee

The Legislative Committee meets regularly to review legislation, identify needed amendments, and recommend bill positions to the Board of Directors. The committee also recommends budget and legislative priorities to the board on an annual basis.

General information Alberto Banuelos Greg Geisler

Medical Care Committee

The Medical Care Committee discusses policy and operational issues in the Medi-Cal program and works with the California Department of Health Care Services, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, and key advocacy organizations to ensure consistent interpretation of laws and regulations pertaining to the program. The committee may forward issues or recommendations to the Self-Sufficiency or Executive committees or the full Board of Directors.

General information Francena Martinez Rick Wanne

Self-Sufficiency Committee

The CWDA Self-Sufficiency Committee discusses policy and operational issues in the Medi-Cal, Food Stamps, CalWORKs, and Child Care programs and works with the California Departments of Social Services and Health Care Services to identify and resolve issues and promote common goals. The committee primarily focuses on major policy issues. The committee may forward issues or recommendations to the Executive committee or the full Board of Directors.

General information Rachel Peña Tracey Belton

20 Small Counties Committee

The 20 small counties meet regularly to discuss policy and financial issues as they affect operations in small counties. Members share knowledge and experience with each other on issues of mutual concern. In addition, the committee meets with state staff to understand and discuss the impact of upcoming changes on smaller organizations. Issues that also impact the whole association are brought to the Board of Directors for discussion.