About Us

Edward Eng, Executive Director

Mr. Eng is the Executive Director for the Economy and Efficiency Commission, an independent advisory Commission to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. He also founded Kairos Consulting Lab in 2020 to develop alternative business programs to assist universities in meeting 21st century corporate needs. Prior to his career with the County of Los Angeles, Mr. Eng held several executive positions at the Los Angeles Times including Vice President /Western Regional President, and Director of Strategic Planning and New Business Development. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Eng spent 15+ years in the utility industry mostly at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in various management positions including Senior Marketing Manager and Project Manager. Mr. Eng formerly served as a Board Member of News Corp’s Diversity Council, the ATM Group, and Joe Barter.com, LLC. In 2015, Mr. Eng was elected as a Councilmember in the City of La Mirada, served as Mayor in 2017, and reelected in 2020.

Mr. Eng holds a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. He received his first Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from California State University of Los Angeles, and his second Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University with an emphasis in strategy formulation. Mr. Eng earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from UCLA and was a registered professional engineer in the State of California. Mr. Eng also taught consulting, strategic management, marketing, and management courses at Pepperdine, UCLA, and the University of Phoenix.

Date of Hire: March 2008

John Anthony Schmitz

Retired after 38 years working at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch, Cash Department as a Project Manager/Systems Analyst supporting Electronic Banking Applications. Graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in History specializing in ancient and medieval science and technology. Married to Reina Schmitz, retired Union Organizer with two daughters. I volunteer at the Earthworks Organic farm and am a member of LACLAA and an active member in my community supporting environmental projects, education and projects supporting the homeless.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hilda Solis

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hilda Solis

Date of Original Appointment: March 2019

 Craig Taubman

Craig Taubman began his illustrious career at the tender of age of 15, when he picked up a guitar and led music at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California. Someone suggested that he go to school, so he did at UCLA, Northridge University, and the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. He also spent two years at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, performing for Prime Minister Menachem Begin the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and a bunch of other college students who are now in their mid 50’s.

His eclectic musical styles, have made his recordings an integral part of the Jewish community. Craig’s top-selling releases include Friday Night Live, composed for a special Shabbat service held once a month at Sinai Temple with Rabbi David Wolpe in Los Angeles. His extensive musical catalog consists of over 50 recordings, featuring everything from the new Celebrate Jewish Lullabies, to Rock n Toontown, featuring backup vocals with Minnie and Mickey!

Craig’s songs bridge traditional Jewish themes and ancient teachings with passages and experiences of contemporary Jewish life. He speaks a language that is both comfortable and acceptable to children and adults. His Jewish recordings are an integral part of the community, weaving song and spirit into the fabric of Jewish life.

Craig has also enjoyed a successful career in television and film. He composed and directed music for the Fox children’s series Rimba’s Island, the critically acclaimed HBO animated series Happily Ever After, and Shari Lewis’s PBS series, Charley Horse Pizza. His music has been featured at the Coca-Cola Olympic Pavilion in Atlanta as well as in the Paramount Pictures feature film Andre, New Line Cinema’s Pinocchio, and Disney’s animated short film Recycle Rex. His songs have been recorded by such respected artists as Chita Rivera and Jennifer Holliday. Craig’s sell-out concerts draw thousands of fans at such respected venues as Ravinia in Chicago, Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, Westbury Music Fair in New York, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and three special performances at the White House.

Craig is the producer of Jewels of Elul (www.jewelsofelul.com) an annual collection of short stories, anecdotes, and introspections for the High Holy Days. Over the past 10 years “Jewel” has been collected from an eclectic group of people including President Barack Obama, Desmond Tutu, the Dali Lama, Sarah Lefton, Eli Wiesel, Deepak Chopra, Pastor Rick Warren, Kirk Douglas, Rabbi David Wolpe, Ruth Messinger, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and over 250 other inspired voices . . . well known and not so well known.

Most recently, Craig has been focusing his energies on building the Pico-Union Project. (www.picounionproject.org). This multi-faith cultural arts center located downtown Los Angeles – in the oldest synagogue in Southern California, is dedicated to the Jewish principle to “love your neighbor as yourself”.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hilda Solis

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hilda Solis

Date of Original Appointment: August 2021.

Vacant

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Solis

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Solis

Date of Original Appointment: 

Vacant

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Solis

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Solis

Date of Original Appointment: 

Wilma Pinder



Wilma J Pinder retired in 2008 as an Assistant City Attorney from the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney. During a stellar 30-year career she practiced Civil Litigation and successfully defended several Los Angeles (LA) City Departments and its employees. Ms. Pinder maintains her California (CA) law license in order to serve as a mentor to younger lawyers. She also consults and mediates matters of interest and remains active in local, state and national bar associations. In 2013 she was inducted into the Langston Bar Association Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of outstanding Greater LA attorneys and judges. She is a member of the American Bar Association, a Life Member of the National Bar Association, a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF) where she served on the ABF Board from 2000-2010, and a Co-Chair of the CA ABF Fellows. Ms. Pinder earned a Juris Doctorate from UCLA, entering law school when her three children were 6-10 years of age. One of her daughters has served for 22+ years as a LA Deputy City Attorney. Ms. Pinder holds a BA in Psychology from USC and a Master of Science in Psychology from Howard University, Washington, DC. She has been married for 50+years to Frank E. Pinder, M.D. They have enjoyed an exciting life that has taken them around the globe.



Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Ridley-Thomas

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Mitchell

Date of Original Appointment: March 2016

Robert Cole



President, Ground Zero Communications; Chair, Empowerment Congress West Area Neighborhood Development Council; President, Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners' Association; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Association, Beta Psi Lamba Chapter; Deputy, California State Assembly, 1996-1997; Clerk, Katten Muchin Zavis & Weitzman, 1989-1996; Deputy, United States Congress, Honorable John Lewis, 5th District, 1987-1989; Education: JD, American College of Law; BA Criminal Justice, Morehouse College.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Burke

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Mitchell

Date of Original Appointment: August 2005

Katherine McKeon



Katherine (“Katie”) McKeon is currently a Staff Attorney at Public Counsel, the largest pro bono law firm in the country. She works with community-based organizations and community coalitions to advance racial and economic justice through community driven planning and equitable development policies. Katie holds a B.A. in History from Stanford University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Burke

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Mitchell

Date of Original Appointment: December 2021

Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams, CPA



Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams is a licensed CPA in the state of California and a SASB Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting credential holder with over a decade of experience in the financial sector serving a broad range of clients ranging from celebrities in music and film to Fortune 500 companies.

Jennifer is a founding fellow of the CEO Action for Racial Equity policy fellowship, and consults on racial and economic equity policy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) strategies that center community. Jennifer is a board member of America’s Charities, a national nonprofit that helps nonprofits fundraise unrestricted, sustainable dollars through the workplace, and helps employers achieve their giving, engagement, and social impact goals. Jennifer is a class of 2022 alumna of the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) and Emerge California programs. Jennifer graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston and her MBA from Louisiana State University - Shreveport.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Burke

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Mitchell

Date of Original Appointment: July 2022

Cathy J. Hood

A top nominee for the L.A. Times B2B Publishing Inspiration Women's Leadership award in 2022 and 2023, Cathy J. Hood is a communications guru on a mission to ensuring diverse stories and voices are heard across mainstream media.

With a Master's degree in Public Administration from California State University – Los Angeles, Cathy is a go-to strategist for all things in the realms of public and community engagement.  From spearheading global media relations initiatives for corporate brands to serving as a communications advisor for local and national political campaigns, Cathy J. Hood is a serial entrepreneur who brings value and innovation to any project she’s involved in.

Cathy is responsible for enhancing the public profiles of numerous influential individuals and corporate brands, positioning them into thought leaders we know today.

She is currently a board member of the Hollywood Studio District Neighborhood Council (HSDNC), an active member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, and the Hollywood Chambers of Commerce.  You can find Cathy every month hosting community clean up events in Hollywood, where she enjoys bringing the City and residents together to beautify the streets.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: November 2023

Vince Wong

Vince Wong dually as Vice President of Public Affairs for Michelson Philanthropies and the Michelson Center for Public Policy. He directs the Michelson enterprise’s public policy and legislative efforts, spearheads local advocacy initiatives, and manages political affairs for the Michelson family.

Vince is a lifetime resident of Greater Los Angeles. Focusing on myriad local social impact issues, he currently serves on the Inner City Law Center board of directors fighting to end homelessness, was a longtime member of the Liberty Hill Foundation community funding board championing social change philanthropy and was a board member of Christopher Street West advocating for LGBTQ+ people in Los Angeles.

A proud University of Southern California Trojan, he is an emeritus member of the USC Board of Governors. He earned his B.S. in Public Policy from USC.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: November 2023

Steven Lei

Steven Lei brings to the Commission his expertise in organizational strategy and operations, risk management, and human resources from both the public and private sectors. He is the Assistant Vice President of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery at East West Bank, a publicly traded bank with over 120 locations in the U.S. and Asia. Steven has held strategic roles in finance and business operations at the Federal Reserve Bank and the University of California System, and served as a risk consultant at Facebook.



His current and previous board service includes Opera Parallèle, the Pony Barnes Foundation (LGBTQ+ focused grant maker), BluPeak Credit Union ($1B+ in assets); the Institute of Human Behavior, Research, and Education, and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum. In 2000-2021, Steven served on the Civil Grand Jury for the City and County of San Francisco, and examined the city's convention center operations, waste management and recycling program, and mental health care system.



Steven earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of California, San Diego, Master’s degree at the London School of Economics, and has completed the Accelerated Management Program at the Yale School of Management. Steven is the son of immigrants and is a first generation college graduate.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: November 2023

Vacant

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: 

Constance S. Sullivan

Connie Sullivan retired from Los Angeles County's Chief Executive Office, as the Manager over Data Integration and Evaluation Services in 2008. Since leaving the County she volunteered for the Los Angeles County District Attorney for five years and the Palos Verdes Estates CARES program for two years. She currently is active with the Citizens Climate Lobby and South Bay 350.org.

Dr. Sullivan received her Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology from Purdue University and a Doctor of Public Health Degree in Epidemiology from UCLA.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Date of Original Appointment: April 2017

Jacob Haik

Jacob Haik is an established public servant with a stellar record of service to the communities of South LA and the Los Angeles Harbor. Mr. Haik, a native of the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, began his career as the Director of Environmental Affairs for former Councilmember Janice Hahn of the 15th District, where he assisted with the initial phases of waterfront redevelopment along the LA Waterfront, Clean Air initiatives for Port of Los Angeles, managed large scale Public Works Projects and navigate a difficult period of major budget reductions during the economic recession of the late 2000’s. Following his departure from Council office, he joined the office of Dr. Richard Vladovic – representative of the 7th District of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Board of Education as his Deputy Chief and later elevated to Chief of Staff.

As Chief of Staff for Board District 7, Mr. Haik took an active role in oversight of $1 billion in bond funds to construct 11 new schools and modernization projects in Board District 7, while simultaneously providing much-needed support during a time of significant budgetary difficulties for LAUSD, and improving staff engagement with the communities of South Los Angeles. He successfully guided Dr. Vladovic’s re-election campaign before departing in 2012 to return to Council District 15 as a senior member of newly-elected Councilmember Joe Buscaino’s inaugural staff.

Councilmember Buscaino, upon his election to replace Janice Hahn as the member for the 15th District, selected Mr. Haik as his District Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. In this current role, he has played a vital role in managing the field operations and City services of the diverse communities of the 15th District with over 275,000 residents, overseen public works investment in all 5 communities of the District, and utilized his extensive project management skills to assist the Council office during major investments in the LA Waterfront, construction of new parks, and the $130 million restoration of Lake Machado in Harbor City. He also serves as the Councilman’s liaison to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and California Air Resources Board where he has contributed to developing new air emission regulations, programs and research into clean energy fuels and technology for Southern California. These programs also involve him working closely with the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports and Department of Water and Power in their efforts to meet the strict air emissions standards of the State of California.

Mr. Haik, a father of four, lives with his family in San Pedro, CA. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Los Angeles Harbor College, a Construction Project Management Certification from the University of California – Dominguez Hills and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Bio-Chemistry from the University of California – Santa Barbara. Amongst his many organization memberships, Mr. Haik is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Southern California Paleontological Society, the Rotary Club of Wilmington, Los Angeles Harbor College Foundation Board, Los Angeles Harbor College STEM Council and Gang Alternative Program Board.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Date of Original Appointment: August 2017

Cesar Zaldivar-Motts

Cesar Zaldivar-Motts is the Executive Director of the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC) since February 2008.The Southeast Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit community and economic development organization focused on serving the residents of Southeast Los Angeles County. Cesar was raised in the Southeast area and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors at Human Service Association and Huntington Park Police Activity League.  He also serves on the Boards of the Southeast Rio Vista YMCA, NewStart Housing Development Corp, Southeast Salvation Army, Rio Hondo Red Cross, and the Southeast Collaborative. He graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City with a Masters of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and has 20 years of management experience.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Date of Original Appointment: April 2019

Dora Sandoval

Dora Sandoval is a former School Board Member, community leader, and long-time homeowner in the City of Norwalk. Dora and her husband of 26 years moved back to Norwalk in 2001, where they started a family and have been raising their three beautiful daughters. Dora fulfilled a lifetime goal of representing her childhood school district, Little Lake City, from 2015-2020. During her time on the school board, she helped to bring in over $200,000 of funding and programming support, including $125,000 funding for the William Orr School and Sara Mendez Park playground for students and the community. She served on the Board of Directors of the Little Lake Educational Advancement Foundation and the California School Board Association (CSBA) Delegate Assembly. She also served as chairperson of the Lake Center School Site Council, a member of the Lakeview PTA, SSC, and a member of the District Advisory Council. Her civic contributions don’t stop at the school district. She has dedicated much of her professional career to supporting, volunteering, and leading several local non-profits and community organizations. She is a former Norwalk Public Safety and Social Services Commissions, Past President of the Norwalk Lions Club Committee & former member of the Miss Santa Fe Springs pageant. Dora is also a founding member of Mujeres Extraordinarias, Co-Chair of the Young Latinas Empowerment Conference, on the Norwalk Education Alliance committee, a member of the Soroptimist International of Santa Fe Springs/Norwalk, and serves on the Board of Director of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. She is also the Charter President of the Kiwanis 605, which was recently chartered in October 2021 with 31 members strong. Dora has also offered free assistance to residents preparing their income tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Santa Fe Springs. All of this work culminated with Dora being recognized by Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon in 2022 as the Assembly District 57 Distinguished.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Hahn

Date of Original Appointment: December 2022

Robert Philibosian, Chair-Emeritus

Robert H. Philibosian is Of Counsel in the Real Estate, Land Use and Environmental Practice Group in the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Robert represents clients before local, state and federal administrative agencies and local legislative bodies.  He advises and represents clients on a wide variety of government permits, regulatory matters and projects, including land use; coastal developments and opposition to coastal developments; public-private partnerships and municipal contracts; and consumer and environmental enforcement actions. He is the Government Relations Team Leader for Sheppard Mullin's Global Climate Change Team.

Robert is the former District Attorney of Los Angeles County.  In addition to criminal matters, the District Attorney prosecuted civil cases in the areas of toxic waste disposal, environmental law, consumer law, and antitrust.  He also directed an active legislative program.

He served as California's Chief Deputy Attorney General in 1982. In that capacity, he was responsible for the daily operations of the California Department of Justice.

From 1979 to 1982 he was the Chief Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Law Division, where he directed the State's criminal appellate prosecutions. In addition, he directed civil and criminal prosecutions of consumer fraud, Medi-Cal fraud and antitrust matters.

Robert first joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in 1968, rising to become Head Deputy in charge of the Van Nuys branch office in 1979 when he became Chief Assistant Attorney General.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Barger

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Barger

Date of Original Appointment: June 2019 

Benjamin Everard

Ben Everard is currently Chief Operating Office of Grey Matter Productions, an entertainment company producing feature films and television projects. The company recently produced the film LIGHTS OUT with New Line Cinema. Previously, he was Co-Founder of Bon Aire Productions, which produced the television show HANG MEN for the Discovery Channel. Everard began his career in Los Angeles working at the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. He attended law school at the George Washington University Law School, and did his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, where he graduated summa cum laude and phi beta kappa. Everard also serves on the board of FilmLA, the nonprofit entity tasked with film permitting in Los Angeles, and is on the Los Angeles chapter board of Gen-Next. He is married with two children.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Antonovich

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Barger

Date of Original Appointment: November 2015

Peter Lyons

Peter Lyons, AICP, MBA, has over 40 years of professional experience across Southern California municipalities, Lyons has led numerous community development and planning departments to new heights. His tenure as the Interim Community Development Director for the City of Ventura showcased his ability to manage complex divisions, including Building and Safety, Land Development, and Housing/Special Projects, significantly improving the public hearing process and policy presentation to the City Council and Planning Commission.

Lyons' role as the Director of the Community Development Department in the City of Simi Valley marked a period of notable achievements. Under his leadership, the city saw the successful supervision of the General Plan Update, the drafting of a new Cultural Heritage ordinance, the development of a green building ordinance in line with CAL Green codes, and the strategic annexation of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. As a Deputy Director and City Planner for Simi Valley, he was instrumental in reorganizing the development review process, managing major updates to the city’s development code, and overseeing large-scale environmental impact reports for key projects.

Before ascending to directorial positions, Lyons served as the Planning Department Director for the City of Rosemead, where he significantly enhanced the efficiency and customer service of the Business License and Building Permit Counter, spearheaded a successful redevelopment project area, and managed the pre-construction and construction phases of a major 51-unit senior housing center.

In addition to his many years of professional experience. Peter also served nearly 3 years with the US Peace Corps in Ecuador supporting indigenous groups in the area of reforestation, surveying, and land reform.

Peter Lyons earned his MBA from the American Graduate School of International Business Management in 1988 and holds a BS in Urban Studies from the University of Oregon, obtained in 1980. A certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Lyons has devoted his career to the advancement of urban planning and development, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for communities throughout Southern California.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Barger

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Barger

Date of Original Appointment: March 2024