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.

Yolanda Rodriquez-Pena

I Currently serve on Azusa Unified School board of Trustees. I have served as past President of the AUSD Board of Education. I am retired 40 years of service from the Garvey School District as a classified employee working as an Instruction Aide, Office Clerk, and Attendance Technician, and CSEA Job Steward. My volunteer work: Co-Chair Azusa Leaders for Learning Education Foundation, President of Neighborhood Improvement, Treasurer of Azusa Beautiful, Board of Directors of Azusa Homework House, Director California Latino School Board Association, Secretary of Azusa Voucher Task Force we provide a hotel stay for a week for a family from Azusa Unified that become homeless due to hardships. Member San Gabriel Valley National Women’s Political Caucus. My family and myself have an annual children Christmas Party for the past 15 years. Children in my community receive hotdogs, face painting, arts & crafts and a gift from Santa it’s all free to the children in my community. I have four children and four grandchildren.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Solis

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Solis

Date of Original Appointment: September 2018

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

Rebecca Doten

Ms. Becca Doten serves as the Assistant Deputy State Controller in the Los Angeles office of State Controller Betty T. Yee. She has worked in state and local government for more than ten years, specializing in policy, communications, and staff management. Ms. Doten is a sworn Reserve Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, serves on the Board of Directors of the non-profit Students Run LA, and is a West Coast Partner with the Truman National Security Project. She has a BA in Film Production from the University of Southern California and in her free time she enjoys running, hiking, and participating in triathlons.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Kuehl

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: March 2015

Jeffrey Monical

Jeffrey W. Monical has served as the President and CEO of Lavell Communications, a strategy and communications consulting agency, for nearly 25 years. Lavell Communications clients include many of the state's largest peace officer associations, firefighter associations and general public employee associations in California.

Mr. Monical also provides strategy and issue development services for large private sector employee associations, including the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, representing nearly 8,000 Southwest pilots across the country.

Prior to starting his consulting business, Mr. Monical served as state legislative staff working on criminal justice issues, transportation policy and state budget measures in the California State Capitol.

Mr. Monical graduated from California State Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1984.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Kuehl

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: February 2015

Larry Kaplan

Larry Kaplan’s specialty is advocacy and public affairs---helping organizations advocate for their causes to advance their missions and reach their goals and objectives---and how organizations can strategize and fundraise for it. He shows non-profits, associations, collaborative and grant makers how advocacy can improve their impact and boost their fundraising. He provides executive coaching for advocacy leaders, helps advocacy organizations and collaborative fundraise, and offers them strategic planning and board development services.

Larry’s experience is in transformational management, especially for those organizations going through changes and operating in challenging environments. He has a thorough knowledge and wealth of relationships extending across Southern California's communities and leaders, and a solid understanding of their issues. He helps advocacy organizations fundraise, conduct strategic planning and build their boards.

Larry has turned around troubled non-profit organizations and started up new ones. He has built and maintained elected officials' offices, managed political campaigns, analyzed the impact of public policy, helped public agencies increase their effectiveness, and advised private companies on their philanthropic and civic responsibilities.

Larry has created parks and playgrounds in some of the region’s poorest communities, and has developed and led diverse workplaces. He is a problem solver, a "fixer." Most importantly, he is passionate about urban communities and social justice.

As the Los Angeles Area Director for the Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation organization, Larry managed its urban park program, and was instrumental in developing a new paradigm for urban parks and playgrounds. He was executive director of Workplace Hollywood, a non-profit dedicated to increasing the workforce diversity of Los Angeles' signature industry.

Larry was the CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and helped a national civil engineering firm market its services to both public and private sector clients.

Larry’s career includes serving as Regional Director for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, covering the state from the Tehachapi’s to the Mexican border, during her first term. He served a number of state and local elected officials, including L.A. Councilman Mike Woo in his first term.

Larry was born and raised in New York, but has lived in Los Angeles for years, so he has seen many profound changes. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism. Larry regularly contributes to the Nonprofit Quarterly's daily newswire, and volunteers with the Taproot Foundation, providing guidance, coaching and counsel to various non-profit organizations.

Larry served on the California Board of Accountancy from 2011 to 2017, and on the Los Angeles County Local Governmental Services Commission from 2013 to 2018. In 2017, he was appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly to the Bar Examiners Committee of the California State Bar, and in 2018, he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the Economy and Efficiency Commission. He also chairs the board of Worksite Wellness Los Angeles.

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Kuehl

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: February 2018

Natalie Samarjian, J.D.

Natalie is the Executive Director of Coro Southern California.  Coro's mission is to strengthen the democratic process by preparing emerging leaders for effective and ethical leadership in public affairs.  Under Natalie’s leadership, Coro has developed a new strategic plan, expanded programs, partnerships, and revenue, and cultivated a growing community of Coro alumni who are transforming communities across the country. 

Natalie comes to Coro Southern California from the California Women's Law Center (CWLC), where she worked to address the comprehensive and unique legal needs of women and girls through impact litigation, public policy advocacy and legal education.  Prior to CWLC, Natalie was Staff Attorney and Dickran Tevrizian Fellow at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA), where she provided individual representation to victims of domestic violence, supported impact litigation, including a successful appeal in Montagner v. Montagner, engaged in public policy advocacy, and conducted extensive community outreach and legal education.  Before joining NLSLA, Natalie was a Labor and Employment litigator at Rutan & Tucker, LLP.  While at Rutan, Natalie was actively engaged in pro bono efforts, successfully representing an asylum seeker before the Department of Homeland Security.  Prior to embarking on her legal career, Natalie was a Human Capital Consultant in Deloitte & Touche LLP's Public Sector practice where she led the firm's National Public Sector Human Capital Community of Practice Initiative.

Natalie earned her Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law, her Master of Science at the Heinz School of Public Policy & Management at Carnegie Mellon University, and her Bachelor of Arts UCLA.  Natalie is an alumnus of the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs and Emerge California, and was a 2017 recipient of the Empowerment Congress’ Emerging Civic Leaders 40 Under 40 award.  She currently serves as a Los Angeles City Commissioner on the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Commission, and a Los Angeles County Commissioner on the Economy & Efficiency Commission. 

Original Appointing Authority: Supervisor Kuehl

Current Appointing Authority: Supervisor Horvath

Date of Original Appointment: May 2019

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