The Act requires each county in California to establish a Commission to oversee the implementation of the Act. The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance creating the San Joaquin County Children and Families Commission. The Board then appointed the Commissioners to serve on the Commission. In August 2003, the Children and Families Commission officially adopted First 5 as the Overarching Program Identity.
A nine member volunteer commission oversees the work of First 5 San Joaquin, which supports the health, development and well-being of our youngest children through their first five years. Commissioners are selected and appointed by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and includes representatives from the Board of Supervisors, County departments, and individuals who have an expertise in serving children and families.
Tony Anderson, Executive Director, Valley Mountain Regional Center
Vena Ford, MNA, Director, Community, Marketplace, and Member Engagement, Health Plan of San Joaquin
Michael Miller, Retired Director, Human Services Agency
Maggie Park, MD, County Public Health Officer, Public Health Services
Carl Toliver, Retired Superintendent, Stockton Unified School District
Lisa Vela, Chief Executive Officer, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Miguel Villapudua, District 1 Supervisor, San Joaquin County
Chris Woods, Director of Human Services Agency, San Joaquin County
Zienna Blackwell, Public Health Director, San Joaquin County
Tony Anderson entered the field of developmental services in 1987 and began his career as a direct support professional in group homes, respite and in home support services, schools and work-related programs. He has served as a case manager and resource development manager in a regional center, and was the Executive Director of a residential service agency that served over 120 people with developmental disabilities.
He worked in the leadership for the Napa County Department of Health and Human Services and was appointed to serve as Deputy Director for Governor Gray Davis responsible for Policy, Planning & Governmental Relations for the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and served as the principal lobbyist and association Executive Director for The Arc California from 2003 to 2017. Today he serves as the Executive Director for the Valley Mountain Regional Center which serves 14,000 people with developmental disabilities in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne Counties.
He has served on numerous local, state and national boards and commissions and collaborated on many publications in the field. Tony received his BA in Research Psychology and an MA in Organizational Development both from Sonoma State University. He completed his graduate practicum at Stanford University and his Executive Training from the University of Southern California while an official of the State.
Vena Ford serves as the Health Plan of San Joaquin’s Director-Community, Marketplace and Member Engagement since February 2021. She is responsible for the marketing and creative strategy, Medi-Cal membership and onboarding changes in Medi-Cal benefits for Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ). She also is charged with development and implementation of a community engagement strategy that is aligned with the upcoming California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative – an ongoing priority for Governor Gavin Newsom and currently in development by California’s Health and Human Services Agency. Vena Ford holds a master’s degree in non-profit administration from the University of San Francisco, and an undergraduate degree in health education with an emphasis in health policy and chemistry from San Francisco State University. Previously, she was a professional in community health and a non-profit manager, including serving for several years as Director of Health Equity and African American Disparities Elimination Project for Solano County (California). The initial project implementation she led continues to address the poor health of Solano County’s African American community.
Michael Miller was the Director of the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency (HSA). As the Director, he was responsible for the administration of County social services programs including CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Children’s Services, Aging and Community Services, Mary Graham Children’s Shelter and First 5. HSA has approximately 1,300 employees and an annual budget of over $370 million.
Mr. Miller was HSA Deputy Director over the Employment and Youth Services Bureau for the past four years, and prior to that was Deputy Director for the San Joaquin County Employment and Economic Development Department. In total, Mr. Miller has had 34 years’ experience in the administration and operation of social services programs.
Michael Miller graduated from Stockton’s Lincoln High School and California State University, Sacramento with a degree in Government. Mr. Miller's favorite hobby is spending time with his granddaughter and watching his favorite sports team win.
Dr. Maggie Park is a pediatrician and serves as the County Public Health Officer for San Joaquin County. She previously served as the medical consultant to the California Children's Services (CCS) program and oversaw the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, and the Foster Care Program for San Joaquin County Public Health Services. Dr. Park was appointed as the Public Health Officer in 2020.
Dr. Park was born and raised in Southern California and attended UCLA, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiological Sciences. She earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine, then did her pediatric residency at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Park worked as an attending physician for San Joaquin General Hospital, as well as Ventura County Medical Center. Most recently, she practiced pediatrics in Stockton for Community Medical Centers and served as their Pediatric Associate Medical Director.
Dr. Park is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She has a special interest in childhood obesity, literacy, and oral health. Dr. Park lives in Stockton with her husband and two children.
Carl Toliver, was appointed Superintendent of SUSD on July 27, 2010. Mr. Toliver previously served in 2006 as Interim Superintendent of Stockton Unified School District. Prior to this position, he was Deputy Superintendent, Associate Superintendent and high school Principal. He has 34 years experience in all aspects of school operations, management, curriculum development, instructional leadership, district administration, and implementation of board of education goals.
Carl had a myriad of accomplishments while in the district, with student achievement centered goals at the apex. Under Carl’s leadership, numerous successful programs were implemented and are still in place. Some of his accomplishments include establishing the International Baccalaureate Program at Franklin High School; spearheading the Restructuring program, implementing a site-based management council and developing comprehensive plan resulting in Stagg High School receiving the California Distinguished School designation. He led the successful reconfiguration of K-8 schools. Carl provided the leadership that resulted in the passing of the $120,000,000 bond, Measure Q.
Carl received both his B.S in Social Science and M.A. – Educational Administration from UOP. He holds a California Administrative Clear Credential, California Standard Secondary Credential, and California Standard Teaching Credential. In addition, Carl has received numerous awards and recognition, including the 2004 State of California Central Office Administrator by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).
Carl has served as a United Way Board member; served on the Stockton Mid-Town Revitalization Strategy Advisory Group; and the 2005 Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Crime Task Force Committee. He is on the Retired Administrators Committee for the Association of California School Administrators.
Carl was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and is married to his wife, Marguerite, whom he has known since the first grade. He is an avid golfer but loves the freedom to travel and spend time with his wife and family, especially his grandson.
Lisa Vela is the Chief Executive Officer of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Lisa illustrates the transformational leadership style in action through her art of motivating people in working towards achieving a common goal. Her intensive strategy for business growth and development include a robust platform through the San Joaquin County Chambers signature programs, marketing, networking and advocacy.
Lisa Vela’s extensive background in multi-language broadcasting began in 1990 and spanned over 25 years for Entravision Communications Corporation as the Senior V.P. of Integrated Marketing Solutions. Her experience encompassed Radio and Digital on both the local and national levels. She managed multiple channel strategies, built, developed and managed promotion outreach teams, through the development of integrated marketing solutions, business acumen, and strategic thinking. She is a specialist in the latest Digital and Social Media technologies with traditional broadcast media to develop comprehensive and integrated marketing solutions.
More recently, Lisa worked in operations and special projects for the Stockton-based Unidos US affiliate, El Concilio, during their 50-year celebration in 2018. Vela is also currently the Vice-Chair of the Complete Count Committee for San Joaquin County for the 2020 US Census and recently served on the Community Advisory Board for Chief Jones at the Stockton Police Department. In 2014, Lisa was recognized for her commitment to the community and public service, she was the recipient of El Concilio’s prestigious Amiga of the Year award. Consistently recognized for her commitment to the community and public service, Lisa has received awards from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Congressman Denham’s Office, San Joaquin Board of Supervisors and Congressman McNerney’s Office.
With a solid foundation under him, Villapudua applied hard work and determination to his work life. Having that mindset paid immediate dividends, as he became a successful realtor in the community. Looking for more challenges, he seized the opportunity to work with a new start up in the transportation business. He quickly rose to Branch Manager, and with his team, helped build McKinney Trailer into a West Coast giant.
Now, having enjoyed a long and successful career, Villapudua is continuing to look for more challenges that make a difference and bring positive change. He served on the San Joaquin County Planning Commission for eight years. As the San Joaquin County Supervisor for District 1, Villapudua intends to use those same principles of hard work, determination, responsibility and sound decision-making that he was taught at an early age and fight for the benefits of the people for District 1 and San Joaquin County. New higher paying jobs, fostering growth, higher education, public safety, and the overall cohesiveness of the Board and our community help to make our County one of the best in the State of California.
Supervisor Villapudua has one daughter, Tailer. She is a Registered Nurse residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Villapudua is an avid sports fan. He loves following local youth, college and professional sports. He has three large, beautiful Golden Retrievers, and has a passion for cooking.
Chris Woods is the Director of the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency (HSA). As the Director, he is responsible for the administration of County social services programs including CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Children’s Services, Aging and Community Services, Mary Graham Children’s Shelter, and First 5 San Joaquin. HSA has 1,282 employees and an annual budget of over $411 million.
Chris began his career in social services with HSA as an Eligibility Worker in 1997 after earning his Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Linfield College. Upon completion of his Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of the Pacific in 1999, Chris promoted within HSA to Management Analyst, Management Services Administrator, and Deputy Director of Administration. In 2015, he was promoted to the positon of Assistant Director of HSA. In September 2019, Chris was appointed Director of HSA by the Board of Supervisors.
Chris is committed to HSA, its mission, and the community. He believes HSA has a tremendous group of dedicated staff and is thankful to be a part of the HSA team.
Zienna Blackwell-Rodriquez became interested in the field of nursing after completing a combat medic training while serving on active duty in the Army. After receiving an honorable discharge, Zienna joined the National Guard and pursued a nursing degree. As a lifelong learner, Zienna eventually earned a doctorate in public health nursing leadership.
Zienna worked many years in various departments of hospitals, but finally realized her passion for public health. Zienna began her public health career as a front line public health nurse and worked her way up through the ranks in multiple state and county public health systems including Iowa, Alaska, and South Carolina, prior to becoming the public health director for San Joaquin County.
Zienna earned her Associates degree in nursing from Iowa Central Community College, her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa, her Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership from Allen College, and her Doctor of Public Health Nursing Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
In her free time, Zienna enjoys making soap, flying hot air balloons, and blowing glass. Zienna enjoys living in San Joaquin County with her two dachshunds Lilly and Paisley.