The Commission

Vena Ford, Commissioner
Director, Community, Marketplace, and Member Engagement,
Health Plan of San Joaquin

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.

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Mario Gardea, Commissioner
Supervisor, First District, San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors

San Joaquin County has been a blessing and my home for my entire life. I am a proud husband of more than 30 years, and a proud father to our four amazing daughters. As a twenty-year veteran of the Stockton Fire Department, and Former President of the Stockton Firefighters Association. I have given my all to protect and serve the place we call home. As your County Supervisor, I will continue that service. I’m proud to be and a regular, blue-collar son of Stockton, just like you. I look forward to bringing the County back to the basics of how we govern: to provide for safe communities that we can live, work and play in; to fix our roads and sidewalks; to ensure we have employers, both public and private, that provide the kind of union-friendly jobs you can support a family on.

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Maggie Park, MD, Commissioner
County Public Health Officer, San Joaquin County Public Health Services

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.

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Tara Sisemore-Hester, Commissioner
Director of Consumer Services-Children-Case Management, Valley Mountain Regional Center

Tara currently serves as the Director of Children’s Services at Valley Mountain Regional Center. She oversees Early Start, Early Childhood, Children’s and Intake services at VMRC. She has more than 30 years of experience in the field of developmental services and has held the positions of Service Coordinator, Team Leader, Education Specialist, Coordinator of Autism Services, Program Manager, Assistant Clinical Director and Director of Children’s Services. Tara was instrumental in the development of Early Autism Services in the Region 6 area serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Calaveras and Amador Counties. She has served on the State Leadership Team for the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) and currently serves on the California Early Start Coordinating Council. Tara is passionate about her work with children and families!

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Renee Sunseri, Commissioner
County Public Health Officer, San Joaquin County Public Health Services

Renee Sunseri, a Registered Nurse for 17 years, is currently serving as the San Joaquin County Public Health Services Director and has an established history over the children’s medical services programs: California Children’s Services, Healthcare Program for Children in Foster Care, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention, and Child Health and Disability Prevention. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Nursing from University of San Francisco and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership from UCSF. She will graduate with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from UCSF in June 2024.

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Carl Toliver, Commissioner
Retired Superintendent, Stockton Unified School District

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.

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Lisa Vela, Commissioner
Chief Executive Officer, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

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 includes 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.

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Chris Woods, Commissioner
Director, Human Services Agency, San Joaquin County

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 position 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.

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