VERDUGO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
FULL BOARD MEETING MINUTES
2/11/2026
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
VWDB Full Board Minutes 2/11/2026 Page 1 of 2
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ara Aslanian, Sonya Kay Blake, Vicki Brannock, Alexis Carter, Nick Hacopian, Debbie Kukta, Iskra Martinez,
Kathy McIntyre, Nicole Miller, Michael Ritterbrown,
Veronica Romero, Terry Walker
MEMBERS ABSENT: Luiza Balyan, Jose Barba, Onnig Bulanikian, Marisol Espinoza, Steve Kaplan, Caroline Lett, Mary Hamzoian,
Jamie Keyser, Pamela Marcello, , Soua Vang
COMMUNITY &
OTHER AGENCY
REPRESENTATIVES:
Karine Grigoryan, Jesse Maldonado
STAFF PRESENT: Diana Montecino, Judith Velasco, Melissa Younesian CALL TO ORDER: 9:32 am by Chair Nick Hacopian
I. Introductions
A. Chair Nick Hacopian welcomed the attendees.
II. Minutes of September 24, 2025
A. Minutes presented and reviewed. MOTION: Debbie Kukta 2nd: Alexis Carter Abstain: Ara Aslanian
Action: APPROVED
III. Action Items
A. Approval of the sole source authorization for consultant services for David K. Shinder for BioPharma III Grant for the period of December 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with the option of an extension through November 30, 2028
B. Approval to enter into contract with David K. Shinder for the period of December 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $20,000 to provide consultant services for BioPharma III Grant
C. Approval to enter into contract with Biocom Institute California in an amount not to exceed $10,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to provide career exploration and professional fellowships to eligible participants interested in Life Sci ence careers for the period of January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026
D. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Verdugo Workforce Development Board and Local Partners
E. Approval to use Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for rental payments as specified in the lease amendment between the City of Glendale and the property owner, Babak B. Golbahar for the Verdugo Jobs Center facility located at 1255 South Central Avenue, Glendale, CA 91204 for an 18-month period, April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027
Exhibit 2
VERDUGO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
FULL BOARD MEETING MINUTES
2/11/2026
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
VWDB Full Board Minutes 2/11/2026 Page 2 of 2
F. Approval of the recommendation for John Acosta to be appointed to the Verdugo Workforce Development Board, in compliance with State and Federal requirements under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014
MOTION FOR CONSENT ITEMS A – F Motion: Ara Aslanian 2nd: Terry Walker Abstain for Item C : Vicki Brannock
IV. Director’s Report
A. Executive Director Judith Velasco announced that the Healthcare Job Fair was a great success with over 300 attendees and 20 participating employers.
1. A key takeaway is that people enjoy job fairs if employers have open positions and are hiring.
2. Board members provided positive feedback from attendees they had referred and suggested ideas for future events.
B. Ms. Velasco reported that next year ’s workforce formula funds are predicted to be at level funding and that there are no proposed legislation changes to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
1. Some states are moving to consolidate into a single board, which ultimately appears to be a revenue-driven decision by the state.
2. Apprenticeships continue to be a priority, but employers appear to prefer internships.
C. Mrs. Velasco thanked the board members for their attendance at the November retreat.
1. The board members expressed that the retreat was well executed and that the discussions had resulted in various ideas that the board can implement.
D. The following requests were made of the board members:
1. Recommendations for a labor member nomination.
2. Participation in implementing key takeaways from the board retreat.
3. Information on how federal funds are impacting their respective industries.
V. Other Business and Announcements
A. The next VWDB will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at 9:30 am at Glendale Community College.
II. Public Comments: None
III. Adjournment: 10:22 am