City of Sacramento
City Council - 2PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2022-01870 10/25/2022 Consent Item 04.
Confirmation of Appointment of the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) Executive Director
File ID: 2022-01870
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Pass a Motion confirming the appointment of Jennifer Hernandez to the position of Executive Director of the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA).
Contact: Michael Jasso, Assistant City Manager, (916) 808-1380, [email protected], Howard Chan, City Manager, (916) 808-7488, [email protected]; Office of the City Manager
Presenter: None.
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
Additional Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) is a joint power agency of the City and County of Sacramento that was formed in 1978. SETA is a leading agency in advancing economic mobility for Sacramento residents. They offer Children & Family Services, Community Programs & Resources and Workforce Development Services.
In December of 2021, the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) Executive Director, Kathy Kossick, retired. Upon Ms. Kossick's retirement, Denise Lee began serving as the Interim Executive Director and the City of Sacramento and the County of Sacramento began collaborating regarding the plan to appoint a new Executive Director. In an effort to identify highly qualified candidates, the City and the County contracted with Wendi Brown Creative Partners to conduct a national executive recruitment.
Starting in January, Wendi Brown Creative Partners executive search team launched a national search which included posting the job announcement with a wide variety of job boards and forums,
File ID: 2022-01870 10/25/2022 Consent Item 04.
networking with local and State associations, and extending direct outreach to industry professionals, associations and committees.
The recruitment gained extensive national interest. The executive search team screened all applicants and recommended candidates for further consideration. Highly qualified candidates were invited to interview with a panel that was comprised of community members, external partner agencies, City of Sacramento and County executives, and representatives from SETA's Governing Boards. The panel collectively agreed upon candidates who progressed in the interview and selection process. Finalists interviewed with Howard Chan, City Manager, and County Executive, Ann Edwards.
Jennifer Hernandez was identified as the best and most qualified candidate. Ms. Hernandez has nearly 20 years of executive level and administrative management experience. Her experience includes leading both public agencies and private organizations that champion policies, programs, and efforts to heighten awareness regarding issues that impact underserved communities and to advance human service programs, including workforce development and workers' rights issues.
Since 2019, Ms. Hernandez has served as the Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division for the State of California Department of Social Services where she is responsible for the oversight of California's CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CAFCFP). Prior to her current role, she served as the Associate Secretary for the State's Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Farmworker and Immigrant Services.
In addition to her recent service leading State agency programs and teams, Ms. Hernandez also worked for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) as the Western Region Director, as a Partner for Cultivo Consulting, and as a Deputy Director for both the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and Communities United to Strengthen America.
She also served as Program Administrator and Special Assistant to the President for Voice for Working Families. In summary, Ms. Hernandez has exceptional management experience leading organizations that deliver workforce development services, provide direct services to address barriers to employment, and that promote civic engagement programs.
Policy Considerations: The Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement between the City of Sacramento and County of Sacramento stipulates that the SETA Executive Director is appointed by the City Manager and County Executive with confirmation by the City Council and County Board of Supervisors.
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: The action of confirming employment appointments is not considered a project under the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b)(2) and (5). Confirming the appointment of the SETA Executive Director is a continuing administrative activity and is an
File ID: 2022-01870 10/25/2022 Consent Item 04.
organizational activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment and is not subject to CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3)).
Sustainability: None.
Commission/Committee Action: None.
Rationale for Recommendation: Jennifer Hernandez’s career in public service and commitment to advancing economic opportunities for families makes her uniquely qualified for the appointment to SETA Executive Director. After an extensive search and thorough vetting, Howard Chan, City Manager, and County Executive, Ann Edwards have appointed Jennifer Hernandez as the next Executive Director of SETA. This appointment must be confirmed by both the Sacramento City Council and the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.