(Optional) Please upload a resume.
Please describe your experience in working with governmental agencies.
Can you provide examples of major public policy issues that you have been involved in and what your role was in the issue?
Santa Clara county children’s health care initiative City of San Jose living wage standard. PBS program Our Town did piece on me. Author of various editorials in San Jose Mercury.
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
Anything else you would like us to know?
Retirement Board Questions Only
Verification
Thomas Cochran
Professional Experience: (employer, position) Describe how your employment history will assist you on this commission. If applying for more than one commission, include the information for all selected.
I have a Master’s degree in Social Work and have more than 30 years of professional experience with Social Services in a variety of capacities. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse and vulnerable populations, including families and children, older adults, adults with mental illness, conservatees, and individuals receiving CalWORKs who were seeking employment or educational opportunities. This experience has given me a broad understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families in our community and the importance of accessible, effective public services. In addition, I served as an adjunct faculty member at a local community college for 18 years, teaching Family Development.
This experience strengthened my ability to communicate complex issues, work with diverse perspectives, and educate others. My most recent position with Social Services was Chief Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian, where I was heavily involved in policy and procedure development, legal matters affecting clients, fiduciary responsibilities, program oversight, and complex decision-making. I believe this combination of direct service, leadership, policy, legal, and fiduciary experience would allow me to bring a knowledgeable, balanced, and community-focused perspective to the commission. I am committed to using my experience to help evaluate issues thoughtfully, advocate for effective services, and contribute to sound public policy.
Languages Spoken
English
Relevant Skills or Expertise: (e.g. budgeting, community outreach, legal knowledge). If applying to more than one commission, include information for all selected.
My professional experience has provided me with a broad range of skills directly relevant to commission work. While serving in the Public Administrator/Guardian’s Office, I wrote and revised more than 180 policies and procedures, giving me extensive experience with policy development, implementation, and organizational oversight. I also have significant experience developing training curricula and providing training to staff and professionals. As a fiduciary for numerous clients, I was responsible for the oversight of developing and managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and making sound financial decisions on behalf of clients. My legal experience includes working with Probate Court matters involving conservatees, LPS Court matters involving individuals under mental health conservatorships, and Dependency Court proceedings. I am comfortable reviewing complex information, working within legal and regulatory requirements, and advocating for the best interests of clients. Additionally, through more than 30 years of social work, I have developed extensive knowledge of local community resources and how to access and navigate them. I bring strong analytical, organizational, communication, problem-solving, and advocacy skills, along with a deep understanding of the needs of our community’s most vulnerable residents.
Lisa Pate
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Supplemental Questions
Please list your community involvement, including jobs and volunteer work.
I have been actively involved in my community for many years through both volunteer service and my professional work. I volunteered for several years with my synagogue’s Caregiving Committee, supporting individuals and families who were navigating caregiving responsibilities and other challenging circumstances. I have also volunteered at my daughter’s high school over the past several years, contributing my time to support students, families, and school activities. Professionally, I have worked in Social Services for more than 30 years, including the past 10 years working full-time in the Public Guardian’s Office and overseeing a holiday gift giving campaign for vulnerable adults. During my career, I have served individuals and families with a wide range of needs and have developed a strong understanding of community resources and public services. While raising my two children, I also worked as an adjunct faculty member at a local community college for 18 years. Now that both of my children are in college, I have more time to dedicate to my community. I am looking forward to becoming more actively involved, giving back, and using my professional experience and skills to help make a positive difference for the residents of our community.
In one paragraph, please explain your community interests.
My community interests are centered around helping others, supporting vulnerable members of our community, and improving access to resources that allow people to live with dignity and independence. Through my career, I have worked with children and families, older adults, individuals with mental illness, conservatees, and low-income individuals, giving me a broad understanding of the challenges many community members face. Working with older adults is particularly meaningful to me, both professionally and personally, as I experienced the impact of Alzheimer’s disease while caring for a parent. I am especially interested in issues affecting seniors, affordable housing, community resources, and services that help individuals age in place. Now that my children are in college, I have more time to dedicate to community service and would like to use my experience, knowledge, and passion for helping others to give back to my community and contribute to practical solutions that improve the quality of life for local residents.
Lisa Pate
Considering your experience and activities in business, labor, School, professional, social, Commissions, Boards, or other organizations, indicate the experience, training, knowledge and/or skills which qualify you for appointment.
I believe my more than 30 years of experience in Social Services, combined with my education, leadership experience, and community involvement, provides me with a strong background for appointment to a City Board or Commission. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations, including children and families, older adults, individuals with mental illness, conservatees, and low-income individuals seeking employment and educational opportunities. For the past 10 years, I worked full-time in the Public Administrator/Guardian’s Office, where I gained extensive experience in policy and procedure development, legal matters, fiduciary responsibilities, budgeting, program oversight, and complex decision-making. I have written and revised more than 180 policies and procedures, developed training curricula, and provided training to staff and professionals. I also served as an adjunct faculty member at a local community college for 18 years, teaching Family Development. In addition, I have served on boards and committees and facilitated board meetings, developing goals, building consensus, managing differing perspectives, and participating in formal voting processes. My experience working with community resources, affordable housing issues, older adults, mental health services, and vulnerable populations has given me a broad understanding of the needs facing our community. I would bring strong communication, leadership, analytical, organizational, problem-solving, policy, budgeting, and decision-making skills, along with a genuine commitment to serving the community.
What is your understanding of the purpose of the Commission? My understanding is that the purpose of a City Commission is to provide thoughtful community input, oversight, and recommendations to help the City make informed decisions that serve its residents. Commissioners bring their knowledge, professional experience, and community perspectives to the discussion of important issues and work collaboratively to identify needs, evaluate options, and develop practical solutions. I believe an effective Commission should listen to the concerns and ideas of community members, consider different perspectives, and make recommendations that are fair, responsible, and in the best interest of the community. I would view my role as an opportunity to contribute my experience, listen to others, and work collaboratively toward positive outcomes for the residents we serve.
Lisa Pate
What is the purpose of historic preservation in San José and what is the role of the Historic Landmarks Commission in achieving that purpose? Please explain your prior experience with historic preservation, with San José’s public planning processes, and in working with City or other public agency staff.
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission If you live in, own, lease or manage property subject to a City rent ordinance (i.e., the Mobilehome Rent Ordinance or Rental Dispute and Mediation Ordinance), please list the address here. This includes mobilehomes, mobile home parks, and apartments/apartment buildings building during or before 1979.
N/A
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission If your employer or other source of income owns, leases or manages property subject to a City rent ordinance (i.e., the Mobilehome Rent Ordinance or Rental Dispute and Mediation Ordinance), or if you are unsure, please list your employer's name or other source of income and address here.
N/A
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission What experience do you have with affordable housing issues? I have assisted clients and their families with affordable housing issues and helped them identify and navigate available housing options and community resources. I have worked with older adults, individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges, and low-income individuals who faced significant barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
Through this work, I have seen firsthand how limited affordable housing can affect a person’s health, safety, independence, and overall quality of life. I am familiar with the importance of connecting individuals with appropriate local resources and advocating for practical solutions.
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission Please explain your familiarity with the Community Development Block Grant Program?
I’m familiar with the Community Development Block Grant Program and its role in supporting low- and moderate-income communities through funding for affordable housing, community improvements, and supportive services. As a social worker, I’ve worked with clients who face housing and financial challenges and have helped connect them with available community resources and housing options. While my experience with CDBG has primarily been from the community and client-services perspective, I understand the importance of these funds in expanding affordable housing opportunities and supporting vulnerable populations.
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission Lisa Pate
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
One of the major issues facing San José’s older adults is the increasing cost of maintaining a safe, healthy, and dignified quality of life. There are several connected challenges, including affordable housing, access to nutritious food, healthcare and insurance, transportation, and the rising overall cost of living in Santa Clara County. Many older adults are living on fixed or limited incomes, making it difficult to keep up with these expenses while maintaining their independence. Having worked extensively with older adults and other vulnerable populations, I have seen firsthand how these challenges can affect a person’s health, stability, and dignity. I believe the Commission’s role is to listen to the needs of older adults, identify gaps in available services, connect residents with existing resources, and advocate for practical solutions that allow seniors to remain independent and age in place with dignity. The Commission can also serve as an important voice for older adults by bringing their concerns and experiences to the City Council and helping ensure that their needs are considered in City planning and decision-making.
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
For the past five years, I served as the Chief Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator for Santa Clara County, an executive leadership position with significant responsibility for program oversight, staff leadership, policy development, legal matters, fiduciary responsibilities, and complex decision-making. In this role, I provided leadership and direction on sensitive and often complex matters affecting vulnerable members of our community. I was responsible for overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with laws and policies, addressing challenging issues, making sound and timely decisions, and working collaboratively with staff, attorneys, courts, community partners, and other government agencies. This role required strong leadership, sound judgment, accountability, integrity, communication, organization, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm and objective when dealing with difficult situations. I also worked to build strong professional relationships, develop staff, establish priorities, resolve conflicts, and create practical solutions to complex problems. My leadership approach is collaborative and respectful while maintaining accountability and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the individuals and organization being served.
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
I understand that differences of opinion are a normal and important part of serving on a Commission. I would approach disagreements by listening carefully to all perspectives and making sure each member has an opportunity to be heard. My professional experience has taught me to remain respectful, objective, and open-minded, even when opinions differ. I would focus the discussion on the facts, the needs of the community, and the goals of the Commission rather than on individual positions. Having facilitated numerous board and committee meetings, I am comfortable helping groups work through differences, find areas of common ground, and reach consensus when possible. When consensus cannot be reached, I respect the established process and support making a decision through an appropriate vote. My goal would always be to maintain a productive and respectful environment while working toward the best outcome for San José’s older adults and the community.
Lisa Pate
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? My knowledge of senior issues comes from many years of direct professional experience working with older adults and the programs and systems that support them. I was a Social Work Trainer with the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) for six years, where I provided training related to several programs serving older and vulnerable adults, including Senior Nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Adult Protective Services (APS), and the Public Guardian program. This experience gave me a broad understanding of the challenges older adults face, including food insecurity, maintaining independence, access to in-home support, abuse and neglect, and the need for appropriate services and protection. I later worked in CalWORKs for many years before returning to DAAS, where I spent 10 years in the Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator’s Office. During my final five years, I served as Chief Deputy, an executive leadership role in which I was responsible for department oversight and major decision-making involving vulnerable adults, including older adults who were unable to manage their own affairs. This work provided me with knowledge of issues involving housing, financial security, financial abuse, healthcare, mental health, conservatorship, safety, and access to community resources. My professional experience has allowed me to see senior issues from multiple perspectives—as a social worker, trainer, program professional, advocate, fiduciary, and executive leader. I have seen firsthand how interconnected issues such as housing, food security, healthcare, financial exploitation, social isolation, and access to supportive services can be for older adults. I also understand the importance of helping seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life whenever possible. This combination of direct service experience, program knowledge, leadership, and personal commitment gives me a strong understanding of the needs and challenges facing San José’s older adult community.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I would like to add that serving my community has always been important to me.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds and circumstances, particularly older adults, individuals with mental illness, vulnerable adults, and families in need. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening, treating people with dignity and respect, and finding practical solutions to difficult problems.
Retirement Board Questions Only
Lisa Pate
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
As a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, how would you handle a situation where you have a volatile Community group which is opposed to a staff proposal?
Can you provide examples of major public policy issues that you have been involved in and what your role was in the issue?
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? Anything else you would like us to know?
Retirement Board Questions Only
Nick Finan
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
Would you be willing to attend local special events/meetings as a representative of the Library and Early Education Commission? Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
Please describe your experience in working with governmental agencies.
Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
As a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, how would you handle a situation where you have a volatile Community group which is opposed to a staff proposal?
Can you provide examples of major public policy issues that you have been involved in and what your role was in the issue?
Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? Not applicable to the Civil Service Commission
Anything else you would like us to know?
No
Retirement Board Questions Only
Allan Jones
What involvement have you had in library and/or early education issues? Minor volunteer work for the SJPL as a teenager.
Would you be willing to attend local special events/meetings as a representative of the Library and Early Education Commission? Yes
Please describe your experience in working with governmental agencies.
No experience.
As a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, how would you handle a situation where you have a volatile Community group which is opposed to a staff proposal?
By keeping a calm temperament and listening before I speak.
Can you provide examples of major public policy issues that you have been involved in and what your role was in the issue?
N/A
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
A major issue is increased fraud/scammers and public awareness needs to be greatly enhanced.
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
I am a high school teacher, which by its nature is leadership.
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
I would make sure that all stakeholders are heard and given equal time to express themselves.
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? I am a caretaker for my mother with dementia.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I care very much about city service; both my sister and my father were involved heavily in the community and I believe it is my duty to do what I can.
Armand Sanchez
What is the purpose of historic preservation in San José and what is the role of the Historic Landmarks Commission in achieving that purpose? Historic preservation in San José protects the buildings, sites, and objects that connect us to the people, events, and cultural heritage that have shaped the city. It helps preserve San José’s distinct character and sense of place while ensuring that its history remains visible and meaningful to future generations. The Historic Landmarks Commission supports that purpose through public hearings and recommendations to the Director of Planning and City Council on matters such as proposed changes to designated landmarks and historic districts, and the designation of historic resources. Its role is to help the City make informed, transparent decisions that respect a resource’s significance while considering thoughtful adaptation and the needs of the community.
Please explain your prior experience with historic preservation, with San José’s public planning processes, and in working with City or other public agency staff.
My experience has been less in formal historic-preservation work and more in helping ensure that community improvements reflect and respect a neighborhood’s history and character.
For example, our community input on the Vistapark/Branham mural emphasized local flora and the identity of the surrounding neighborhood. In discussions about the Vista Park Community Center mural, we advocated for recognizing the cultural and historical heritage of Indigenous peoples and native plants, while also reflecting how the community has evolved and preserving what makes it distinctive. Through my neighborhood and civic roles, I have participated in public processes and worked with City and County staff to bring residents’ perspectives forward. These experiences have shown me that beautification and development can do more than improve a place physically: they can honor its history, strengthen community identity, and help ensure residents see their stories reflected in the public realm.
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission If you live in, own, lease or manage property subject to a City rent ordinance (i.e., the Mobilehome Rent Ordinance or Rental Dispute and Mediation Ordinance), please list the address here. This includes mobilehomes, mobile home parks, and apartments/apartment buildings building during or before 1979.
N/A
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission If your employer or other source of income owns, leases or manages property subject to a City rent ordinance (i.e., the Mobilehome Rent Ordinance or Rental Dispute and Mediation Ordinance), or if you are unsure, please list your employer's name or other source of income and address here.
N/A
Question applies to Housing and Community Development Commission What experience do you have with affordable housing issues? My experience has been mainly as President of the VEP, understanding how the lack of affordable housing and accommodations for our unhoused residents has negatively impacted the community at large, and advocating for and proposing solutions to our District Councilmember and the Mayor's office.
Alain Mowad