Edward is the Assistant Executive Officer at the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors, where he will oversee Technology, Planning, Legislation, the Assessment Appeals Board and Operations. This includes overseeing the Board operations. The Executive Office manages technology, staffing, procurement and facilities, as well as the publication of information for the LA County Board of Supervisors, various County depts and the public. The office also oversees the Office of Inspector General and other County commissions, such as the Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission, Office of Child Protection, Commission on Disabilities, and the County Equity Oversight Panel.

Before joining the County work force, Edward was an attorney in private practice. In addition to working long hours, he enjoys playing basketball and anything USC. He even named his kids after the school, Scarlett and Caleb.

EMAIL EDDIE

Jodi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her current role, with a track record spanning over 30 years of professional accomplishments, including more than 15 years dedicated to serving the vibrant and diverse community of LA County. Before her tenure with the county, Jodi established herself as an award-winning graphic designer, consistently showcasing her creative talents and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her deep-rooted connection to the county is evident through her extensive contributions across various departments, including CSSD, DCFS, Fire, BOS, and ISD. Currently, Jodi holds the position of Management Secretary for the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC).

Born in Taiwan, Jodi possesses firsthand experience in confronting the hurdles that immigrant families often face in the US. Her steadfast commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly within the context of racial and gender equality, fuels her active involvement with LACAAEA. Jodi's personal journey has compelled her to navigate intricate systems, including those pertaining to special education and social welfare. She has dedicated herself to mentoring homeless families, fellow single parents, and families grappling with the unique challenges of raising children with special needs. Her contributions extend to organizations such as Evergreen Baptist Church of LA, Imagine Whittier, Boy Scouts of America, Autism Society of America, Chinese Parents for the Disabled, and Eastern LA Regional Center’s Family Advisory Committee on Employment, RR/CC’s Language Accessibility Advisory Committee, and Charter Member of Soroptomist International of Greater El Monte. Jodi's unwavering passion for making a positive impact in the lives of families firmly establishes her as an invaluable asset, both in her professional capacity and her active engagement within the community.

EMAIL JODI

Bowen Cheng is a Principal Application Developer at the Los Angeles County Probation Department, and he enjoys being an Urban Adventurer during his evenings. He has a passion for computer programming and likes to experiment with new technologies to develop innovative software solutions. When not coding, Bowen can be found exploring exotic foods, listening to music, playing video games, and traveling. Bowen is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace as the Public Information Officer of the Los Angeles County Asian American Employees Association (LACAAEA). Additionally, he volunteers his time as an active alumnus of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), mentoring and supporting current students. With a wide range of interests and experiences, Bowen is a well-rounded and dynamic individual who is always eager to explore and learn new things.

EMAIL BOWEN

Philip began his career as a clerk with the Sheriff’s Department. Expanding on administrative support to investigative services and jail operations, he promoted and obtained experience across different specialized investigative functions within the various Detective Division Bureaus. His last assignment was performing the Trial Court Funding System function in partnership with Superior Courts.

Philip is currently an ASM I at Public Social Services where his account section analyzes and records all fiscal transactions. Before entering County employment and graduating from UC Irvine with a brief stint in investment banking, he brings small business experience in manufacturing and logistics. He understands the many challenges small businesses endure in the community.

Philip enjoys basketball, golf, and grappling. As a sports enthusiast, he is excited once the activates resume and hopes all members engage.

Diane is our Social Events chair. She has been with LA County for five years. Currently, she is a Management Fellow with DPSS. Though she hasn’t been able to do so lately, she loves going on food adventures, exploring new bars and restaurants for fun. She also enjoys meeting new people, whether virtually or in-person.

EMAIL DIANE

Jayson began his County career in 2004 as a Student Worker with the Superior Courts.  He furthered his career at the Department of Auditor-Controller where he specialized in conducting IT audits across numerous County departments.  He is currently with the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors under the Office of Inspector General.  In his free time, he enjoys traveling, experiencing new foods, listening to music, relaxing outdoors, and learning new things.

EMAIL JAYSON

Sarah was recently appointed to replace Matt Liang. Matt is taking some time to continue his education studying for a Master’s degree in business. Sarah began her County career as an Intermediate Typist Clerk with the Health Services in 2001. With her ambitious ideas and voice, she promoted within the department and further her career by joining the Office of the County Counsel as an Administrative Assistant II. Sarah’s analytical skills advance while gaining knowledge in contracting. Because of her passion and drive, her accomplishments did not go unnoticed. With this, an opportunity opened for her at the Office of the Assessor as a Management Analyst. Presently, she continues her dedication to public service as an Administrative Services Manager I. With a supporting husband also in the County workforce, they hope to build the American dream of choice and voice for their two delightful daughters.

EMAIL SARAH

Peter continues as the scholarship chair. He is currently a management assistant in DPW and has been part of the Vietnamese youth group for over 15 years. Peter strongly believes in helping and mentoring the youth to be our bright future leaders.

Jesse Zhu joined Los Angeles County Assessor’s office as an appraiser trainee in 2008 and currently serves as Supervising Appraiser in Assessor’s Training Division. Jesse oversees Assessor’s prestige appraiser training program - Appraiser Trainee Certification Program (ATCP) which provides a twelve-month rigorous appraiser training consisting of instructional courses and one the job training. Jesse has been an avid member of Los Angeles County Asian Americans Association (LACAAEA) and has gained strong leadership skills and expanded his professional network thanks to the resources and opportunities LAAAEA offered.

Jesse was born and raised in China. After finishing college in China, he decided to explore the world and went to Sydney Australia to pursue his master’s degree. Jesse eventually immigrated to US and settled in Southern California. He loves the beautiful weather, diverse culture, and endless weekend activities in LA. Jesse enjoys watching historical documentaries, reading, arts and travelling. He is planning a cross-country American road trip with friends this fall.

Ms. Smith has been in public service for the County of Los Angeles for almost 24 years, working her way through various audit, budget, employee relations, human resources, and operational positions. Ms. Smith was responsible for budgets totaling $1.3 billion in the Department of Health Services; served in various assignments including as the Budget and Fiscal Officer for the Chief Executive Office; and transitioned to the executive ranks as the Administrative Deputy for the Assessor’s Office. In 2021, she was appointed to Director, Assessor’s Operations overseeing Legal Services, Exemptions, Assessment, and Public Services (LEAPS) as well as Communications and Public Affairs.

During her tenure, she was instrumental in revamping the Assessor’s Training curriculum in collaboration with local community colleges to create a career pathway program for appraiser assistants as well as increasing the department's staff capacity. She also led the Assessor's emergency management response to the COVID-19 pandemic and activations for various fires and other local disasters.

Ms. Smith strives to make a positive impact through partnerships with business groups, community and labor organizations, municipal jurisdictions, and members of the public. She continues to advocate for improved transparency and expanded access to translation services in government communications to reach all of the diverse communities in Los Angeles County.

Ms. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and has an advanced certification by the California State Board of Equalization as a Property Tax Auditor-Appraiser. Ms. Smith deeply honors the rich culture of her Chinese, Laotian and Thai heritage.

Peter Loo is the Acting Chief Information Officer of the County of Los Angeles. With over 35 years of public sector IT experience, he provides strategy, leadership and guidance on enterprise IT initiatives, IT governance, Information Security and the delivery of information technology capabilities to support the County mission. Prior to his current position, he was the Managing Director for a large consulting firm responsible for implementing public sector solutions for the State of Hawaii and Southern California counties and municipalities. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration from the Anderson School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Jennifer Baluyot Tran began her County career in 1998 as a Student Professional Worker. With her dedication and passion for public service, Jennifer worked in several County departments in the areas of accounting, audit and compliance, and project and change management. Currently, she is a Deputy Executive Officer at the Board of Supervisors Executive Office, where she oversees and manages the Assessment Appeals Board. Jennifer possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with concentration in Public Policy.

Since immigrating from Manila, Philippines with her family at the young age of 13, Jennifer mostly lived in the South Bay area. She is a proud mother of 14-years old triplets (Meghan, Jaeden and Justin) with her loving husband of over 21 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching food vlogs and movies, and listening to music.

Jeff Tend is a second generation grandson of Chinese immigrants and is a son to a first generation Chinese father and a first generation French Canadian mother. He was a nationally ranked swimmer competing in 2 Olympic Trails. His swimming success earned him an athletic scholarship at UCLA where he graduated in 1990. Mr. Tend has 27 years of Los Angeles County Service. He began his County career as a Student Professional Worker in the District Attorney’s office and is currently an Assistant Director in the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources. He has spent his entire career in Human Resources performing a a variety of different roles in several different departments. Prior to his current role, Mr. Tend was an Senior Manager in DHR, the Director of the Office of Labor and Employee Relations for the Los Angeles Superior Court, the Personnel Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Assistant Human Resources Director for the Los Angeles Superior Court. Mr. Tend spends his free time with his family, enjoys traveling, camping, taking his Jeep off-roading and is a certified scuba diver.

Vince believes all working professionals should give back to their communities. After serving 6 years as a Planning Commissioner of Temple City, Vince ran successfully for City Council in 2009 during a time of political upheaval in his city. He has now served over 13 years on the City Council and has been a Mayor three times. He was instrumental in implementing transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal policies to restore public trust in Temple City. In addition to his council duties, he is a Deputy Director of Los Angeles County Public Works. With degrees in management, architecture, and law, Vince has been a licensed architect in CA with over thirty-year experience in both public and private sectors.

As Chief Deputy Director for the Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department (CSSD), Genie supports the Director in planning, evaluating and directing all day-to-day operations of the Department. Previously, she served as Administrative Deputy overseeing budget and finance, human resources, contracts/procurement, equity initiatives, emergency management, and facilities.

Genie joins CSSD with over 25 years’ experience at the local, State and federal levels of government on budget and policy issues affecting children and families. Prior to CSSD, Genie served as an advisor to elected officials and policymakers, including Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Zev Yaroslavsky, First 5 LA, and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

In 2001, she was appointed by the Governor to serve as Assistant Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency and Ex Officio member of the First 5 California Commission. Genie previously worked in the White House as Assistant Director of the Domestic Policy Council, as well as for the Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget of the US Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC.

Genie is a native of Los Angeles, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy. She lives in Sherman Oaks with her spouse and two teenage daughters.

Vinh has been a staunch supporter of LACAAEA after hearing about LACAAEA’s goal to advocate for the AAPI community.

Vinh is a public servant, serving as a Councilmember of City of Duarte’s 2nd District where he held a seat on Duarte’s Economic Development Commission. Vinh also serves as a board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA and looks forward to building a solid foundation and stable community for LA County. Professionally, Vinh become a licensed life and health agent.

Vinh’s family migrated from Vietnam in the 197s and his passions include biking with his five-year-old son, woodworking, golfing, and gardening. 

William was first elected to the City Council of Temple City in 2015 and served as Mayor from 2018-2019. Under his leadership in 2018, Temple City successfully co-hosted its first Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with World Journal, adding to the city’s rich and diverse portfolio of community events. In 2022, he was honored by World Journal in contributing to their “Stop Anti-Asian Hate” editorial project.

William has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Berkeley and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from UCLA. He is a Principal Engineer for Los Angeles County Public Works overseeing the Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Division. He brought his engineering experience into his role as a member of Temple City’s Facilities, Public Works, and Infrastructure Standing Committee, which was instrumental in constructing Primrose Park, the first new park since the incorporation of the city in 1960.