First 5 is honored to work with a broad and diverse group of local experts—including our own Commissioners. For the past six years, Commissioner Josefina Silva has offered her knowledge of early childhood, the school system, and the needs of South County families and communities to help guide the Commission's decisions. It is with great respect that we thank Commissioner Silva for her service as a community member on the Commission. We are fortunate that she will continue to be an advocate and champion for young children in her role as Preschool Coordinator for the Greenfield Union School District and member of the Greenfield Bright Beginnings Collaborative Action Team. We are truly grateful for her expertise and time in support of helping young children meet their unique potential.

With Commissioner Silva's departure, the Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Dr. Julia Pederson, a pediatrician at Mee Memorial Hospital in King City. Before joining the hospital staff, Dr. Pederson attended Harvard College and Stanford School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine/Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Illinois.

Dr. Pederson attended the Commission and Staff Retreat in late May. The Retreat looked to identify how First 5 can respond thoughtfully to emerging opportunities within the context of a systems-based approach, declining Proposition 10 revenues, and increasing needs.

We welcome Dr. Pedersen and are excited about her knowledge around the role that physicians play in the holistic development of young children.