[Nfbc-info] FYI FW: Appointment of Deputy Director, Specialized Services Division

[Michael Hingson]

From: Xavier, Joe at DOR [mailto:Joe.Xavier at dor.ca.gov] 
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2014 09:13 PM
To: Xavier, Joe at DOR
Subject: Appointment of Deputy Director, Specialized Services Division

 

To:     All DOR Employees (DORALL) 

From:   Joe Xavier

        Director

Date:   October 13, 2014

Subject:        Appointment of Deputy Director, Specialized Services
Division

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Elena Gomez as the Deputy
Director for the Specialized Services Division (SSD) at the Department of
Rehabilitation (DOR).  In this capacity, Elena will manage the formulation,
implementation, and evaluation of departmental programs, policies, and
procedures.  She will also provide executive oversight to the program
managers in the administration of SSD programs and activities.  Her new
appointment is effective Oct. 13, 2014.  

Elena's twenty-year calling in the field of vocational rehabilitation has
earned her the depth and scope of experience that will be invaluable in this
role.  She began her career with DOR as a Rehabilitation Counselor for
several years before accepting an Associate Governmental Program Analyst
with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) in 1999.  She subsequently
served as Rehabilitation Administrator I, Chief of Centralized Services,
Chief of Community Resources Development, Senior Information Systems
Analyst, acting DHHS Program Manager, and Assistant Deputy Director for SSD.
In addition, Elena's personal experience as an individual with a hearing
loss and a former DOR consumer provides her with insight and personal
appreciation of the unique challenges faced by and opportunities available
to the population we are proud to serve.  

In her previous capacities, Elena demonstrated effective management and
leadership skills.  Her varied work assignments have provided her with a
strong understanding and appreciation of the need to work cooperatively with
state and federal entities, vendors, and consumer organizations in support
of the Department's mission and goals.

Elena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, California State
University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation
Counseling, San Diego State University.  She is also a graduate of the
National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Elena as the Deputy Director
for the SSD.