Isla Vista CSD appoints Catherine Carmichael to board after unanimous vote

The Isla Vista Community Services District board appointed Catherine Carmichael to fill a vacant seat after interviewing five applicants and conducting an exhaustive public selection process.

The appointment came after interviews of five candidates and public deliberation by board members about experience, community connection and the ability to serve through the term. The board voted to appoint Catherine Carmichael; the motion was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

Board members said Carmichaels background in local constituent services and her work for State Senator Monique Limon, plus a stated intention to remain in the area while pursuing graduate study, were decisive factors. Director Spencer (chair) summarized the boards concerns during deliberations, emphasizing the value of candidates who can serve long term and hit the ground running. Director Platt and others cited Carmichaels experience working in district offices and with Isla Vista issues as evidence she could step into the role quickly.

The board followed the procedurally required appointment process: members announced comments and preferences, then each director verbally named a single preferred candidate. With multiple directors stating Catherine Carmichael as their first choice, a motion to appoint Carmichael was made and seconded; a roll-call vote followed with all directors voting yes. The board then administered the oath of office to Carmichael during the meeting.

Board members encouraged the other applicants to remain involved with district work and noted the strength of the applicant pool. The board also confirmed committee assignments and asked staff to provide onboarding materials and emails for the new director.

Carmichael will serve the remainder of the current term (through December 2026) unless she chooses to run for election. The board did not take any additional action related to the vacancy beyond the appointment and committee assignments.

The board paused briefly during the process to allow a director to rejoin remotely under an emergency-participation rule and conducted a separate roll-call vote to permit that directors participation before voting on appointments.