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Board appoints five members to Racial Equity & Inclusion Council
Summary
After a selection exercise, commissioners voted to appoint five applicants to the Racial Equity & Inclusion Council: Jesse Guzman, Jocelyn Nelson, Arwin Swanger, Michelle Gibson and Catherine McKinney; commissioners discussed appointing additional members after a racial-equity program manager is in place.
The Board of County Commissioners conducted a selection exercise and moved to appoint five applicants to the Racial Equity & Inclusion Council (REIC). Commissioners selected Jesse Guzman, Jocelyn Nelson, Arwin Swanger, Michelle Gibson and Catherine McKinney from a pool of applicants; staff said the council may have up to 15 members and currently has seven active members.
Selection process: Staff provided commissioners with a handout listing 18 applicants and asked each commissioner to identify their top five candidates. After commissioners recorded their selections, staff tallied scores and reported the five candidates who received three or more votes. The board then moved to appoint the five named applicants and carried the motion.
Why it matters: The REIC was established by county resolution as an at-large advisory council to provide guidance on racial equity and inclusion matters in the county. The group is composed of members from marginalized populations and serves as a formal advisory body to county government.
Board discussion: Several commissioners said they supported appointing the five candidates now and waiting to fill additional seats until the county hires a racial equity program manager. Commissioners expressed interest in having the program manager assess gaps and make recommendations for subsequent recruitment to round out the council.
Action taken: The board voted to appoint the five candidates during the meeting. Staff recorded the motion and indicated the appointments will be processed and added to the REIC roster.
