Commission formalizes two-person Community Connector role and elects leadership

The Human Rights and Equity Commission voted on leadership roles and formalized a new Community Connector role during its Jan. 13 hybrid meeting.

The staff proposal described the community connector as a one‑year term role that would provide monthly updates on community engagement opportunities, coordinate with the community relations manager, and participate in leadership planning meetings. After discussion, Commissioner Jen Kovitz moved to formalize the role; Commissioner Varnadico seconded the motion and the commission approved creating the community connector role and allowing the function to be shared by two people.

The commission then held elections by hands‑up counts (in‑person and online tallies were recorded). The chair reported Scott Jones as chair (counts noted during the meeting); Jen Kovitz was elected vice chair; Ruth Vernadico was selected as the council connector; Beth Hannon as commissioner connector; and Christina Morales and Britney Ellenberg were selected to serve as the two community connectors. Commissioners discussed quorum and meeting‑attendance implications for shared roles and how leadership meetings must avoid creating inadvertent quorum circumstances.

No formal amendments to the motion were recorded. Staff confirmed vote counts and noted the leadership slate will serve during the next leadership term. The commission thanked outgoing leadership during a brief recognition.