LUZ M. GÓMEZ, MPH
PROFILE Accomplished public health professional focused on managing programs and promoting policies that improve the health of our community and the environment. Leader in the fields of community engagement, government, public health, and sustainability. Excellent inter-personal, communication, problem-solving and analytical skills. Successful consensus and coalition builder. Experience establishing strategic partnerships to accomplish goals. Experienced public speaker. A passion for advancing social and racial equity. A native Spanish speaker (fully bicultural and bilingual).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
April 2024 – Present - East Bay Municipal Utility District
DIRECTOR, Ward 2
Responsible for overseeing and guiding the policies and operations of one of the largest water and wastewater utilities in California. Formulating and implementing policies that ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services to over 1.4 million customers. Developing long-term strategies to secure water supply reliability, improve infrastructure resilience, and address challenges such as climate change and population growth. Ensuring sound financial management and fiscal responsibility by approving budgets, setting rates, and overseeing expenditures to maintain financial health and stability. Engaging with the community, stakeholders, and local officials to understand their needs and concerns, and to foster transparent communication and collaboration. Promoting sustainable practices and initiatives that protect and enhance the environment, including water conservation, ecosystem restoration, and pollution prevention. Ensuring compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations governing water quality, public health, and environmental protection.
2021 – Present - Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission
COMMISSIONER, Chair
Advise the Board of Supervisors and staff on successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan, including suggestions on how that work can be performed more efficiently and effectively.
Advise the Board of Supervisors on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability programs that support the Climate Action Plan. Advise the Board of Supervisors and staff on how to better engage Contra Costa County residents and businesses on sustainability issues and implementation of the Climate Action Plan.
2020 – 2023 - Community Wellness and Prevention Program, Contra Costa Public Health
MANAGER, Building Healthy Communities
Oversee and provide direction for the Building Healthy Communities Project. Utilize best practices and emerging local and regional trends to reduce chronic disease. Partner with community and government agencies to implement smart growth and health in all policies principles. Work to reduce the negative health impacts associated with the social determinants of health, with a particular focus on efforts to improve the nutrition, physical activity, and built environments of diverse, low-income communities in Contra Costa County.
2015 – 2019 - Bay Area Air Quality Management District
MANAGER, Community Engagement Section
Primary responsibility for implementing the Air District’s Public Participation Plan. Represent the Air District at meetings, conferences, and workshops. Work closely with community groups, public health organizations, the general public, government agencies and others who engage in Bay Area air quality issues and the effects on human health. Meet with a variety of stakeholders, such as members of environmental justice organizations, community groups, industry, and government agencies regarding environmental and social issues. Provide direction and guidance in the Air District’s preparation of documents and messaging for limited English-speaking populations. Write reports, administer the budget, manage contracts, select, and train staff, act as liaison with other Air District programs.
2005 – 1015 - Contra Costa County, Office of Supervisor John Gioia
CHIEF OF STAFF
Primary staff for climate, air quality, solid waste, health and public health related issues in District I. Use tact and diplomacy when addressing difficult, sensitive, and sometimes contentious situations in the community. Interact with local leaders and elected officials at local, state, and federal levels. Represent and make presentations on behalf of the Supervisor at community events, conferences, and public meetings. Provide staff support for his work with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board. Staff liaison to the diverse communities of North Richmond, Montalvin Manor, and Tara Hills. Staff the North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council. Work with community groups, public agencies, funders, and community-based organizations to further the Supervisor’s priorities for his District, especially around climate, health, and wellness issues. Participate in collaborative efforts such as Building Blocks for Kids, Concilio Latino, San Pablo Engine Team, Richmond Health Equity Partnership, Healthy Richmond, Out of School Time Collaborative, and others.
2010 – 2011 - University of California, Berkeley
LECTURER
Taught Nutrition Science and Toxicology 166, Nutrition in the Community. Developed lectures, Power Point presentations, quizzes, and final exam for 125 students. Invited guest speakers from key national, state, and local agencies and organizations to present to the class. Planned a community outreach assignment for students. Taught about the link between the built environment and health, the impact of land use decisions, and health disparities and inequities. Supervised Graduate Student Instructor.
2000 – 2005 - Public Health Division, Contra Costa Health Services.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
Coordinated and planned countywide Public Health Nutrition activities with county nutrition staff, the community, and Public Health Administration. Served as County representative to the California Conference of Local Health Department Nutritionists (CCLHDN). Acted as liaison between CCLHDN and CCLHO (California Conference of Local Health Officers). Conducted dietary reviews of the County’s correctional facilities.
2003-2005 - Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Program, Community Wellness and Prevention, Contra Costa Health Services.
MANAGER
Managed the county’s efforts to prevent and treat childhood obesity. Founded and worked with the Families Coalition for Activity and Nutrition, still in existence, to create policies and environments that support healthy eating and physical activity for county residents. Started the NEW Kids Program (Nutrition, Exercise and Wellness), a multi-faceted obesity prevention and treatment program in East Contra Costa County. Formed an inter-departmental workgroup to identify opportunities for collaboration on obesity and diabetes prevention. Represented the program at regional and State conferences and meetings. Worked with Bay Area public health organizations, businesses, cities, and other public agencies interested in preventing obesity and diabetes. Worked with local policymakers to develop ordinances or other policies that could prevent obesity. Provided recommendations to Health Services Department senior management regarding policies and strategies to address the growing epidemic. Utilized the media to sound the alarm about climbing obesity rates.
2001 – 2003 - Lead Poisoning Prevention Project, Community Wellness and Prevention Program, Contra Costa Health Services.
MANAGER
Managed all aspects of the program including community outreach, planning, evaluation, and monitoring of State and Federal policies and regulations. Managed the State Lead Poisoning Prevention Grant and program budget. Met with stakeholders throughout the county including environmental organizations, community groups, and government agencies regarding program objectives. Supervised services for lead-poisoned children, including family education, case follow-up and environmental testing. Provided editorial guidance in the preparation of educational materials for limited English-speaking communities. Made presentations to health care providers, agencies, and community residents. Represented the program at conferences and Bay Area regional workgroups. Supervised Public Health Nurse, Health Education Specialist, Outreach Worker, and Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Prepared reports, presentations, correspondence, and other written materials.
EARLY CAREER
Early career includes managing nutrition programs for low-income residents, educating medical providers about nutrition and health, providing nutrition counseling to low-income clients, managing, and editing newspaper at UC Davis, and several internships at various community health agencies and research programs.
ACTIVITIES, MEMBERSHIPS and RECOGNITIONS
City of San Ramon Climate Action Task Force, Member
San Ramon Valley Climate Action Coalition, Co-founder
American Association of University Women, San Ramon Chapter, Past Member
San Ramon Library Advisory Committee, Past Member
Dougherty Valley San Ramon Rotary, Past President Elect
Candidate, 2020 San Ramon City Council race.
North Richmond Solid Waste Mitigation Fee Committee, Alternate Member (2007-2015)
People Who Make A Difference Award, Contra Costa Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board (2008)
Member, SRVUSD Cultural Responsiveness Committee (2018)
President, Board of Directors, Weigh of Life, Richmond, CA (2006 - 2018)
Leadership Council, Healthy and Active B45 Collaborative, Founding member.
Past Chair and Founder, Bay Area Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative (BANPAC).
Past President, California Conference of Local Health Department Nutritionists. (An affiliate of the California Conference of Local Health Officers)
Founder and Past Chair, Families Coalition for Activity and Nutrition, Contra Costa County.
Author, "Community Nutrition" chapter in "Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition", Aspen Publishing, 1999.
Founder and Chair, Contra Costa County Anemia Task Force, (1994 - 2001)
Food and Nutrition Policy Consortium, Contra Costa County, Member
Author of several abstracts and presenter at State and National conferences, including the National Healthy People 2000 conference in Washington D.C. Preceptor to several UC Berkeley MPH Graduate students.
EDUCATION
Master of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley.
Dietetic Internship, UC Berkeley.
Bachelor of Science, University of California, Davis.
As your appointed representative to the EBMUD Board of Directors for Ward 2, I am running in the November election to continue providing vision, leadership and a passion for protecting our water future. I'm passionate about public service and water has always had a special place in my life. I have lived in Ward 2 for over 40 years. I am eager to listen to you and to continue to represent you on the EBMUD Board. My vast experience in public service and community engagement will help me lead the EBMUD to new heights.