Mark Freidman, CEO of the Eden Health District, will be our guest speaker on Monday, June 22. Mark Friedman is the past CEO of the Thomas J. Long Foundation where he led a major grants program to East Bay community organizations working in health care, education, seniors, disabilities, and safety net services. Prior to that he was the CEO of First 5 Alameda County for over 15 years. First 5 Alameda County is a government agency that provides extensive services to children from birth to age 5 and their families including health care, developmental screening, mental health, family support, and early care and education. First 5 Alameda County was the first county First 5 Commission in the state to become operational and was known for its innovative and collaborative programs for the most vulnerable children in the county. Mr. Friedman was appointed by then Governor Jerry Brown to chair the California Advisory Council on Early Learning and Care and served two terms as the President of the California Children and Families Association. He also served as co-Chair of Raising California Together.
Mr. Friedman also spent 11.5 years serving on the El Cerrito City Council including three terms as Mayor. Among major projects he was instrumental in were building a new city hall and renovating the swim center. He led the passage of strict anti-smoking regulations and the increase in the minimum wage.