HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-13-2022; 8 - Human Relations Commission – Appointments Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 13, 2022
Action Agenda
Item No. 8
SUBJECT: Human Relations Commission —Appointments Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet
Applications for Persons Recommended
Applications of Other Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
PURPOSE: To consider appointments to the Human Relations Commission.
BACKGROUND: The Human Relations Commission advises the Board of County
Commissioners on solutions to problems in the field of human relationships. It also makes
recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony among groups in the County
irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional
preference, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members.
The following persons are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Jenn Sykes At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2023
Anjail Taylor At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2025
If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 09/30/2025 Vacant since 10/13/2021
Town of 06/30/2025 Vacant since 04/07/2022
Carrboro
At-Large 06/30/2025 Vacant since 02/22/2022
Town of Chapel 06/30/2025 Vacant since 01/07/2020
Hill
At-Large 06/30/2023 Vacant since 07/11/2022
2
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to
the Human Relations Commission.
3
*fcHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Cultivating Community Through Social Justice
August 31, 2022
The Respectable Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough,NC 27278
Re: Board Appointments
The Orange County Human Relations Commission(HRC)recommends Jenn Sykes to fill Position
#3 (at-large)position and Anjail Taylor to fill position#4 (at-large).
Jenn Sykes has experience working on various Orange County advisory boards. She exhibits vast
knowledge regarding the outside agency funding process, and that experience would be conducive
to the HRC and its new members.
Coming from and representing the northern and rural part of the County, Anjail Taylor, would
bring a desired perspective to the HRC. Her experience working with Government Alliance
Against Race and Equity(GARE) in Durham County would be an asset as an HRC member.
Applicant,Nathalie Volkheimer, seems suited to serve but most of her experience is in Australia.
She expressed an interest to be involved with the Orange County community, but is still new to
the area.
Finally, the HRC asks the Board of County Commissioners to consider postponing further
appointments until more applications to join the HRC are submitted for review.
W2e_Lvvs l nme- W'Ma
Melvyn Blackwell,
Civil Rights Specialist, Orange County Department of Human Rights and Relations
4
Human Relations Commission Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Allison Mahaley Member Female White Hillsborough
Ana M.Garcia-Turner Member Female Hispanic Chapel Hill
Frances Castillo Member Female African American Chapel Hill
Michael J.Fath Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Shawnee Seese Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
Deborah Baker Applicant Female White 35-59 Bingham
Ruby Garcia Applicant Female Hispanic 35-59 Chapel Hill
Anjail Taylor Applicant Female African American 35-59 Cedar Grove
Nathalie Volkheimer Applicant Female Other 35-59 Hillsborough
Josh Ravitch Applicant Male White Chapel Hill
Jenn Sykes Applicant Female Hispanic 35-59 Hillsborough Affordable Housing Advisory Board
5
Page 1 of 3 Jenn Sykes
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Jenn Sykes
Name Called:
Home Address: 210 Collins Ave
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 9194428152
Email: sykes.jennifer@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2007
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: Hispanic
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Chair, Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Vice Chair, Hillsborough Water and Sewer Advisory Board
Co-Chair, West Hillsborough Democratic Party Precinct
Treasurer, Progressive Democrats of Orange County
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Elections Advisory Group
Orange Unified Transit Board
Hillsborough Planning Board
Hillsborough Board of Adjustment
Hillsborough Water and Sewer Advisory Board
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have just rolled off the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment and Planning Board and enjoy the
work on that committee and would like to continue it with the county.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I have just rolled off the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment and Planning Board and enjoy the
work on that committee and would like to continue it with the county.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I am familiar with how the process works in Hillsborough and can bring that to the other parts of
the county.
Conflict of Interest:
6
Page 2 of 3 Jenn Sykes
Orange County Housing Authority
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one.
Conflict of Interest:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
My work on various advisory boards has focused on how policy can be used to create greater
equity in the county, from development processes to working on partnerships for reducing costs
to residents. I know the HRC has a larger platform to help encourage this sort of work.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
The HRC has a major platform in the county to advance social justice initiatives, particularly
around equity and supporting those in the county who need it most.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I grew up in El Paso, Texas, where I saw how government can support people. Coming from a
large city with a large minority population gives me a different perspective on equity than most
people in Orange County have.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Application Date: 1/21/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have served on the Hillsborough Planning Board and live in a part of the county where
gentrification and developer priorities have limited affordable housing.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I live in an area where I m starting to see more and more people forced out of their homes and
want to help them ensure their voice is heard. Orange County doesn t do the best job of
encouraging people who might be in housing trouble to come forward, and
Conflict of Interest:
Orange Unified Transportation Board
Application Date: 1/21/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I serve on the Hillsborough Planning Board and often sit in traffic in the county.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
The county needs more options in the northern part to help people get to and from homes and
work.
Conflict of Interest:
7
Page 3 of 3 Jenn Sykes
BOCC Elections Advisory Group
Application Date: 10/15/2020
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I studied political science in undergraduate and graduate school, and have volunteered and
worked in good government groups since 2005. 1 have both academic and practical knowledge
about how districting impacts representation and governmental outcomes.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
When I was in undergrad I worked on fair-districting initiatives in the state I went to college in
(Virginia), and in my time in Orange County while working as a precinct official have spent a lot
of time explaining to voters who they were voting for and
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 7/13/2022 Date Printed: 9/1/2022
8
Page 1 of 2 Anjail Taylor
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Anjail Taylor
Name Called:
Home Address: 5418 Jamaica Rd
Cedar Grove NC
Phone: (336) 212-6212
Email: anjailwoods78@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence:
Township of Residence: Cedar Grove
Zone of Residence: Agricultural Residential
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: African American
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board
Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have attended Racial Equity Institute Phase I Workshop, also returning as alumni as well as
have I attended the Groundwater training. I am currently employed at Durham County
Government who is a member of GARE (Government Alliance on Race and Equity). I am
currently serving on the Durham County Department of Public Health Racial Equity and Diversity
Committee (Public Health Nexus Team). Later this month, I will be attending the GARE
Conference. I will also be attending REI Phase I again as alumni in May. We have contracted
and are currently working closely with UNC Gillings School of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in
Research Program Director Dr. Deborah Stroman, PhD, CLU to implement change, review and
revise county policies that sustain inequities in the workplace.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
on this board:) have worked in local government serving in Public Health for close to 10 years
and continue to witness health and education disparities and barriers to care in brown and black
people. As an employee at the local government level, I have experienced, witnessed, and
suffered injustices through modernized and reverse racism disguised in such a way they are
dismissed or unsubstantiated by Human Resource departments. I am aiming to use my
knowledge, education and expertise to bring perspective in dismantling these actions in our
systems.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I would bring perspective from diverse viewpoints of race and social class as well as from a
mental health standpoint.
Conflict of Interest:
9
Page 2 of 2 Anjail Taylor
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
Have had experience in caring for my now deceased grandmother who resided in an adult care
home. I have also had experience in my profession working with and establishing ADA
accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Recently cared for my grandmother who resided in an adult care home and I would like to further
ensure that the rights of the elderly and disabled residing in these homes are well reserved.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
Conflict of Interest:
None
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Agricultural Preservation Board
Application Date: 1/11/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
Black woman farmer, Previous USDA Certified Organic Farmer, 4th generation family farming,
successfully secured organic tobacco contracts 3 consecutive years
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Would like to encourage farmland preservation for the future of agriculture in the Cedar Grove
community promoting sustainability for economic growth.
Conflict of Interest:
None
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Application Date: 1/11/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have worked with the underserved community assisting with financial resources.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Would like to utilize my expertise in financial assistance resourcing by giving back to the
community continuing to serve underserved populations.
Conflict of Interest:
None
Other Comments:
Applied to Human Relations Commission 04/12/2022 at 8:10 pm.
This application was current on: 1/11/2022 Date Printed: 4/19/2022
10
Orange County, NC Boards & Commissions Submit Date: Nov 20, 2020
Application Form
Profile
Deborah Baker
First Name Middle Initial Last Name
debbaker1104@gmail.com
Email Address
1227 Oak Forest Rd
Home Address Suite or Apt
Chapel Hill NC 27516
City State Postal Code
What district do you live in?
None Selected
Mobile: (908) 285-0801
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Human Relations Commission: Submitted
Township of Applicant
Bingham
Property Zone
County
Community Involvement
Board of Directors, US Equipment Leasing and Financing Association (ELFA). Chair of ELFA Women s
Council, Founding Member, ELFA Equality Council, Member Monitor Publication Editorial Board
Relevant Experience
I am currently the Chair of the Equipment Leasing and Financing Association s (ELFA) Women s Council
and a founding member of ELFA Equality. Each Council was created to promote diversity and inclusivity
in the Leasing Industry in the US.
Deborah Baker
11
Reasons Want to Serve
I am passionate about supporting under represented groups and ensuring diverse perspectives are
welcome, valued and heard.
Diversity of Viewpoints
Conflict of Interest
I am a female executive in a (white) male dominated industry. I will leverage learnings from my active
participation in two Diversity Counsels.
Interests & Experiences
Please tell us about yourself and why you want to serve.
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
Past Service
None.
Demographics
Some boards and commissions require membership to be racially, politically or geographically
proportionate to the general public. The following information helps track our recruitment and
diversity efforts.
Ethnicity
Q Caucasian/Non-Hispanic
Gender
m Female
Please select your age range
PF 35-59
Deborah Baker
12
Page 1 of 2 Ruby Garcia
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Ms. Ruby Garcia
Name Called:
Home Address: 249 Butler Ct.
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 8478090491
Email: ruby@rubygarciacoaching.com
Year of OC Residence: 2018
Township of Residence:
Zone of Residence:
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: Hispanic
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Participate in the Equity Advisory Council for Chapel Hill Schools and the Justice in
Action Advisory Committee for the Town of Chapel Hill
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
N/A
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have currently been volunteering on the Town of Chapel Hill s Justice in Action board as well
as the CHCCS Parent Equity Advisory Board. Because of Covid, neither were meeting much
this year but I bring that experience as well as a long history of experience such as advocating
for abused and neglected kids, previously working at TABLE as the Family Engagement Director
and serving as a Fellow at Foster America where I worked to scale evidence based
programming nationally. In each of these roles, we often looked at our work through an equity
and justice perspective.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I would like to be engaged in my community and want to make a difference for all those living in
our community.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I grew up in a bicultural home and am a single, Latina mother with two kids in CHCCS. I have
worked white collar corporate jobs and have also been an essential worker in a grocery store. I
am a first generation college graduate. I try to see things from many perspectives because
know diversity is much more complex than race or socioeconomic class but that intersectional ity
often exists.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
13
Page 2 of 2 Ruby Garcia
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 11/20/2020 3:17:08 PM Date Printed: 11/25/2020
14
Page 1 of 1 Josh Ravitch
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr Josh Ravitch
Name Called:
Home Address: 402 Old Larkspur Way
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone: 9196247599
Email: ravitchj@yahoo.com
Year of OC Residence: 1984
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill Township within C.H. city limits
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: white
Age Range:
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Vice Chair, Chapel Hill Human Services Advisory Board
Secretary of the Board of The Arc of the Triangle
Member, IFC Community House Advisory Board
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
N/a
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
la€TMm currently Vice Chair of the Chapel Hill Human Services Advisory Board, On two other
nonprofit governance or advisory boards, and have been appointed to many other nonprofit
boards over the years. In these roles, I have stablished good relationships with leaders of many
nonprofit agencies serving widely diverse people over the years.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I have experience and passion for helping people of widely different backgrounds to better their
lives and those around them.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 8/11/2020 Date Printed: 8/12/2020
15
Page 1 of 1 Nathalie Volkheimer
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Dr Nathalie Volkheimer
Name Called:
Home Address: 509 Terrell Road
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-402-7892
Email: nsvolkheimer@GMAIL.COM
Year of OC Residence: 2021
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence: Town of Hillsborough
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: Other
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Trevor Project
Emily post Business Etiquette Training
Honorary Professor for Australian University
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have 30 years of experience working with vulnerable populations in a community and
commercial context. I am an experienced researcher and professor regarding issues relating to
authenticity and ethics in commercial envronments. I currently work with Durham Tech with a
large variety of populations locally.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I am new to Hillsborough and wish to get involved with the community and the wider county.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I am a minority constituancy on a variety of fronts, who belives strongly in inclusivity and
diversity. I have a wide range of knowledge regarding equity and I also have experience and
expertise in the way that indiviudals and communities relate to each other.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 8/8/2022 1:32:00 PM Date Printed: 8/8/2022
16
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Fourth Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Melvyn Blackwell
Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-245-2497
Positions: 12 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: <div>The Board of Commissioners appoints all twelve members. This commission seeks to prevent and/or eliminate
bias and discrimination by means of education,persuasion,conciliation and enforcement. It also advises the Board of
County Commissioners on these matters, receives discrimination complaints,and conducts the corresponding
investigation of such complaints. To learn more,visit this web address: <a
href—�"www.co.orange.nc.us/hrr/hrc.asp">www.co.orange.nc.us/hrr/hrc.asp</a></div>
Ms Shawnee Seese
1 First Appointed: 02/17/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 02/17/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Michael J. Fath
2 First Appointed: 02/17/2022
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/17/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
VACANT
3 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
VACANT
4 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Ana M. Garcia-Turner
5 Secretary First Appointed: 10/03/2017
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/07/2020
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
VACANT
6 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Tuesday,September 6,2022 Page 1
17
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Fourth Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Melvyn Blackwell
Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-245-2497
Positions: 12 Length:3 years Terms: 2
VACANT
7 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Carrboro City Limits Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Carrboro Number of Terms:
VACANT
8 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Allison Mahaley
9 First Appointed: 02/06/2018
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 12/07/2020
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Hillsborough Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Number of Terms: 2
Frances Castillo
10 Chair First Appointed: 06/18/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/17/2022
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2024
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
VACANT
11 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Chapel Hill Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Chapel Hill Number of Terms:
VACANT
12 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Tuesday,September 6,2022 Page 2
18
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Melvyn Blackwell
Human Relations Commission Contact Phone: 919-245-2497
Mrs. Deborah Baker
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 10/19/2020
Ethnic Background: White Township: Bingham
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Ms. Ruby Garcia
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/20/2020
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr Josh Ravitch
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/11/2020
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill Township within C.H.city limits
Also Serves On:
Jenn Sykes
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 07/13/2022
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Hillsborough
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits
Also Serves On: Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Anjail Taylor
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/11/2022
Ethnic Background: African American Township: Cedar Grove
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Agricultural Residential
Also Serves On: Agricultural Preservation Board
Dr Nathalie Volkheimer
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 08/08/2022
Ethnic Background: Other Township: Hillsborough
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Town of Hillsborough
Also Serves On:
Tuesday,September 6,2022 Page 1 of 1