Leadership change at the Fresno EOC? New acting CEO appointed

The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission is now led by an “acting” chief executive officer, and the status of former CEO Emilia Reyes was unclear Monday.

Michelle Tutunjian, the agency’s chief operating officer, is on the Fresno EOC Commission’s agenda tonight as “acting CEO.”

The shakeup comes as the agency faces a $3.3 million budget deficit through September.

Commission Chairman Oliver Baines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Reyes, who was listed as CEO on the November agenda and is still listed as CEO on the agency’s website, did not previously respond to a request for comment from GV Wire.

When asked Friday about an apparent leadership change at the Fresno EOC, agency spokesman Jose Moreno III declined to comment other than to say, “As personnel matters are resolved internally, any updates or announcements will be made public.” relevant information for communication.”

He did not immediately respond to questions Monday about how long Tutunjian had been in the position or about Reyes’ status and next steps for the agency.

Reyes was hired in 2019 to replace longtime CEO Brian Angus, who held the post for nine years. She previously served as First Five Fresno County leader.

Her contract was extended in 2021 by three years to 2024 at an annual salary of $195,000. In January 2023, the commission voted unanimously to increase Reyes’ salary by 8.7%.

More supervision required

The Fresno EOC is one of the oldest community action agencies in the country, founded during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The goal of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was to achieve equal opportunities in education, employment, health and living conditions for every American. Fresno EOC was one of 900 Community Action Agencies created by the act and was founded in 1965.

Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias, who previously served on the commission when he served on the State Center Community College board of trustees, said the Fresno EOC deserves “the best and strongest oversight” from its board.

It is “the premier social safety net organization and by far the largest in the Central Valley.”…and I think the board should prioritize stronger and more committed members of that board, as should any other elected official who has an appointment.” he said.

Eight members of the Fresno EOC Commission are appointed by elected officials, including the Mayor of Fresno, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, the Fresno County Superior Court, the State Center Community College District, the California Assembly, the California Senate and Congress. Eight others will be appointed from business, public agency and community groups and include representatives from the Head Start County-Wide Policy Council, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Reel Pride and the Fresno County Economic Development Corp ., Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Association of Black Social Workers and a faith-based organization in West Fresno. Eight additional commissioners will be elected by residents in low-income targeted areas.

Today, the agency employs more than 1,200 full- and part-time employees and has an annual budget of $124 million. It has more than 30 programs including Head Start, School of Unlimited Learning, Local Conservation Corps, Food Services, Women Infant and Children (WIC), and Energy Services. The agency serves more than 100,000 Fresno County residents annually.

Large deficit reported

Fresno EOC appears to be struggling financially. A December report on finances through September showed a $3.3 million spending deficit relative to revenue. According to the report, the deficit was primarily due to the inability to renegotiate multi-year contracts for Food Services and the Local Conservation Corps to cover rising costs of transportation, supplies, and merchandise and food.