Alejandre, Dowdy-Rogers join First 5 San Bernardino Commission

Ted Alejandre and Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, EdD have been appointed as new commissioners for First 5 San Bernardino.

First 5 San Bernardino’s purpose is to promote, support and enhance the health and early development of children prenatal through age 5, their families and communities.

Alejandre is the San Bernardino County superintendent of schools who provides advocacy, leadership and services for and on behalf of more than 406,000 K-12 students attending public schools in San Bernardino County.  A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Alejandre is nearing the end of his second four-year term, serving as the county’s 34^th superintendent after being elected to office in June 2014.

Dr. Dowdy-Rodgers currently serves as a community development specialist for Pacific Clinics (formerly known as Uplift Family Services), advocating for mental health services and resources on behalf of foster youth.  She also is the president and CEO of Arrowhead United Way, a member of San Bernardino City Unified’s board of education and is a delegate for the California School Board Association serving on the legislative committee.  Dowdy-Rodgers founded the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation, an organization who mentors young women ages 12-21 to reach their highest aspirations.

“I am thrilled that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has selected Ted and Gwen to serve on the Children and Families Commission – First 5 San Bernardino,” stated Karen E. Scott, Executive Director for First 5 San Bernardino.  “Their knowledge of the community and experience with children brings invaluable expertise to our Commission.  We look forward to collaborating as we work to improve the health and development of young children and their families.”

The First 5 San Bernardino Commission is comprised of seven members and includes a San Bernardino County Supervisor (Joe Baca, Jr.), the San Bernardino County Public Health Director (Joshua Dugas), San Bernardino County’s Assistant Executive Officer for Human Services (Diana Alexander) and four at large members from the community (Elliot Weinstein, MD, and Gary Ovitt).  The commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm (unless otherwise noted).

The appointments were approved by San Bernardino County’s Board of Supervisors last month.