Our CEO
Emilia Reyes
Emilia Reyes serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Fresno EOC. As CEO, she leads the agency forward with innovative solutions focused on ending poverty.
She brings approximately 25 years of experience of serving children and families. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics & Business Management from the University of Santa Cruz and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Prior to serving as CEO, she was the Executive Director for First 5 Fresno County where she was instrumental in the creation of the Lighthouse for Children, a beacon of hope for our Valley’s children, located in downtown Fresno.
Ms. Reyes joined Fresno EOC in January 2020, just 45 days before the COVID-19 pandemic. While businesses shutdown, individuals and families lost their incomes and access to essential services, Ms. Reyes made bold moves in leading the organizational shift to hybrid and remote services to ensure families continue to receive vital services.
Her efforts of helping the community extends beyond Fresno EOC. Currently, she serves on the National Community Action Partnership Head Start Taskforce, the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, the Mayor’s Fresno Recovery Committee, the Access Plus Capital Board of Directors, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board of Directors, and the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
“Fresno EOC is at our best when we partner with the community to bring injustices to light and aggressively pursue ways to end poverty,” Emilia Reyes, Chief Executive Officer.
Under Ms. Reyes’ leadership, Fresno EOC envisions a Fresno County free from poverty. She is focused on filling the service gaps for underserved communities and providing vital wrap around services to fulfil our most vulnerable resident’s needs to help lift them out of poverty.
Born and raised in the West Fresno County rural town of Mendota, her commitment to serve the community all started very close to home – from being a daughter of immigrant parents, a sister of a murder victim, a single mother to a child with special needs, and a Latina leader in the Fresno County community. Ms. Reyes’ lived experiences have shaped and defined her passion and commitment to serve our families, neighborhoods and communities.
our leadership
Michelle L. Tutunjian
Chief Operating Officer
An advocate for change, Michelle L. Tutunjian is committed to solving conditions of poverty. For the past two decades at Fresno EOC, she has developed a record of innovative projects and strategic partnerships. In 2018, Ms. Tutunjian launched the Enterprise Division and is responsible for the oversight of six diverse programs with a combined annual budget of over $27 million. Enterprise programs under her leadership include: Energy Services, Employment and Training, Food Services, Local Conservation Corps, Transit Systems, and Valley Apprenticeship Connections. She is an active contributor to regional and national organizations, currently serving on the board of directors for the National Safe Place Network, Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, and the Cultural Arts Rotary Club Foundation where she is the immediate Past President of the Club. Additionally, she is a member of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Youth Council. Ms. Tutunjian was named “Administrator of the Year” from National Safe Place Network in 2012 and was awarded the Fresno EOC “CEO’s Excellence Award” in 2019. Ms. Tutunjian holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of California, Berkeley and earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from California School of Professional Psychology (now Alliant International University).
Greg Streets
Chief Information Officer
Greg Streets serves as Chief Information Officer at Fresno EOC, leading the creation of tech initiatives aligned with the organization’s strategic plan and culture. Born and raised in Southwest Fresno, California, Greg has a deep connection to the community and over 27 years of experience in technology. Before his current role in October 2022, he was Fresno EOC’s Information Technology Director for 11 years, overseeing IT operations and strategic initiatives, including the shift to remote and hybrid workspaces during the 2020 pandemic.
During his tenure, Greg engineered vital technological advances such as upgrading Fresno EOC’s connectivity to fiber optic, switching to cloud-based VoIP services, and streamlining software solutions to reduce costs while continuing to serve Fresno’s most vulnerable populations. He has significantly upgraded the agency’s infrastructure, cybersecurity, training tools, and operational platforms.
Greg values empathy, compassion, and human connection in his work. He recently retired from coaching high school basketball after 25 years, including seven years as a varsity coach, leading his team to win three Central Section Valley Championships and one State runner-up. His commitment to the community drives him to push boundaries against social injustices.
Dr. Nelson Dibie
Chief People and Culture Officer
Nelson Dibie serves as the Chief People & Culture Officer at Fresno EOC, where he is dedicated to nurturing future leaders and advancing the organization’s mission. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work and focus in achieving one’s aspirations.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Nelson began his career as a professional soccer player for 10 years. His soccer career led him to journalism, where he covered sports and community events at a news station.
After moving to the United States, Nelson worked as a Walmart cashier while pursuing his education. His dedication earned him a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a specialty in investigative journalism, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate in public policy and administration with a focus on Human Resources, Management, and Leadership.
In addition to his role at Fresno EOC, Nelson serves as an adjunct professor at Fresno Pacific University and is an ordained minister. He has been part of senior leadership teams in various organizations, helping to develop leaders and sustain their culture.
With a loving wife and two kids by his side, Nelson is all about family, faith, and community. At Fresno EOC, he’s focused on building a resilient culture and empowering others, ensuring everyone gets a fair shot and communities thrive.
Jack Lazzarini
Programs Officer
A native to California, Jack Lazzarini is well versed in program development and health promotion. Throughout his career, Jack has held a variety of both clinical and administrative positions. As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, Jack is passionate about creating opportunities that comprehensively address community health disparities/inequities. Jack is a Diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has worked with indigenous peoples to reverse chronic conditions. He currently oversees our Thriving Children and Families Services that incorporates Head Start 0 to 5, Health Services, and the Women, Infant and Children’s (WIC) Program.
Sherry L. Neil
Programs Officer
Sherry Neil is a Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) Program Officer. Ms. Neil oversees the daily operations and supports various programs to further the organization’s mission. With extensive experience in program planning and development, she specializes in training and development, workforce development, and human service programs.
Before joining Fresno EOC, Ms. Neil served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). In this role, she was responsible for the daily operations and supported the organization’s departments as part of the region’s vision to create an economically inclusive and thriving Central Valley.
Originally from New York, Ms. Neil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY-Brockport, an MBA from Frostburg State University, and an Ed.S degree from Liberty University.
Rosa M. Pineda
Program Officer (Head Start 0 to 5)
Rosa M. Pineda is the Head Start Director and Program Officer at Fresno EOC, leading the Head Start 0 to 5 program and supporting 2,590 children and pregnant women throughout Fresno County to promote school readiness. With over 30 years of experience, Rosa is dedicated to fostering early childhood development and education. Rosa earned an AA in Liberal Arts from Fresno City College, a Bachelor of Science in Child Development, and a Master of Arts in Reading from California State University, Fresno. She has previously served as the Early Care & Education Director and Assistant Head Start Director for Fresno EOC.
During the pandemic, Rosa successfully transitioned the program to a hybrid model, ensuring children attended smaller classes for a safe learning environment and provided weekly meals to all Head Start 0 to 5 children. Under her leadership, the program has embraced technology, going paperless with a digital Head Start application and an online referral system.
Inspired by teachers encouraging her abilities, Rosa began her career wanting to make a difference in children’s lives. Her goal remains to positively impact every child’s life by teaching, advocating, and opening doors of opportunity. Rosa is committed to shaping a brighter future for the children and families of Fresno County.
Amanda Venegas
Public Information Officer
Amanda Venegas is passionate about community empowerment and advocacy as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC). With a commitment to amplifying the stories of Fresno EOC and fostering connections between the organization and the community it serves, Amanda has become a driving force for positive change.
Amanda brings a wealth of experience to Fresno EOC after working as an award-winning anchor and reporter for 15 years. A Valley native from Clovis, she has always been dedicated to her community and helping to create a better future. Since joining Fresno EOC, Amanda has utilized her communication skills and extensive media network to highlight the organization’s over 30 programs, both locally and nationally. Through her adept storytelling, she has effectively shared Fresno EOC’s mission with the public, fostering greater awareness and support for its endeavors.
Beyond her professional achievements, Amanda is married and a proud mother of three young children. Fluent in American Sign Language, she is a dedicated advocate for the disabled community, drawing from her firsthand experience as a child of deaf adults and as a parent of a child with special needs.
Karina Perez
Chief of Staff
Karina Perez serves as Chief of Staff at Fresno EOC, demonstrating her commitment to community service through her work. With a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, specializing in Administration, and certificates in Cross-Cultural Competency and Alcohol/Drug Studies from California State University, Fresno, her educational background provides her with the knowledge to support the needs of our diverse community.
Before joining Fresno EOC, Karina worked at First 5 Fresno County, ensuring accessible services to support the well-being of every child and family. Her dedication to the community extends beyond her professional life; she is a member of the Foster Care Standards and Oversight Committee and the In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee. Karina also volunteers with the San Joaquin Valley Free Medical Clinic and Needle Exchange, passionately helping individuals struggling with addiction and working towards a healthier Fresno County.
As a graduate of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fresno, Class 37, Karina demonstrated her ability to lead and build strong connections within the Fresno community and its organizations. She remains active in the community, using her passion to create a lasting positive impact on Fresno County
our vision For our agency
As an entrepreneurial agency, we bridge the gap to self-sufficiency by providing opportunities and resources, as we initiate and partner in shared community efforts to improve the quality of life.