The Board of Commissioners of Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) announced today that it has named Emilia Reyes as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, effective January 20. Reyes comes to Fresno EOC from First 5 Fresno County where she served as Executive Director.
Fresno EOC Board Chair Linda Hayes said, “I am delighted to welcome Emilia Reyes as our new CEO. She is a proven leader, has a heart for those less fortunate, and strong connection to our community which were all factors considered by our Board’s search committee.” Hayes added “We are confident that we have identified the best leader to take Fresno EOC forward.”
Reyes takes the reins from Brian Angus who is retiring after spending nine years as CEO. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to thank Brian Angus for his exemplary leadership,” continued Hayes. “He has continued to move the organization forward in a focused and transparent way.”
The Board appointed Fresno EOC’s Enterprise Officer Michelle L. Tutunjian as Interim CEO; Tutunjian will serve in this role until Reyes joins the organization.
“What we have accomplished over the last several years in Fresno County has fundamentally improved the way young children and families are served,” said Reyes. “Not only has it been gratifying and enjoyable, most importantly it has resulted in better services for our families. Now it is my goal to build on these rich experiences while serving as the CEO of Fresno EOC.”
Reyes had been with First 5 Fresno County since 2003. First 5 Fresno County opened the Lighthouse for Children, a community space in downtown Fresno where young children and their families are supported and prioritized so they can reach their full potential. As First 5 Fresno County’s Executive Director, Emilia was highly involved in community efforts to combat the area’s preterm birth and black infant mortality rates. Emilia comes from a migrant farm working family and was born and raised in Mendota. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master of Business Administration degree from the California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Reyes joins Fresno EOC as the first woman to lead the agency and as the 5th leader over the 54 years of operation.