The original item was published from April 28, 2022 9:18 AM to April 29, 2022 11:15 AM
City Hall welcomes three new staff members to our organization!
Omar Dadabhoy, the new Community Development Director, has over 21 years of experience working in local government. He most recently served as the Community Development Director for the City of Aliso Viejo managing the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and Housing Divisions. Omar has also served in various planning and redevelopment roles in the City of Stanton and the County of Orange. Omar has focused his career on improving the built environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents. He set the foundation for what led to the transformation of a portion of Beach Boulevard and the eventual development of new residential and retail centers. Most recently he led an Economic Recovery Task Force which created relief programs to prevent evictions and job loss for residents and businesses. Omar holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and Political Science.
Ernestine Jones, Interim Finance Director, will assist the Finance Department until a new permanent director comes on board. Ms. Jones brings over 25 years of public and private sector experience to the City. She has served as Financial Officer for the City of El Monte and City of Laguna Woods and various other finance positions (including grants, fixed assets, and financial system implementation team member) for OCTA, City of Irvine, County of Prince Williams, VA and Cal State Dominquez Hills Foundation. As a Finance Director for a municipality, Ms. Jones has regularly dealt with issues concerning municipal finance and accountability. She is a CA Certified Municipal Treasurer and holds a Business Degree from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Business and Management from Webster University. She is an active member of the CA Municipal Treasurers Association and the CA Society of Municipal Finance Officers. She began her career working in public accounting and also earned professional designations as a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager and Certified Public Finance Administrator, prior to her retirement. Ms. Jones is an active volunteer in her community, where she has served in the IRS VITA program, PTA auditor, and Vice-Chair of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District’s Measure B (a $180 million bond issuance) Citizens Oversight Committee. She looks forward to working with the Finance Department team to serve the City and its stakeholders until a permanent Finance Director is recruited.
Jackeline Luengas-Alwafai, Interim Information Services Manager, will assist the City’s Information Services Division until a permanent Information Services Manager has been selected. Ms. Luengas-Alwafai has over 30 years of experience as an IT Manager, IT Application Supervisor, and GIS Systems Analyst. She recently retired from the City of Newport Beach.