Jerry Dunn

Interim Director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department (ex officio): Jerald C. Dunn

Jerald C. Dunn worked for two Orange County Departments, initially as the Planning Manager for the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), followed by an assignment as the Planning Manager for the Greater Avenues towards Independence (GAIN) program, and was subsequently promoted to the Deputy Director of Employment Services.

Jerry joined the Sonoma County Human Services Department in 1997 to oversee the implementation of sweeping Federal welfare reform legislation. He subsequently assumed responsibility for the Workforce Investment Board and SonomaWORKS and both programs received national and state recognition under his leadership. He was promoted to Assistant Director in 2007 and has directed budget development, human resources, contracts and purchasing, information technology, staff development, fair hearings, and fraud investigations. He also directed staff support to the County Human Services Commission.

Jerry began serving as the Interim Director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department on December 27, 2011. The Department employs 660 staff and has a 2011-2012 budget of $209 million. The Department protects vulnerable children and adults, and promotes maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families, through a broad array of programs in four areas: Children, Youth and Family Services; Adult and Aging Services, Economic Assistance; and Employment and Training. Each month, the Department provides services and support to over 60,000 community residents.

Jerry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and is a graduate of the UC Davis Executive Development Program. He recently completed an Executive Seminar in Strategic Management of Public Organizations from the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy.

Jerry has been Chair of the California Workforce Association, Chair of the CalWIN Policy Board, an active member of the County Welfare Directors Association, and has served as an instructor for the UC Davis Center for Human Services. Locally, he sponsors the County Upstream Investments Policy and serves on the Boards of Health Action and United Way of the Wine Country.

Jerry lives in Santa Rosa with his partner, Bill, and has one son and granddaughter.