Committee Structure
The Commission uses advisory committees to increase its efficiency. Committee meetings are open to the public, and subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs are appointed annually by the Commission Chair.
Budget and Fiscal Advisory Committee
This committee supports the Commission by monitoring the Commission’s budget and provides recommendations on annual priorities, in alignment with the Program and Legislative and External Affairs Committees. The committee reviews the annual budget, quarterly budget updates, and budget change proposals, as well as fiscal analysis of projects, contracts, and grants, and thereafter recommends Commission action and raises any necessary concerns.
Members
Chair: Commissioner Al Rowlett
Vice Chair: Commissioner Chris Contreras
Commissioner Keyondria Bunch
Commissioner Steve Carnevale
Commissioner Dave Gordon
Commissioner Harabedian (Designee Rosielyn Pulmano)
Commissioner Jevon Wilkes
Legislative and External Affairs Advisory Committee
This committee supports the Commission by shaping the Commission’s legislative agenda and advocacy priorities. The Committee monitors and proposes legislation, engages community leaders, providers, advocates, and other interest holders, and partners with advocacy contract grantees to strengthen their capacity.
Members
Chair: Commissioner Mark Bontrager
Vice Chair: Commissioner Robert Callan Jr.
Commissioner Amy Fairweather
Commissioner Karen Larsen
Commissioner Gladys Mitchell
Commissioner Marvin Southard
Commissioner Jay’Riah Thomas-Beckett
Program Advisory Committee
This committee supports the Commission by shaping its program priorities. The committee reviews proposals for research and projects and recommends Commission action. It also ensures transparency, reviewing periodic program updates to certify terms of approval are satisfied, while reporting progress, outcomes, and concerns to the Commission. Proposals requiring Commission resources will be referred by the Program Advisory Committee to the Budget and Fiscal Advisory Committee to secure resource availability. The Program Advisory Committee will have responsibility over any specific authorities granted to the Commission, including the Behavioral Health Wellness Act, Behavioral Health Student Services Act, and Behavioral Health Services Innovation Partnership Fund.
Members
Chair: Commissioner Gary Tsai
Vice Chair: Commissioner Mara Madrigal-Weiss
Commissioner Pamela Baer
Commissioner Michael Bernick
Commissioner Rayshell Chambers
Commissioner Dave Cortese (Designee Marjorie Swartz)
Commissioner Makenzie Cross
Commissioner Brandon Fernandez
Client & Family Leadership Committee
This committee is made up of peer providers, consumers, family members, and representatives from diverse populations. It explores and supports best practices in implementing and protecting the unique work of peer providers in our behavioral health system through connection with State and local agencies, and agencies from other states.
Cultural and Linguistic Competency Committee
This committee focuses on understanding inequities in California’s behavioral health system and pinpoints strategies to achieve equity. The committee identifies ways to document and communicate inequities in California’s behavioral health system, highlights model programs and other promising initiatives, and pushes for reforms to existing policies and practices.
Upcoming Meetings
Legislative and External Affairs Advisory Committee – June 19, 2025
Jun 19, 2025 - 12:30 pm
Past Meetings
Executive Director Screening Committee – April 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025 - 2:00 pm
Special Meeting – Executive Director Screening Committee – April 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025 - 12:00 pm
Executive Director Screening Committee – March 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025 - 1:30 pm
Executive Director Screening Committee – March 20, 2025
Mar 20, 2025 - 1:30 pm
Executive Director Screening Committee – March 17, 2025
Mar 17, 2025 - 2:30 pm
Mental Health Student Services Act Workgroup Meeting – December 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024 - 3:00 pm
CANCELLED – Cultural and Linguistic Competency Committee Meeting – December 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024 - 3:00 pm
Cultural and Linguistic Competency Committee Meeting – October 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2024 - 3:00 pm
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