Jewish Family Service’s Shana Hazan Appointed to First 5 California Commission

March 28, 2016

Senior Director of Strategic Resource Development Selected for Statewide Commission

Shana Hazan, senior director of strategic resource development for Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), has been appointed by Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins to the California Children and Families Commission, also known as First 5 California. The Commission, which supports and promotes early learning, health, and quality child care for California residents, is considered a leader in early learning and child care programs for children ages zero to five.

“Ms. Hazan brings her passion as a mother, educator, youth leader, and champion for high-quality education to our Commission, where she joins a highly skilled and varied group of Commissioners committed to improving the lives of children and families,” said First 5 California Executive Director Camille Maben.

At JFS, Hazan oversees the nonprofit’s institutional and individual fundraising, and government relations and public policy work. In the last year, she was instrumental in designing and securing funding for the Linda Vista Kindergarten Readiness Network, a pilot project that utilizes a collective impact model to improve student achievement, and social-emotional outcomes for young children.

“I am passionate about creating stronger, healthier, more resilient communities, and look forward to my work as a member of the First 5 California Commission,” said Hazan, adding, “I understand and value high-quality early education, and am committed to ensuring all California children have the opportunity for health and well-being.”

Hazan was selected by Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins as one of the 2016 Women of the Year in the 78th Assembly District. She sits on the board of directors of CORE Educational Services, the Foothold Foundation, and Stanley E. Foster School of Engineering, Innovation, and Design. In addition to her role at JFS, Hazan represents the City of San Diego as a member of the Human Relations Commission, advising the Mayor and City Council on issues affecting all San Diegans.

Hazan replaces outgoing Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Icenhower, CEO of SHIELDS for Families – a private community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for high-risk families in South Los Angeles.

About First 5 California
First 5 California, also known as the California Children and Families Commission, was established after voters passed Proposition 10 in November 1998, which added a tax on tobacco products to fund education, health, childcare, and other services for children ages zero to five and their families. Its programs and resources are designed to educate teachers, parents, grandparents, and caregivers about the critical role they play during a child’s first five years – with the overarching goal of helping more California kids grow up healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life. For more information, please visit www.ccfc.ca.gov.

Contact:
Sandy Young / Ashley Weaver
J. Walcher Communications, (619) 295-7140