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Board Members Information
The Guide Dog Board has seven members. One member represents the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation. The other six are Governor appointees, two of whom must be blind persons who use guide dogs.
Members:
More About the Board:
Executive Staff:
Board President Jeff Neidich has a passion for advocating and enhancing the lives of individuals who are disabled. Mr. Neidich was a small business entrepreneur, has worked for the United States Government, and has held several positions within the non-profit arena. He has served on numerous boards and committees that provide consumer protection and public education. He was appointed to serve as a Board Member on the California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind on December 1, 2004. As an experienced guide dog handler, he brings to the Board practical knowledge. Additionally, Mr. Neidich is currently serving his second term with the Yuba City Board of Appeals. This Board assists the City when considering waivers pertaining to public access as defined under Title 24, California Code of Regulations. Mr. Neidich currently serves as the elected Board President.
Board Vice President Tom Scott provides government affairs counsel to clients ranging from tort reform, plastics, energy, defense, environmental engineering and telecommunications. With an extensive background in both the private and public sectors, he has worked at all levels of government including positions in the offices of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, former State Senator John Seymour, the U.S. Department of Commerce and former U.S. Senator Pete Wilson. He currently serves as Vice Chair for the City of Folsom Utility Commission, Chair of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.
Belinda Barragan has served as the regional director for the greater Los Angeles area for the non-profit Latino Issues Forum. Barragan previously was assistant director of state government relations for the University of California, Los Angeles from 2001 to 2007 and legislative consultant and district director for Assemblymember Tony Cardenas from 1996 to 2001.
Amy Lyons was an attorney at the Fonda & Fraser law firm from 1997 to 2007. Lyons previously practiced at Veatch, Carlson, Grogan & Nelson from 1992 to 1997, LaFollette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler and Ames from 1990 to 1992, Rushfeldt, Shelley and Drake from 1989 to 1990 and Sedgwick, Detert, Moran and Arnold from 1987 to 1989. She is a member of the Los Angeles chapter board of the California Women's Leadership Association and was a Marian Bergeson Excellence in Public Service Series scholar in 2004.
Board Secretary Anthony "Tony" Candela has worked as a rehabilitation counselor, supervisor, manager and administrator for more than 30 years and in his current position as Deputy Director, Specialized Services Division for the past 2-1/2 years. His primary interest is in the employment of people with disabilities, specializing in the blind and visually impaired.
Executive Officer, Antonette Sorrick has served as Deputy Director for Board Relations for the Department of Consumer Affairs since 2005. Prior to that, she was the Department's Assistant Deputy Director for the Consumer and Community Relations Division. She has also served as a policy and research manager for the California Building Industry Association.