Commissioner John A. Kotick is a Los Angeleno by birth. He has over 50 years in the nonrofit sector including significant work in the Aging, Social Justice and Health Care sectors. Commissioner Kotick is currently working for the YWCA Greater Los Angeles whose mission is “To End Racism and Empower Women”. Commissioner Kotick joined LACCOA in October 2018.

Commissioner Helen Romero Shaw worked as a Public Affairs Manager. She is a member of United Latino, Rosemead Chamber Board of Directors, Alhambra Chamber of Directors, and East Los Angeles College Foundation Board of Directors. She was awarded the Breaking Glass of Ceiling Award by the Latina Golfers Association and the Women of Distinction Award given by Business Life Magazine. Commissioner Romero Shaw was appointed to LACCOA in June 2015.

Commissioner Elvia Torres is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her organizational memberships include California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Oversight Board Member for the City of La Puente, and Board Member of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Programs Executives. In 2015, she was recognized as Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Roger Hernandez. Commissioner Torres joined LACCOA in March 2015.

Commissioner Rachel Kirk Valenzuela was a teacher with a LAUSD from 1971 – 2008. She was also the LAUSD Title VII Spanish/English District Advisor from 1978-1979. She was also a Student Teacher Supervisor and Methods Instructor at California State University Dominguez Hills from 1977-1978. Commissioner Kirk retired from LAUSD in 2008. She returned to LAUSD as a consultant for the Peer Assistance and Review from 2009-2011. Commissioner Kirk was also a consultant for LAUSD’s Teaching American History Grant Program from 2011-2018. Commissioner Kirk was appointed to LACCOA in 2023.

Commissioner Reina Schmitz retired after a total of 28 years working in two International Unions, HERE and SEIU. She represented Los Angeles County workers and members of SEIU Local 721 for over 13 years. Commissioner Schmitz volunteers in her community by informing them on issues of education, wellness, and immigration. She is a member of the Senior Bond Oversite Committee for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, for the last six years, and is currently chairperson since 2022. Commissioner Schmitz is involved in community building in Orange County and Los Angeles County and advocates for housing, improved living conditions, educational opportunities, workers’ rights, and immigrant rights. Commissioner Schmitz joined LACCOA in 2024.