Paula Villescaz has been with CWDA since May 2022, starting as Director of Legislative Advocacy and most recently being named the Associate Director of Member Engagement. In this new role, Paula will primarily focus on supporting the association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) related work, as well as working with CWDA staff and directors to onboard new board members and improve member engagement and the overall association membership experience. Paula will continue to provide support to the legislative team, as well.

Immediately prior to joining CWDA, Paula served as Assistant Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. She also previously held positions as the Principal Consultant for the Assembly Health Committee and Advisor to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Paula has a B.A. in Political Science with a Minor in Public Policy from UC Berkeley. She is active in the community and a past elected member of the San Juan Unified School Board.