Santa Rosa, CA – The City of Santa Rosa has hired Magali Telles as the next Community Engagement Division Director. The position is a key role for the City as Telles will be the lead on efforts to create equitable and effective engagement with all City Departments and the community.

Telles has spent her entire career promoting opportunities and providing access and awareness to underserved and marginalized populations, both locally and on a statewide level. She will bring her experience working at Sonoma State University and most recently as Executive Director of Los Cien to the position, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Education.

“Ms. Telles understands the important time our community is in and is ready to engage, participate, and facilitate the difficult conversations that are long overdue,” said Santa Rosa City Manager Sean McGlynn. “We are excited to have her as part of the team to lead honest and open engagement at such a critical time.”

In addition to overseeing citywide Community Engagement efforts and strategy, the Community Engagement Division Director, is charged with implementing the City’s newly created Community Empowerment Plan, overseeing the Violence Prevention Partnership and will support the Community Advisory Board and the City Council Open Government Task Force Implementation Subcommittee.

“I’m very passionate about this community because of the incredible humanity and solidarity it has shown during the fires, floods, pandemic, and protests,” said Telles. “I know that there is a lot of work ahead, and I am invigorated by the opportunity to get to know the specific needs and community assets in each neighborhood.”

Telles will start with the City on July 21, 2020.