As Chief of Staff, Veronica Carpenter acts as advisor to the CEO and facilitates cross-collaborative development, implementation, and improvement of organizational programs and initiatives. Carpenter is responsible for achieving operational efficiencies to support CalOptima's strategic plan, goals and objectives. She brings more than eight years of leadership at Orange County public offices and agencies. Prior to joining CalOptima, she was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Orange County Board of Supervisors, First District. She also worked for the Orange County Health Care Agency as the assistant to the agency director overseeing strategic communications and special projects. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from UCLA and a master’s degree in public administration from USC.