This year began with several leadership changes
and reappointments for the South Coast AQMD
Governing Board, reflecting continued progress in
the agency’s regional work.
On February 6, Councilmember Michael A. Cacciotti
was sworn in as Chair of the Governing Board, with
Councilmember Larry McCallon appointed Vice Chair.
Chair Cacciotti has served on the Governing Board since
2008, representing the Cities of the Eastern Region of Los
Angeles County. He also serves on the South Pasadena City
Council and previously spent nearly 20 years as a Deputy
Attorney General with the California Department of Justice.
Vice Chair McCallon, a Governing Board member since
2015, is a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired businessman
who brings decades of experience in regional leadership,
transportation, and public service.
The Governing Board also welcomed Cedric Jamie
Rutland, MD, FCCP, as a new member following his
appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom. A triple boardcertified
physician in internal medicine, pulmonary disease,
and critical care medicine, Dr. Rutland brings significant
clinical and public health expertise focused on respiratory
health, patient care, and health equity.
In addition, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez was reappointed
to continue serving on the Board, representing Riverside
County’s Fourth Supervisorial District. A Coachella Valley
native, Supervisor Perez has served on the Riverside
County Board of Supervisors since 2017 and previously
served three terms in the California State Assembly,
concluding his service as Majority Leader.
On January 9, Board Members Veronica Padilla-
Campos and Brenda Olmos were sworn in following
their reappointments to the Governing Board. Both were
appointed to serve terms through January 15, 2030.
Board member Padilla-Campos, reappointed by Speaker of
the Assembly Robert Rivas, has served on the Governing
Board since 2021 and brings extensive experience in
community and environmental advocacy and nonprofit
leadership as Executive Director of Pacoima Beautiful.
Vice Mayor Olmos, reappointed by the Cities of Los
Angeles County, Western Region, represents the Gateway
Cities region and had served on the Board since 2025. She
also serves as Vice Mayor of the City of Paramount, and
as President of the California Contract Cities Association,
in addition to holding several regional leadership roles
representing the City of Paramount.
The newest addition to the Board is Los Angeles
Councilmember Adrin Nazarian. Councilmember
Nazarian was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen
Bass to represent the City of Los Angeles. He fills the seat
previously held by Councilmember Nithya Raman, whose
term ended on January 15.
South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board adopts policies and
regulations that promote clean air within its four-county
jurisdiction and typically meets monthly at its Diamond Bar
headquarters.
For more information and to view the Governing Board’s
annual meeting schedule, visit:
http://www.aqmd.gov/nav/about/governing-board.