Emilia Reyes image via Fresno EOC

The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) board of commissioners has announced Emilia Reyes as the organization’s new CEO.

Beginning Jan. 20, Reyes will helm the Central Valley’s largest nonprofit organization. She was previously director of First 5 Fresno County.

“I am delighted to welcome Emilia Reyes as our new CEO. She is a proven leader, has a heart for those less fortunate, and strong connection to our community, which were all factors considered by our Board’s search committee.” said Linda Hayes, Fresno EOC board chair. “We are confident that we have identified the best leader to take Fresno EOC forward.”

Reyes will be replacing Brian Angus, who is retiring after serving as CEO for nine years.

The board has appointed Fresno EOC’s Enterprise Officer Michelle L. Tutunjian as interim CEO until Reyes joins.

Reyes first joined First 5 Fresno County in 2003. As executive director she was highly involved in community efforts to combat the region’s preterm birth and black infant mortality rates.

A Mendota native, Reyes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Reyes is the first woman to lead Fresno EOC and is the 5th leader in its 54 years of operation.

“What we have accomplished over the last several years in Fresno County has fundamentally improved the way young children and families are served,” Reyes said. “Not only has it been gratifying and enjoyable, most importantly it has resulted in better services for our families. Now it is my goal to build on these rich experiences while serving as the CEO of Fresno EOC.”

Fresno EOC is the largest nonprofit organization in the Central Valley, according to The Business Journal’s research. In 2019, Fresno EOC had an operational budget of $132 million and nearly 1,000 full-time employees. It administers more than 35 community programs in areas including education, health, food, energy, transportation, employment training and youth and senior services.

Its funding sources including the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Central Valley Regional Center.