Desert Healthcare District Board Appoints Palm Desert Attorney Anyse Smith as Zone 5 Director
A new Director joined the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board table Thursday following six applicant interviews during a special Board meeting in Palm Springs.
Anyse Smith (pictured) was unanimously appointed and sworn in as the District's zone five representative, occupying the seat vacated by Arthur Shorr, who resigned on Nov. 30.
"We were fortunate to have six exceptional applicants, each bringing a demonstrated commitment to improving the Coachella Valley, and we thank all who put themselves forward for consideration,” Board President Kimberly Barraza said. “Anyse Smith emerged as an outstanding candidate based on her legal background, lived experience, dedication to service, and collaborative work with community partners. I look forward to serving alongside Director Smith as the Board moves into its next phase of strategic planning and strengthens the District’s role in advancing health and wellness throughout the region.”
Smith is a Palm Desert resident and staff attorney at Starting Over Inc., a nonprofit housing and legal aid provider working with unhoused people. In addition, she brings to the Board vast experience supporting local nonprofit organizations and agencies.
"The Board has important and transformative work ahead," Smith said in an email Friday. "I’m most looking forward to contributing to the District’s strategic efforts to expand access to programs and services, particularly for disadvantaged communities, so that everyone can achieve optimal health, regardless of where they live or their circumstances."
Prior to her current job, Smith was employed as an associate attorney with Pacheco and Neach PC, program assistant II and management analyst with Coachella Valley Association of Governments, and program administrative assistant and housing manager at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM).
Her volunteerism also includes CVRM, Jewish Family Services of the Desert Advisory Council, and board service for the Regional Access Project Foundation and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.
Smith also shared how her experience of once being unhoused would contribute to fulfilling the District & Foundation's mission.
"Access to healthcare is a human right, and I want to ensure that our community has equitable access to healthcare programs and services that support health at every stage of life," she said Friday. "I have deep respect for the work the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation has done for the community. As a former resident of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and through my nonprofit and legal work, I’ve seen how critical access to care is to overall well-being."
After her appointment and swearing-in, Smith was congratulated by President Barraza, Vice-President Greg Rodriguez, Secretary Leticia De Lara, Carole Rogers, Evett PerezGil, and Treasurer Dr. Dan Logsdon who participated virtually.
"I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and a strong focus on equitable health outcomes for the Coachella Valley," Smith said Friday.
All Board meetings, unless stated otherwise, are open to the public. Please see the schedule of upcoming Board activity here.
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