“I came to the County of Los Angeles as a recreational therapist wanting to help people,” said Austria. “Now with Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, I’ll be helping people at a different scale.”
In the new position, Austria will advise Ridley-Thomas on mental health and homeless policy issues in both his district and throughout the county. She’ll also provide outreach to the community and assist with constituent services.
In addition to serving as treasurer of SEIU 721’s interim executive board, Austria was the elected chair of the Supervising Health Science Professionals bargaining unit and co-chair of the Health Policy Committee. She had served as a director for legacy SEIU Local 660 for more than a decade, and was re-elected Local 660 treasurer in 2004.
“Kathleen has been a tireless advocate for good government and for the working women and men who serve the people of Los Angeles County,” said SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover.
“We’ll miss her enthusiasm and experience at SEIU 721, but are pleased that we’ll still be working together with her for quality services in her new position with Supervisor Ridley-Thomas.”
Austria said, “I will miss all the people at SEIU and all the good work we’ve done together. Those experiences helped me get this new job with Supervisor Ridley-Thomas.”