Sabrina Thomas Email & Phone Number

Sacramento, California, United States

Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) Authority is a joint powers authority that provides specialized talent management and administrative services to public agencies that support and protect the agricultural industry. We serve over 18 locations throughout California with a team of 350+ employees. As the Chief Executive Officer, I ensure that the strategic, organizational, and financial goals of the agency are met by relying on over 20 years of legal, human resources, and management experience. In April 2020, I started my position one month after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. I persevered and continued to execute my goals for the organization. My steadfast focus and commitment to taking this organization to the next level resulted in many firsts. Under my leadership, my team and I automated CASS’ timekeeping and payroll processing system. As a result, we significantly reduced operating expenses, increased productivity, and streamlined administrative and human resources functions. The adjectives resilience, perseverance, ingenuity, and flexibility best describe my approach to overseeing an agency that "never" shut down in the midst of a pandemic.

Hayward, Ca

Advised senior executives on a range of legal issues ranging from preparing responses to state and federal agencies on complaints or regulatory issues including EEOC, DFEH, BBS, unemployment insurance claims, and union grievances. Ensured compliance with all regulatory mandates and agency policies and agency's collective bargaining agreement with the union. Identified and helped mitigate legal risks. Protected agency from undue or significant legal exposure, liability and financial loss, while facilitating the achievement of strategic and operational goals, objectives and initiatives. Improved organizational design using gap analysis and skills tracking. Employed analytical, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to mitigate escalation of employee issues. Managed the Human Resources Department including providing consultation to management on strategic staffing plans, compliance with legal requirements including ADA, FLSA, DFEH and EEOC, develop compensation and benefits plan, create agency-wide training and development program, talent acquisition, and labor relations. Mentored C-suite, HR Executives which resulted in decreased turnover and grievances.

Experienced employment law practitioner, specializing in employee disciplinary actions, claims of gender, disability, race discrimination, and reasonable accommodation claims. Advised and represented clients in retirement law and benefits. Served as an outside investigator for allegations of workplace misconduct.

Sacramento, California Area

I worked for CalPERS’ legal office where she advised on retirement benefits issues involving PERS agencies and represented CalPERS in administrative proceedings.

Master'S Degree, International Education Policy

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Philosophy And Political Science

Doctor Of Law (J.D.), Law