Liza Cooper-Butler

OCEA Board Member | Chair of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust | OCEA PAC Member

Liza, an HR Recruiter-Staff Specialist assigned to the Health Care Agency, was hired in 1997. She joined OCEA in 1998, became a Steward in 2015, and a Board member in 2016. She serves as Chair on the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, a member of the OCEA Legislative, PAC, and Scholarship committees, and as an Orange County Labor Federation delegate. Devotedly she stands with her fellow OCEA members and remains active in the Union for them. Liza truly cares for the well-being of her colleagues and brings a determined work ethic and strong voice to the County and OCEA.

Maria Corona

OCEA Second Vice President | Secretary of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Maria, a Staff Assistant at Orange County Health Care Agency—Strategy & Special Projects, was hired in July 2000. She joined OCEA the same year, becoming a Steward in 2003 and a Board member in 2008. She currently serves as OCEA Second Vice President, as Secretary of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, and was previously OCEA Treasurer. Maria is also a member of OCEA’s budget committee and a member of many OCEA bargaining teams. She is a recipient of OCEA’s President’s and Civic Engagement awards. At her agency, she is a member of the HCA Labor Management Committee.

Iriss Barriga

OCEA Board Member | Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Iriss Barriga, a Senior Child Support Specialist, was hired in 1997. She joined OCEA the following year and became a Steward in 2018. Iriss was appointed to serve as a Trustee of the Heath & Welfare Trust in May 2019 and as a member of the Board of Directors in 2021. She won recognition as a Steward for organizing standing-room only membership meetings for her co-workers and proactively tackling workplace issues. Iriss is the go-to source for information and support at Child Support Services and to every County worker. She is proud to be a part of offering affordable dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans that meet the needs of all County employees. Plus, she volunteers for duty at the annual OCEA Health Fair by bringing all her co-workers, who can’t attend, goodies or swag bags. She loves trying new foods, watching movies, working out and listening to music. Iriss is a confirmed Radiohead, NIN and Morrissey fan and says the 90’s band Nirvana was her thing.

Jose Gomez

OCEA Board Member | Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Jose, an Office Technician at the Social Services Agency, was hired by the County in 1993. He has been a member since 2000, when he was promoted into an OCEA-represented bargaining unit. He currently serves as a Trustee of the OCEA Health and Welfare Trust, is a member of the OCEA budget and legislative committees, an Orange County Labor Federation delegate, and has served on many OCEA bargaining teams. Jose has always been a workplace leader but made it official in 2014 when he became a Steward. He is a past recipient of the OCEA President’s Award. Jose also supports his co-workers at Orangewood Children’s Home, and OCEA events including Veterans Day, the annual Health Fair, political actions, and more.

Angelo Lugo

OCEA Insurance Officer | Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust | OCEA PAC Member

Angelo, an IT Network Engineer II for the Health Care Agency, was hired in 2000. He joined OCEA in 2001, became a Steward in 2014 and was appointed to the OCEA Board of Directors in Sept. 2018. He currently serves as OCEA Insurance Officer. Angelo has been on multiple bargaining teams, serves as Vice Chair of OCEA’s legislative committee, as a member of the OCEA budget committees, PAC, an OC Labor Federation Delegate, and is a Health Fair volunteer. Angelo has also been a leader on the County IT Committee where he has solved tough issues caused by outsourcing. He says that outsourcing of any County job is unacceptable, and he is ready to dedicate his IT negotiation experience to protecting the jobs of his fellow OCEA co-workers. One of his interests is in mentoring younger County workers who will one day lead both the County and the union in making our community a better place.

Espie Martinez

OCEA Board Member | Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Espie, a Staff Specialist/Recruiter assigned to Learning & Organizational Development, was hired in 2007. She joined OCEA the same year and became a Steward in 2019. She has been a Trustee of the Health & Welfare Trust since May 2022 and was appointed to OCEA’s Board of Directors in September 2022. Espie became involved in OCEA in 2016 at the Registrar of Voters where she felt more workplace advocates were needed at the time. She has assisted with and participated in the OC Women’s March in 2019 and 2020; supported OCEA and the OC Labor Federation with voter outreach during the campaigns to elect Supervisor Foley; and testified for State Senate committees regarding Senator Umberg’s SB 35. Espie enjoys traveling, hiking, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about democracy, voting, social justice and being a voice for equality.

Lani Nguyen

Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Lani, an Auditor-Appraiser III at the Assessor’s office, was hired in 1996. She joined OCEA in 1997, becoming a steward in 2008. She currently serves as a Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust.