H&W Board of Trustees

OCEA’s Health & Welfare Trust was created by members for members. The Trust is governed by a seven-member board of trustees elected by OCEA members working for the County and the Superior Court. By standing together, OCEA members are able to offer affordable benefits that keep our families healthy and strong.

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

Maria Corona

OCEA First 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 First 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 committee, and PAC; a trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust; 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.

Rhonda Reed

Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Rhonda, a Senior Office Supervisor at Orange County Social Services Agency's Children & Family Services, was hired in January 2002. She joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward in 2023. Rhonda currently serves on the SSA/CFS Clerical Labor Management Committee and is a member of OCEA's Political Action Committee. She has participated on the Negotiations Team as an alternate and attended the 2024 OCEA Leadership Conference. Rhonda is a strong advocate for OCEA members, focusing on helping members receive the most optimal benefits plans to achieve piece of mind by having comprehensive medical, dental, and vision services.

Crystal Swart

Trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Crystal, a Behavioral Health Clinician II at the Orange County Health Care Agency, was hired in 2017. She joined OCEA the same year, and became a steward in 2023. Crystal has been a member of the OCEA Negotiations Team, is chair of the HCA Labor Management Committee (LMC) and the Team Excellence Awards. She also participates in the Steward Development Committee. With a background in business, finances, and advocacy, Crystal is committed to fairness and ethical practices. She has a history of public service, including time in the Peace Corps and involvement in charitable organizations.