The First 5 Yolo Commission announced the appointment of Victoria Zimmerle as the agency’s new chief executive officer (CEO) effective July 12, following the retirement announcement of longtime CEO Gina Daleiden.

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - The First 5 Yolo Commission announced the appointment of Victoria Zimmerle as the agency’s new chief executive officer (CEO) effective July 12, following the retirement announcement of longtime CEO Gina Daleiden.

Zimmerle brings 20 years of experience serving children and families across a wide range of communities and needs. She earned her Master of Business Administration from UC Davis in 2017, with an emphasis in organizational behavior, graduating with honors. Zimmerle joined First 5 Yolo in 2017 as the business services officer, and for the past five years has served as deputy director, where she has led the agency’s operations, programs and finances. During that time, she played a key role in supporting the agency’s strategic growth and strengthening its capacity to serve Yolo County families through innovative partnerships and sustainable funding strategies.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of chief executive officer and build on the strong foundation established under Gina Daleiden’s leadership and made possible by the entire First 5 Yolo team,” Zimmerle said. “I look forward to working closely with community leaders, healthcare partners and community-based organizations to continue providing and expanding critical supports and services for Yolo County’s youngest residents at a time when children and families are experiencing unprecedented challenges.”

The commission expressed confidence in Zimmerle’s leadership and enthusiasm for the future of First 5 Yolo as the organization continues its mission to support young children and families throughout Yolo County.

“Victoria brings both a passion for First 5 Yolo’s mission and a deep understanding of the operations and programmatic work,” said Yolo County Supervisor and First 5 Yolo Commission Chair Lucas Frerichs. “Even at a time of economic uncertainty and with looming funding cuts to vital social safety net programs, the commission is confident that through Victoria’s leadership the agency will continue to uplift and support Yolo County’s youngest children during their most formative years.”

Current CEO Gina Daleiden will retire on July 12 after 10 years leading the agency’s efforts to support young children and families throughout Yolo County and more than 20 years of service to the County of Yolo.

Gina said, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Victoria over many years and have seen firsthand her genuine heart for children and families and her unwavering commitment to the mission of First 5 Yolo. I trust that her programmatic and operational leadership, coupled with her outstanding ability to navigate challenges and find solutions, will well-position the agency to continue its long-standing impact on behalf of Yolo County children and families. I wish Victoria every success as she takes on this important responsibility.”    

About First 5 Yolo

First 5 Yolo works to improve the health, development and well-being of young children and families in Yolo County through strategic investments, partnerships and innovative programs focused on the critical early years of life. Learn more at www.First5Yolo.org.