Mara Madrigal-Weiss, the executive director of student wellness and school culture for the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), has been reappointed as chair of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for a third consecutive term, beginning in January 2024. This appointment makes her the longest serving Latina chair in the commission’s 20-year history. In addition to her role as chair, Madrigal-Weiss is also the chair of the Prevention and Early Intervention Subcommittee, vice chair of the Workplace Mental Health Committee, and previously served as commission vice chair after her election in 2019.

Recognizing her commitment to innovation and mental health in education, Mara Madrigal-Weiss was awarded with the first Wellness Together Mental Health Innovator Award earlier this fall. Her team at SDCOE operates a virtual wellness center that provides mental health support resources for students, families and schools. She regularly contributes to SDCOE’s resource guide library including guides for educators and resources for holidays. As an advocate for keeping health and wellness at the forefront of education, Madrigal-Weiss has made a significant impact on promoting mental health services in San Diego County schools.