Professional Experience

Francena has over 20 years of extensive experience working in multiple programs and positions in Health & Human Services. She has worked in overseeing policy, program and systems implementation in Eligibility, Aging Services and Behavioral Health.  Her tenure includes her role in leadership as the TulareWORKs Division Manager, and Deputy Director, Mental Health administration. Francena’s expertise includes project management, policy and procedure implementation and administration, contract management, budget management, systems implementation, and ongoing operations, and building community partnerships.  As the Director of Human Services, Francena has oversight over Eligibility, Aging and Adult Services and Child Welfare Services.  The Human Services branch employs more than 1200 staff with a budget of approximately 380 million.

Education

Francena holds a degree in Forensic Psychology from Purdue University Global.

Family

Francena is married to Ramon Martinez and they share two children, both boys. Adam is 19, has been practicing Jiu Jitsu since the age of 5 and has achieved many championships, including from both the Worlds and Pam American tournaments, and is currently studying at UC Davis in hopes of becoming a Veterinarian. Matthew is 13, also practices Jiu Jitsu, as well as wrestles and plays football. His goal is to play Division I football. Francena and her family also have a love for American Bullies and their pets are their fur family.

Community

Francena supports her community any opportunity she gets.  She has responded to assist in several emergencies both professionally and personally to work with County and Community partners to provide care and shelter, supplies, and connection to supportive and professional services and networks. Francena cofounded the Community Care Coalition (CCC) alongside United Way at the onset of the COVID Pandemic in 2020 which continues to meet on a biweekly basis.  The CCC was founded as an effort to find and fill gaps in service in the community and assist in responding to emergency efforts. The CCC is made up of over 50 organizations both in and out of Tulare County which span the spectrum of community partners.  She has served on several local boards, most currently serving on the Board of Directors for United Way of Tulare County. Francena has chaired and co-chaired several professional committees and boards throughout her tenure in both policy/program and systems with a lens not only for Tulare County but also for the counties and communities in which they serve.