Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President Noelia Corzo, District 2
Subject: Reappointments to the Commission on Aging
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for reappointments to the Commission on Aging, each for a term ending June 30, 2029:
A) Kathy Uhl, for a second term; and
B) Debrorah Owdom, for a first full term; and
C) Twila Cole Dependahl, for a first full term; and
D) Brittany Barron Saleem, for a first full term.
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BACKGROUND:
The mission of the San Mateo County Commission on Aging (CoA) is to improve the quality of life for seniors in San Mateo County through the promotion of independence, self-sufficiency, mental and physical health, as well as community involvement.
DISCUSSION:
Kathy Uhl has served as a regular member since her initial partial term began in August 2020 and is being recommended to serve a second full term. Deborah Owdom and Twila Cole Dependahl were initially appointed to partial terms in January 2024 and are being recommended to serve their first full term. Brittany Barron Saleem was initially appointed to a partial term in January 2026 and is being recommended to serve her first full term. Upon approval of these reappointments, each 3-year term is effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
Kathy Uhl has spent most of her career working and advocating in the nonprofit sector serving older adults and persons with disabilities. She contributes to the Commission on Aging by educating and advocating for older adults in our community. Kathy is a SamTrans Mobility Ambassador and is a member of the SamTrans Paratransit Advisory Council. She regularly attends and tables at Senior Fairs, helping older adults access information and services available throughout the county. Kathy is active with several community organizations, including The Villages, the Alzheimer’s Association, CERT, and the Burlingame Neighborhood Network.
Deborah Owdom was born and raised in San Mateo County. She earned an A.A. in Recreation Administration from College of San Mateo, a B.A. in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Cal State East Bay, and an M.A. in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies from Texas A&M University. Deborah is a passionate advocate for older adults and believes strongly in the power of volunteerism to strengthen communities. Over a 22-year career, she specialized in recruiting older adults into meaningful volunteer service, helping them stay engaged, connected, and purpose-driven. As a Commissioner, she champions opportunities that honor older adults’ contributions and expand community involvement.
Twila Dependahl brings 32 years of management experience from Franklin Templeton
Investments. After transitioning from financial services, she discovered a passion for supporting older adults through Senior Peer Counseling Training, followed by Long-Term Care Ombudsman training. Once certified, she served as Volunteer Coordinator with Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County. Her leadership continued as Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and as San Mateo County’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator. She is also certified to teach Mental Health First Aid in both the Adult and Youth curricula, helping build community understanding, early intervention skills, and connections to care every day.
Brittany Barron Saleem is co-owner of Capital Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage and property management firm serving San Mateo County managing over 1,000 residential and commercial units. She holds a BA from UCLA and an MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago, and resides in San Mateo. A licensed California real estate broker, she brings practical, community-grounded expertise to aging-related housing issues. In her work, she supports senior homeowners and their families as they navigate complex housing decisions, including aging in place, downsizing, accessibility needs, and estate-related transitions. She also manages housing across the region and understands the challenges older adults face with affordability, maintenance, and housing stability. As a Commissioner, she is committed to advancing safe, stable, and age-friendly housing options.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.