Francine Rodd has been the Executive Director for First 5 Monterey County (F5MC) since January 2004. The vision for F5MC is to ensure that all children reach their unique potential in a family and community that values, respects and invests in early childhood. F5MC supports children from the prenatal stage through age five by promoting child-friendly policies and practices; advocating for changes in systems that are holding problems in place; and by funding quality, coordinated programs. F5MC is committed to actively creating a community where race, gender, sexual orientation, and physical ability do not determine access to opportunities or outcomes. F5MC has supported over 600,000 children and families since its inception in 1998.Francine grew up in Marina. She has a BA/BS in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from the University of Southern California. She has a Master’s Degree in International Economics and Latin American Studies from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Prior to returning home, Francine worked overseas developing and implementing programs supporting women and children living in vulnerable communities. She lived and worked in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean for more than 15 years – including in Haiti for 5 years as the Peace Corps Country Director.
