Hon. Mervyn M. Dymally Chair California Legislative Black Caucus
A former California Assemblyman, State Senator, Lt. Governor and US Congressman, Mervyn M. Dymally has returned to where he began his political career in the State Assembly, representing South Los Angeles and the cities of Compton, Paramount and North Long Beach. Regarded as a senior member of the Legislature, Dymally was elected by his peers as Chairman of the Assembly Democratic Study Group, an organization committed to promoting progressive social and economic legislation.
Assemblyman Dymally earned a B.A. in Education from Los Angeles State College, M.A. in Government, California State University at Sacramento; and a Ph.D. from the United States International University at San Diego, California (now Alliant International University).
Dr. Dymally is a native of Trinidad, British West Indies, and completed high school in his native land before going to work as a fledgling labor reporter for The Vanguard, a weekly newspaper published by the Oil Workers' Trade Union. At age 19, the Caribbean youth came to the United States to study journalism at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. After a cold winter, he traveled to sunny California to attend Chapman College and later transferred to Los Angeles State College.
In 1974, he made history when he was elected the first of two African American Lieutenant Governors in the United States. Later, he was elected Congressman from South Los Angeles County, making him the first foreign-born Black to be elected as a Member of the US Congress. He currently serves as the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus and Chair of the Assembly Health Committee.
Walter Cathey, PharmD President/CEO The Institute of Community Pharmacy
Dr. Cathey is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Community Pharmacy with a mission committed to advancing community pharmacy through continuing education, quality initiatives, and relationship building.
Dr. Cathey's professional experience includes more than 40 years in health care serving in managed care positions as well as owning and operating community pharmacies. His previous positions include: serving as Chairman of the Board for a Prepaid Health Plan, Director of Social Program Policy in the Health and Human Sciences Division of an R & D firm, Senior Vice President for Government Programs for a Health Management firm.
Dr. Cathey is a Los Angeles native and obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California. Dr. Cathey professional affiliations include local, state, and national organizations, e.g. USC Presidential Associates and USC Ambassadors, Dean’s Advisory Council College of Pharmacy Western University of Health Sciences.
Linda Crayton Senior Director, Regional Governmental Affairs Comcast
For over 30 years, Linda Crayton has dedicated herself to serving her community and her church. Throughout her personal life and professional career, Linda has consistently made education, youth empowerment; women issues, homelessness, hunger, and community service along with the quality of life of local residents a top priority.
As president of the District V Mental Health board in the Sunset district of San Francisco, Linda provided much needed support and leadership as the City of San Francisco restructured the Department of Health. Linda was recognized by the SF Board of Supervisors with a Leadership Award for her efforts. She has successfully chaired the SF Mayors Women Summit for the former Mayor of San Francisco Willie L. Brown, drawing more than 5000 women. Linda was recognized for her support of the African American community during Black History Month by then Assemblywoman Carole Migden and Former State Senate President John Burton with an Assembly Resolution. In 1996 Linda was appointed to the SF Airports Commission by Mayor Willie L. Brown and is currently serving on the commission today. This is just a few of the many accomplishments and awards she has received. She was recently promoted by Comcast her employer on February 1, 2006 from Director of Government Affairs to Regional Senior Director Government Relations with responsibility for advocacy in all 9 Bay Area Counties.
In 2001 Linda received the prestigious award ‘The Woman Who Could Be President’ from the San Francisco League of Women Voters.
