2023_ElderAdultSymposium_program_final

06 2023 Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Symposium

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Gene Kennedy is the Senior Public Information Specialist at Riverside County’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), where he has provided information and communications to the public and staff for four years. After earning his Bachelor of Journalism degree at University of Missouri, Columbia, Kennedy began a career in television news in March 2000 in Iowa and Illinois. His career as a news reporter earned him various awards and unique assignments, ranging from breaking news and political coverage to human interest stories. After news reporting stints in the Midwest, Nevada, and Utah, he became the 5, 6 & 10 pm anchor at an NBC affiliate in Quincy, Illinois, where he moderated a statewide gubernatorial debate. After almost 20 years in broadcasting, Kennedy felt it was time to return home to Riverside, CA to be closer to family. Kennedy uses his journalism skills to manage media relations on behalf of DPSS and help the department communicate to the public how it’s improving the health, safety, and well-being of Riverside County residents. Kennedy lives with his wife and 11-year-old son in the city of Riverside.

Gene Kennedy Sr. Public Information Specialist Riverside County Department of Public Social Services

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS / DIGNITARIES

Charity Douglas is the Director of the Department of Public Social Services in Riverside County, overseeing Children’s Services and Adult Services and Self Sufficiency Services. Charity has over 20 years of experience driving supportive and innovative programming within multifaceted social service systems. She believes in the power of community partnerships and is passionate about strengthening prevention and early intervention pathways to address poverty and abuse in themost vulnerable populations.

Charity Douglas Director Riverside County Department of Public Social Services