Mara Madrigal-Weiss, executive director of student well-being and school culture at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), has been elected chair of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for a third consecutive year, beginning in January 2024. This makes her Latino chairman with the longest tenure in the 20-year history of the commission. Since 2017, she has been appointed state supervisor for public education in the commission.
Madrigal-Weiss is known for her innovative approach to student mental health and her commitment to keeping health and wellness top of mind in her role at SDCOE. In addition to her role as chair, she is also chair of the Prevention and Early Intervention Subcommittee, vice chair of the Board’s Workplace Mental Health Section, and previously served as vice chair of the committee following her election in 2019.
In recognition of her dedication to student mental health, Madrigal-Weiss received the first Wellness Together Mental Health Innovator Award earlier this fall. Her team at SDCOE maintains a virtual wellness center and compiles mental health support resources for students, families and schools. She regularly contributes to SDCOE’s library of resource guides, including guides for educators, holiday resources, and how to facilitate compassionate dialogue.
Madrigal-Weiss is passionate about promoting mental health awareness and providing support to students in need. With her leadership on the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, she continues to make a positive impact on students’ lives across San Diego County.