Jennifer Gonzalez has been working in public health since 2003, bringing over two decades of experience in emergency response, risk communication, and community preparedness. She holds a bachelor's degree in health science and a master's in clinical psychology, blending her expertise in public health and psychology to lead with empathy, strategy, and collaboration.
As the Community Preparedness and Engagement Program Supervisor at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Jennifer leads a team within Public Health Emergency Management, overseeing risk communication, the Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) program, and the Volunteer and Resource program. She believes that effective leadership is built on collaboration, humility, and legacy planning—core values that guide her work in strengthening emergency response efforts.
Jennifer has played a key role in multiple large-scale emergency responses within Joint Information Centers (JICs), including the COVID-19 pandemic, a cybersecurity incident, and severe windstorms caused by Los Angeles-area wildfires. She thrives in high-pressure environments and is passionate about working alongside others in JICs, often leading information production to ensure accurate and timely messaging.
Outside of work, Jennifer is deeply in love with her family—her partner, three amazing daughters, and their beloved little dog, Rico. She enjoys small talk that turns into deep conversations, capturing moments with iPhone photography, and discovering life hacks and new rice cooker recipes.