During 15 years as executive director of the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Roger Palomino worked to help children in need, founding a shelter for runaway children and a school for at-risk youths.
But the time has come to retire, he said, which will give him more time to spend with some other children."I've put it off for a few years. But I want more time with my family and grandchildren," said Palomino, 68, who announced last week that he will leave his job at the end of the year.George Egawa, assistant executive director, will serve as co-director until Palomino's retirement. The EOC's board of commissioners met Wednesday to begin the process of finding a new executive director.A native of Fresno, Palomino graduated from Edison High School, Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. He worked for the Fresno County Probation Department for 30 years before heading the EOC.Highlights of his EOC leadership include starting the Sanctuary shelter for runaway children and creating transitional-living centers for homeless people 18 to 24.Under Palomino's leadership, the EOC founded SOUL -- the School of Unlimited Learning -- a public charter school for high-risk children in the ninth through 12th grades. Also, more youths now take part in the Local Conservation Corps, which provides training and education for young adults 18 to 24, Palomino said.Michelle L. Tutunjian, director of the Sanctuary, said Palomino "is a visionary. He's a very compassionate man. He's hopeful. He never gives up hope that someone can change their life."