Kim Belshé
Executive Director
Kim Belshé was named Executive Director of First 5 Los Angeles in November 2012. Prior to joining First 5 LA, she served as senior policy advisor of Public Policy Institute of California and, from 2003-2011, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency in the Administration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kim previously held a number of leadership positions in state government, including director of the Department of Health Services and deputy secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency under Governor Pete Wilson. Kim also has served in leadership positions in California philanthropy, including the James Irvine Foundation. Kim was a founding member of the board of the state’s Health Benefit Exchange, Covered California, in 2011, and of the State First 5 Commission in 1999. She currently serves on a number of boards, including the Blue Shield of California Foundation, Blue Shield of California, Beacon Health Options and Southern California Grantmakers. She is a native of San Francisco and holds a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard College.
Moving Forward, Together in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Friends, First 5 LA’s commitment to young children and families and partners is unwavering during this time. Our work continues to be grounded in our Strategic Plan and our values as we further our commitment in this quickly changing environment. During this...
An Update to Our Partners on COVID-19 from First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé
Dear Partners: Thank you for your leadership and critical work to support children, families and communities as well as your employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize the considerable strain on your organizations as you plan and prepare to respond...
A Letter to Our Partners from First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé
FOR INFORMATION AND RESOURCES REGARDING COVID-19, CLICK HERE. Dear Partners, First 5 LA cares deeply for you and your health and safety during this time of increased public health concern surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus. We are partners in our shared commitment...
A California Budget Proposal that Prioritizes Young Children
Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget builds upon the robust leadership he and the Legislature demonstrated last year to prioritize young children. Once again, we see the Governor prioritizing a comprehensive approach to give our youngest children the best start in...
First 5 LA: State Budget Reflects Governor Newsom and Legislative Leaders’ Comprehensive Commitment to Children and Families
LOS ANGELES – First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé today commended Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders for enacting a strong budget that reflects a comprehensive commitment to California’s young children and families. “Governor Newsom and the Legislature...
Statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé on State Senate and State Assembly’s Proposed California State Budget
LOS ANGELES –First 5 LA today released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé regarding the California State Senate and State Assembly’s passage of their proposed State Budget: “We applaud the Assembly and the Senate for prioritizing California’s...
Statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé on Governor Newsom’s May Revision to the California State Budget
LOS ANGELES – First 5 LA today released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé responding to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision to the State Budget:“Governor Newsom’s actions for young children and families speak louder than words. He is building...
Executive Director Kim Belshé Praises Mayor Garcetti’s Commitment to Strengthen Early Childhood Educator Workforce
LOS ANGELES – In his State of the City Address, Mayor Eric Garcetti set Los Angeles on a path to eliminate the school readiness gap for the most vulnerable children in Los Angeles and strengthen the early childhood education workforce. Specifically, the Mayor is...
Statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé Praises Governor Newsom for Prioritizing Early Childhood Programs in Budget
LOS ANGELES – First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé today made the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget for FY 2019-20 that prioritizes children in their earliest years:“As the Governor said in his inaugural address, children...
Statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé on Governor-elect Newsom’s Proposal to Boost Early Childhood Development Programs
LOS ANGELES –First 5 LA has released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé responding to today’s announced proposal by Governor-elect Gavin Newsom to invest approximately $1.8 billion in child development programs to boost early learning and...