Coro Southern California alumna, Karly Katona is Associate Chief Deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who represents the Second Supervisorial District of the County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation with more than 10.1 million residents, and is among the largest geographically, spanning over 4,000 square miles. The County of Los Angeles provides a broad range of health, public safety, social and municipal services.

Karly has worked for Supervisor Ridley-Thomas since he became Supervisor in 2008. She serves as the Supervisor’s policy advisor on a variety of issues including community development, transportation, and the environment. She oversees initiatives ranging from the development of over 2,000 affordable housing units, to building the Second District’s first regional multipurpose trail known as “Park to Playa” which will connect Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean and span more than 13.1 miles.

Karly was raised in Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, Karly attended UC Berkeley and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and Public Policy. After graduation in 2005, she was lured back to Los Angeles to participate in the Coro Fellowship Program. Karly served in the office of Supervisor Yvonne Burke as part of her first Coro rotation — an experience that would later lead to a permanent position with that office. She earned a Masters Degree in Public Health from UCLA in 2010.

“Coro has created an extended family for me. I know when I have the opportunity to work with other fellows, that they share a fundamental commitment to the integrity of the civic process in our region. Regardless of their background or profession, Coro alumni consistently demonstrate passion, critical thinking skills and a commitment to the public good” Karly said, as she reflected on her Coro Fellowship experience.