Francena Martinez, Human Services Branch Director

Francena Martinez, Human Services Branch Director

Francena has over 20 years of extensive experience working in Health & Human Services. She has held multiple positions in the Health & Human Services Agency and worked in various programs overseeing program, policy, and systems implementation in TulareWORKs, Aging Services and Behavioral Health.  

Francena’s expertise includes project management, policy and procedure implementation and administration, contract management, budget management, and building community partnerships. Her tenure includes her role in leadership as the TulareWORKs Division Manager, and Deputy Director, Mental Health administration in HHSA and as a Health & Human Services Industry Strategist outside of HHSA. Francena holds a degree in Forensic Psychology from Purdue University Global.


Agency News

Tulare County Selects New Public Health Officer

Tulare County Selects New Public Health Officer

On February 11, 2025, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to appoint Dr. Asma Tariq to the position of County Health Officer, effective May 4, 2025. Dr. Tariq fills the position that has been vacant since Dr. Karen Haught retired in 2023.

New Area Code, New Dialing Procedure

New Area Code, New Dialing Procedure

The California Public Utilities Commission is adding a new area code, 357, to the areas using the 559 area code. Starting February 26, 2025, local calls will require dialing 1 + area code + phone number (1 +10 digits). You can still dial just 3 digits for 911, 988, and other services like 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if available