First 5 San Bernardino appoints Cindy Faulkner as executive director
The human services veteran moves forward a mission to support county’s youngest residents
First 5 San Bernardino, an organization funded by Proposition 10 and dedicated to supporting families with children prenatal through 5 years old in San Bernardino County, today appointed Cindy Faulkner as executive director. She has been with the organization for 22 years, most recently serving as interim executive director and before that, assistant director.
In her tenure with First 5 San Bernardino, Faulkner has played a key role in strengthening coordinated systems of care and support, designed to help children be healthy, safe and prepared to succeed in school and in life.
“Cindy brings a clear understanding of our mission and the vital collaboration we must have with our partners in order to serve the needs of children and families in our county,” said First 5 San Bernardino Commission Chair Elliot Weinstein, M.D. “Her experience and commitment to identifying new opportunities to expand our impact made her a clear choice to build on our strong foundation.”
Prior to working at First 5 San Bernardino, Faulkner’s career included serving as operations manager for the Humane Society as well as various positions in the non-profit sector addressing the needs of women and children. She succeeds Karen Scott, who retired in March 2026 after 18 years of leadership. Faulkner and Scott worked closely together since 2004, advocating for the organization’s focused priorities of child health, early learning and family support.
“Cindy’s appointment provides important continuity while also bringing a fresh perspective to where we go next,” said San Bernardino County Assistant Executive Officer Gilbert Ramos who also serves as a First 5 San Bernardino commissioner. “She knows this organization from inside out and has spent her career bringing people together in support of children. Her leadership will help ensure we remain a trusted partner for families and organizations across the county.”
As executive director, Faulkner will oversee the organization’s continued efforts to strengthen systems serving children prenatal through age 5 and their families, deepen community partnerships and advance investments and initiatives across the organization’s priority areas. Her appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to meeting the needs of children and families throughout San Bernardino County.
For more information on First 5 San Bernardino’s initiatives and campaigns, visit First5SanBernardino.org.
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About First 5 San Bernardino
First 5 San Bernardino’s distinct purpose is to improve the lives of young children and their families by giving them the best possible start in life. For over 27 years, First 5 San Bernardino has been working dynamically through strategic partnerships to promote, support and enhance the health and early development of children prenatal through age 5, their families and communities. Funded through the 1998 voter-approved initiative, California Children and Families Act (Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenues), First 5 San Bernardino has evolved into a system where stakeholders and services are integrated, coordinated and sustainable, and one that families experience as accessible, inclusive and equitable. For more information, visit First5SanBernardino.org Instagram | Facebook