Assemblymember Chris Holden Announces Changes to Staff, Pasadenan Phlunte’ Riddle Named as District Director

Pasadena area Assemblymember Chis Holden announced new staffing changes for his district office on Wednesday.

Phlunte’ Riddle, a Pasadenan who previously served as senior field representative, has been named district director. Former Executive Secretary, Hector Rodriguez, is now serving as field representative. Assemblymember Holden also hired new staff member, Karen Wingard, as office assistant.

“I am pleased to announce the new changes to my district team,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Phlunte’ Riddle is a proven leader who has spent her life serving the community, advocating for those in need, and bringing people together to find resolutions to problems.”

Riddle broke barriers and honed her leadership skills in the nearly 29 years she spent rising through the ranks of the Pasadena Police Department. She was the first African-American female sergeant and lieutenant in the Pasadena Police Department. She holds a doctoral degree in Psychology from Philips Graduate Institute and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University. She is also a graduate of California Command College and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.

Hector Rodriguez served as office assistant and office manager in Holden’s District office for four years. In addition to running the logistical operations he helped hundreds of constituents resolve their issues with various state agencies.

Karen Wingard brings more than 20 years of executive administrative experience to Holden’s district office. She has been a volunteer officer of state and county committees of the Democratic Party for 24 years. She also served six years on the Board of the Directors of Pasadena Foothill Valley YWCA.

Current staff in Holden’s District Office also includes Matthew Lyons, Deputy District Director; Garo Manjikian, Press Secretary; Faith Lee, Field Representative; and Bobi Johnson, Policy Consultant.