Board of Directors
ICFA President
Gil Hurtado - City of South Gate
First elected in 2005. Councilmember Hurtado served the South Gate community in various capacities, including 12 years as Councilmember/Mayor, 5 years as Planning Commissioner, President/Board-Member Independent Cities Finance Authority, President/Board-Member Gateway Cities Council of Governments, and Co-Chair I-710 Project Committee.
City of Compton
Emma Sharif - City of Compton
Councilwoman Emma Sharif was elected Mayor of the City of Compton in June 2021. She has previously served as representative for the 4th District of the City of Compton where she supported many projects, including implementing the Collaborative Court in the Compton Courthouse, addressing concerns of homelessness and human trafficking in local and surrounding areas, and coordinating the redevelopment and renovation of South Park to include updated amenities.
Given her passion for education and public service, Emma has worked in the community for more than 20 years as a public-school teacher and as a member of the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees where she has served as President, Vice President, Clerk, and Legislative Representative.
Emma holds membership with the following organizations: National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), Martin Luther King Jr. Democratic Club, New Frontier Democratic Club (NFDC), and Progressive Democratic Club. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Sociology; and a Masters Degree in Public Administration.
As Mayor of the City of Compton, Emma is committed to serving as a voice for the community. She is dedicated to promoting equality for Compton residents, improving community amenities, and advocating for government transparency and student success.
City of Huntington Park
Jonathan Sanabria - City of Huntington Park
Vice Mayor Jonathan Alexander Sanabria was elected in March 2024 to serve a four-year term on the Huntington Park City Council. At the January 27, 2026 Council meeting he was elected by his peers to serve as the Vice Mayor. Vice Mayor Sanabria embodies the spirit of his community, having attended local schools and immersing himself in its culture. His academic journey, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Masters in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, reflects his dedication to knowledge and service. With a service career spanning over a decade, Sanabria has tirelessly championed causes vital to the well-being of his fellow citizens, from combating HIV/AIDS and substance abuse to spearheading educational initiatives and providing crucial services for people experiencing homelessness. His recent endeavors in philanthropy underscore his unwavering commitment to uplifting his community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vice Mayor Sanabria had selflessly devoted his time and expertise to shaping the future of Huntington Park as a Planning Commissioner. Through his diligent review of development proposals, sage advice on zoning and land use policies, and engaging public hearings, he played an instrumental role in guiding the city’s growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, he has ensured that the voices of all residents are heard and respected, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the shared vision for the city’s future. Council Member Sanabria’s exemplary leadership, rooted in integrity, compassion, and a deep-seated love for his community, serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the world.
City of Vernon
Judith Merlo - City of Vernon
A native of Southern California, Council Member Merlo has lived in the City of Vernon since 2017. As a resident of the City, Council Member Merlo appreciates the unique qualities that make the City a great place to live and raise a family. Looking to serve her community, Council Member Merlo has sought opportunities to serve the public, first as a member of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee and then as a member of the City’s Project Westside Development Stakeholder Committee.
As a mother of two school-aged children, Council Member Merlo is committed to expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for Vernon’s children and families. Recognizing the City’s role in the local and regional economy, Council Member Merlo also aims to support the industry in Vernon in order to secure the City’s future. Council Member Merlo serves on the City Council with the goal of ensuring that the City grows responsibly with clean government, and strong economic programs for residents and businesses alike.
Council Member Merlo was elected to the Vernon City Council in June 2021. As a member of the City Council, Council Member Merlo represents the City on various external boards including the County of Los Angeles Sanitation Districts and the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee. Her term will expire in April 2025.
Council Member Merlo attended Mount Saint Mary’s College and currently works in the gaming industry.
Executive Director
Debbie Smith - Executive Director
Debbie Smith began her career working as a secretary for the City Council in the City of Burbank. Since then she has served in an administrative capacity for the Independent Cities Association (ICA), the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG). In her role as Executive Director for ICFA she formulates policy recommendations, manages all meetings by preparing agendas, analytical staff reports and minutes. She oversees the ICFA’s financing teams, facilitates the bond offerings, and manages all marketing efforts for the organization.
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Happy Clients
ICFA was the driving force behind the execution of Downey Regional Medical Center’s successful bankruptcy exit. There were literally hundreds of moving piece, and ICFA made sure all the appropriate disclosures, filings, and agreements were well drafted, agreed to, and executed in a timely manner.
Rob Fuller, Executive VP and COO of Downey Regional Medical Center
