From left to right: Maritza Gutierrez, Maggie Becerra, Morine Merritt, Rose Basmadzhyan, Laura Magallanes, Brisa Horvath, Ericka Vayas, Mary Safaryan, Marina Flores, Christina Hyunh
As the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) celebrates its 50th anniversary, we reflect on the Department’s legacy and recognize the leadership shaping the department’s work today and into the future. Across DCBA, women in leadership are driving complex programs, shaping policy, directing strategy and delivering valuable resources to residents across Los Angeles County.
This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the women within DCBA’s leadership whose impact is felt across the County. They lead complex initiatives, navigate high-stakes challenges, and build programs that protect and empower the public.
Together, this impressive group of women leading DCBA forward embody the talent, experience, and commitment that defines much of the Department’s work.
She Knows the Work, Because She’s Done It
Maggie Becerra, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Bureau
In her role, Maggie leads efforts to protect residents from fraud, scams, and unfair business practices. What drives her is her foundational experience working directly with residents as a Small Claims Court Counselor. That experience continues to shape how she leads today, with a relentless passion for protecting County residents.
Standing Up for Workers
Rose Basmadzhyan, Deputy Director, Office of Labor Equity
With more than 20 years at DCBA, Rose has led high-profile fraud investigations and helped build the County’s worker protection infrastructure. This includes developing wage enforcement programs and transforming enforcement into practical protections for workers, where it counts.
Blazing the Trail in Cannabis Policy
Laura Magallanes, Deputy Director, Office of Cannabis Management
Building a regulatory framework from the ground up isn’t easy but Laura is the right woman for the job. With nearly 15 years of experience across public health and consumer protection, she brings a practical, equity-focused approach to shaping cannabis policy, ensuring it is compliant and community-centered.
Keeping Tenant Protections Strong
Mary Safaryan, Chief, Rent Stabilization Program
Housing stability isn’t theoretical, it requires immediate and empathetic action because so much is on the line. Mary oversees the County’s Rent Stabilization Program, leading the enforcement efforts that help people stay housed. She has more than 15 years of experience in housing and tenant protections, ranging from investigating real estate fraud to helping families avoid foreclosure. She played a key role in shaping some of the County’s most important housing policies, including emergency tenant protections during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2025 wildfires, and the development of the County’s first Rent Registry system. She makes sure the protections work when people need them the most.
Nearly Three Decades of Advocacy and Innovation
Maritza Gutierrez, Chief, Dispute Resolution & Justice Access Initiatives
Beginning her career nearly 30 years ago as a Small Claims Advisor Trainee and becoming a certified mediator in 2000, she later led complex real estate fraud investigations and managed homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing (HPRP), and foreclosure prevention initiatives, ensuring vital assistance and accountability for consumers.
Over her distinguished career, she has championed operational excellence and equity. She currently manages nine dispute resolution programs, including the department’s internal mediation program and eight contracted agencies. Three of these programs provide on-the-spot, day-of-hearing mediation across 31 Los Angeles Superior Court departments and nine County Self-Help Legal Access Centers (SHLACs). Her leadership has been central to award-winning initiatives, including the “Super Stars” Award for her team’s impactful work in foreclosure prevention. Known for building high-performing teams, Maritza remains dedicated to ensuring the department remains a vital resource for all.
A Driving Force for Consumer Protection
Morine Merritt, Chief, Consumer Protection Bureau
Price gouging happens during emergencies, when people are going through difficult times and need help the most. That’s exactly where Morine comes in. She oversees investigations into consumer and real estate fraud, and works closely with law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to hold bad actors accountable. She leads some of DCBA’s key enforcement efforts, including price gouging protections and the recently added administrative fine authority. Her work requires meticulousness and sound judgment during times when the stakes are high and the public is most vulnerable.
Policy is Easy. Execution Takes Skill
Marina Flores, Chief, Housing & Eviction Prevention
Translating policy into practical programs is challenging, but that’s where Marina thrives. With over 15 years of experience in homelessness services, including leading systems planning at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Marina excels at transforming ideas into action. She joined DCBA in February 2025 and leads key programs like Stay Housed LA, Foreclosure Prevention, Eviction Diversion, Rent Escrow Account Program and the Rental Housing Oversight Commission, where every day she connects policy to tangible pathways for housing stability.
Making HR Look Like a Breeze
Brisa Horvath, Human Resources Manager
The foundation of any organization is its people, but building that foundation takes skill. Brisa makes it look easy. With 25 years of County service, Brisa leads DCBA’s Human Resources Division. She brings her expertise into various HR disciplines to support the Department’s workforce and operations. She’s built her expertise across roles with the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and County Counsel, giving her vast knowledge of how County operations and people systems work together.
Protecting the Integrity Behind Every Dollar
Christina Huynh, Finance Manager
Not everyone can juggle budgets while keeping procurement, and financial systems running seamlessly, but Christina does it every day. With more than 20 years of experience in finance and County service since 2007, Christina has the important job of overseeing DCBA’s financial operations, including budgeting, procurement, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and most importantly, fiscal integrity.
At the Center of It All
Ericka Vayas, Chief of Staff and Head of Communications & Intergovernmental Relations
When alignment is crucial, Ericka makes it happen. She leads the Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Division and serves as a central connector across DCBA. As a key advisor to executive leadership, she works to align priorities across all Department bureaus, and ensures DCBA’s work is well coordinated and communicated clearly. She brings 16 years of County experience and over a decade in public service leadership to her role, and is looked to by teams across the Department for guidance and direction.
As DCBA marks its 50th anniversary, this milestone is not just a reflection of the past, it is a recognition of the leadership shaping the department today and beyond. We celebrate the impact of these distinguished executives. Their work reflects the highest standards of public service: experienced, strategic, and results driven.
Their leadership extends far beyond managing programs. They raise the bar, make decisions that matter, and ensure systems are built to serve our communities – now and for years to come. As DCBA enters its next chapter, their work sets the standard for what comes next.
