Food and Drug Investigators
California Food and Drug Investigators mission is to protect and improve the health of all California residents by assuring that foods, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and certain other consumer products are safe and are not adulterated, misbranded nor falsely advertised; and that drugs and medical devices are effective.
CAFDI Board of Directors
President Joel Lambert
Joel started his law enforcement career in 2008 for a sheriff’s department in California. In 2013, he transitioned to a State of California investigator. In 2019, he was elected as CAFDI vice president. In 2021, he was elected as president of CAFDI. Joel also serves as an officer safety instructor for his department. Joel looks forward to the many challenges ahead and hopes to continue to build a unified front for all CAFDI members.
Vice President Chantha Rann
Chantha was elected as CAFDI vice president in 2021.
Secretary Katelyn Gomez
Katelyn Gomez is an investigator for the Food and Drug Branch with five years of experience doing prescription drug and medical device investigations and enforcement. Katelyn loves the different aspects of her job which among many other things, includes, working with different members of the public and private sectors, performing undercover buys and helping with drug take back days. Katelyn is inspired daily by her husband and their two kids. In her free time, Katelyn likes to hike, play tennis, swim and cook with her family.
Treasurer Nicole Zugsmith
Nicole has been an investigator with CDPH-FDB since 2002, starting with the Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement Unit, and is currently a supervising Food & Drug investigator with the Food Safety Enforcement Unit. Nicole has served on the CAFDI board for more than 15 years as president, vice president, secretary, and regional director. She looks forward to her new role as treasurer.
Southern California Regional Director Lilian Araiza
Lilian has been an investigator for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) since 2007. In this capacity, she is responsible for ensuring safe food manufacturing and storage throughout California. Prior to that, Lilian worked as a microbiologist in the pharmaceutical industry. Involvement is very important to Lilian; she is also a member of her homeowner’s association board. In addition, she was also a mentor in the CDPH Mentorship Program. Lilian received her B.S. in Microbiology from Cal Poly Pomona. Some of Lilian’s favorite hobbies include cooking and making greeting cards.
Northern California Regional Director Mario Velasquez
Mario was elected as CAFDI Northern California regional director in 2020.
