San Francisco Health Service Board honors long-serving commissioner Karen Breslin; mourns President Randy Scott

The San Francisco Health Service Board on Monday adopted a resolution thanking Commissioner Karen Breslin for more than two decades of service and acknowledged the sudden death of Board President Randolph “Randy” Scott.

Vice President Howe read the resolution recognizing Karen Breslin’s long tenure on the Health Service Board and her 27 years with the City and County of San Francisco’s Adult Probation Department. The resolution cited Breslin’s leadership during several crises, including the 2008 recession and the COVID pandemic, her advocacy for member benefits and dental care, and her role in passing Propositions E and C. The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

“Thank you,” Breslin said, accepting the board’s remarks and noting her long service: “I can’t believe I’ve been on this board 23 years either.” Several commissioners and public callers offered personal tributes to Breslin’s diligence and advocacy for retirees.

The board also reacted to the unexpected passing of Health Service Board President Randolph “Randy” Scott. Executive Director Abby Ann announced Scott’s death, giving his birth and passing dates as April 7, 1944 — April 17, 2024 — and said the family had not set plans yet. “It’s with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the unexpected passing of Health Service Board President Randolph ‘Randy’ Scott,” Abby Ann said during her director’s report.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey and other board members expressed condolences and said they would defer to the family’s wishes on memorials. Dorsey said he intends to propose an in‑memoriam at the Board of Supervisors and asked colleagues to forward suggested remembrances via email.

Vice President Howe said Greg Sass has been nominated to complete Commissioner Scott’s role and is expected to be formally appointed at next month’s meeting. No formal vote on the seat was taken at this meeting.

The resolution honoring Breslin and the board’s expressions of condolence conclude with the board’s next procedural steps: arranging appropriate recognitions and proceeding with the scheduled June meeting when new members are expected to be sworn in.