Employee Recognition

Paul Mushrush is one of a three-person shipping and receiving team that supports every County department. With over 30 years of experience he still enjoys the challenges it brings. He feels that the combination of honest labor, business skills, communication, customer service and making everything move in the right direction is a vital link in the smooth and satisfying operation.

From the start, Paul enthusiastically made himself available to assist anyone who needs something moved. Paul was vital in getting the Frank Lloyd Wright designed “Berger Dog House” shipped for display from the mid-west to the Civic Center and is now working with others to find a more permanent home for it. This type of dedication and concern makes Paul a crucial member of the team.

Paul eagerly volunteered to help with the 5 Year Business Plan and has assumed a lead role within the Employee Steering Committee.  Paul has a very strong interest in promoting individual and team performance as well as streamlining our work systems, and recently graduated from the Leadership Academy where he worked with a diverse team on implementing Munis Software.

With his unique and diversified skills, his ability to remain calm during difficult situations, his curiosity for innovative possibilities and solutions, and outstanding customer service, Paul has earned this recognition. Congratulations, Paul!

Joseph Helwee is a member of the Systems Administrators Team and is responsible for managing and supporting some of the most complex information technology infrastructure systems in the County. His enthusiasm for learning and understanding new and emerging technologies have been a driving force behind the County’s transition to Microsoft Office 365, involving the purchase and deployment of a modern storage and server virtualization infrastructure and the migration of workloads into the Cloud.

Joseph is admired for his knowledge of Microsoft licensing and his ability to negotiate pricing on hardware and software. He has been instrumental in negotiating contracts for the department, which have resulted in colossal savings to the County.

Joseph is also known for his friendly, joking manner and sense of humor. He instigated his own slogan: that anything he suggests or implements has been ‘Joe Certified,’ representing the gold standard in quality work.

Through his continued hard work, dedication, and drive, he has earned the respect of his colleagues and peers throughout the County. Thank you, Joseph, and congratulations on being chosen as Employee of the Month.

Leigh joined the County of Marin over 10 years ago and has served in several roles, with the most recent being a Department Analyst II in the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

She was nominated by her peers for her outstanding and consistent commitment to supporting staff and service providers in their efforts to deliver and document high quality care for clients. Most recently, she single-handedly managed the development, implementation and monitoring of all changes in the substance use electronic health record that is used in becoming a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan.

Leigh is a leader that often works behind the scenes to ensure programs and services run smoothly. She exemplifies dedication, teamwork and integrity in all that she does.

The County of Marin is proud to recognize and congratulate Leigh as the Employee of the Month.

Colleen began her career in County Counsel as a Legal Secretary, then was promoted to a Civil Legal Specialist in 2014, and recently became the Administrative Services Officer for County Counsel.

Colleen has performed difficult and complex assignments with minimal direction and performs her work quietly, efficiently and effectively. For several months this past year, Colleen demonstrated her great team ethic by stepping up to support the office through a challenging period of staffing changes.

During her tenure working on the office's Juvenile Dependency caseload, Colleen found delight in knowing that her efforts helped make a profound difference in the lives of children within the county.

Colleen epitomizes hard work, teamwork, dedication and a commitment to excellence. The County of Marin is proud to congratulate and honor Colleen as Employee of the Month.

She is approachable and goes the extra mile to assist others and to advance priorities within the Tax and Central Collection Division.

Marlene is known for providing superb customer service and for seeing complex property tax issues through to their best possible conclusion. Her knowledge of property tax, paired with her experience in the Central Collections Division, contribute immensely to the operational continuity of both offices. Her commitment to streamlining the Transient Occupancy Tax registration and reporting processes has also led to vast improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of that program.

Marlene maintains a consistently positive and willing attitude, adding an extra quality to her impressive list of contributions. She is a true asset to the County of Marin and to the community she serves.

Thank you, Marlene, and congratulations on being chosen as Employee of the Month.

Marin’s Open Data program, is spearheading the redesign of the MINE intranet (soon to be the Hub), and has taken the reins of Open Performance, a tool to support the County’s new High Performance Organization program.

Wesley left his home state of Nevada for a contract position 12 years ago to see if he would like to live in the Bay Area and work for the County. Fortunately, both passed his test. Then fresh out of college, he quickly impressed co-workers, gained experience and became known as the ‘go-to guy’ for new projects. His first job on the Quality Assurance team tested application systems for law and justice partners. Then he ventured to building applications for Community Development’s permitting system. Eventually, Wesley was promoted to lead the IST Web Team, responsible for marincounty.org, marinfair.org, marincountyparks.org and other County websites.

With his reputation for innovation, Wesley has proven to be a true asset to the County. His genuine curiosity and desire for continuous improvement encourages others to join in. Wesley is about fun, too, a quality not to be overlooked.

Thank you, Wesley, and congratulations on being chosen as Employee of the Month.

help the County qualify for a permit that would provide reduced flood insurance rates to property owners, and to qualify for a permit with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System which regulates the discharge of pollutants into waters.

Beb combed volumes of material and collaborated with FEMA, departments and other agencies for two years. Four four-inch binders later, FEMA reviewed and granted the County a rating that provided savings of 15 percent. Beb noticed some of the material was perhaps not accounted for and persisted with FEMA, which resulted in an additional increase in savings to now 20 percent for policy holders.

Working in partnership with the Stormwater Program, Beb was key in deciphering the substantial NPDES permit requirements in an effort to regulate all construction within the unincorporated areas and works with staff to ensure they are trained in its compliance reporting.

She is a silent force with out of the ordinary organizational skills and her ability to collaborate with others is impressive. She dives into the most complicated procedures and succinctly summarizes them into action points, and her tenacity and focus has yielded successful outcomes that now benefit the community.

Thank you for your service to the community, Beb, and congratulations on being chosen Employee of the Month. 

Note: Beb began in August 2011 as an Extra Hire - part time and was hired Regular - full time two years later August 2013.

Lucky for us, keeping the County buildings safe and clean is one of them. Known for his warm and unassuming style, Ed is quick to give a smile and a pleasant hello as he makes his rounds, making new friends along the way. At the same time, if he spots newspapers or beverage bottles in an employee's trash can, he will provide instruction on where the nearest blue recycle bin is. Ed displays this level of thoroughness and attention to detail in all he does. His current duty of closing and securing the historic Civic Center is an assignment he performs dutifully with a sense of great pride.

Ed has worked every shift and route the position has to offer, from the Wellness campus to the Public Safety building at Pt. Reyes Station, leaving sparkling clean facilities wherever he is assigned. Employees throughout have said they appreciate his exemplary work ethic and pleasant demeanor. Recently, the Custodial Division found itself short-staffed, and Edmund volunteered to adjust his work shift to accommodate staffing needs.

Thank you, Ed, for your diligent work to keep county facilities safe, secured and clean. The County of Marin is proud to congratulate you on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Tammy is always ready to lend a helping hand and seek opportunities for growth and continuous improvement. As a Project and Environmental Planner, Tammy ‘stretched’ before that term was adopted into the County’s vernacular. She assisted with reviewing grant proposals for the Federal Grants Division and consolidated archaeological sensitivity maps into the Geographic Information System. She oversees a school traffic monitoring program and acts on behalf of the Environmental Coordinator on minor environmental clearance determinations, and even ventured outside the division to research gray water regulations.

Tammy brings out the best in her colleagues as well. She is CDA's resident choreographer, who has overseen fun video productions for her colleagues by utilizing her dance background and infectious enthusiasm to help others build up the courage to showcase their dancing skills.

Tammy embodies the shining example of an exemplary employee, seeking above and beyond to help others, to develop herself and, most importantly, to provide excellent service to the citizens of Marin. Congratulations Tammy, on being recognized as Employee of the Month

It is difficult to imagine Health and Human Services' volunteer and intern program without Tara. Simply put, she has been the heart, soul, and brains of the program. Tara developed a volunteer program at the Health and Wellness Campus, which quickly expanded to placing volunteers and student interns throughout the entire department. Tara manages all facets of the program by developing new roles, recruiting and onboarding volunteers and interns, understanding and celebrating each individual's gifts and goals, and coordinating the program with the centralized Civic Center Volunteer program.

Tara's role and leadership in the creation and implementation of the HHS mentoring program has been critical to its success. Her attention to detail in arranging suitable matches, her research, and the overall care she has invested is a perfect example of Tara's passion for career development, employee learning, and positive organizational growth.

Tara is a well-liked, engaged employee, and a gifted writer with a knack for humorous Dr. Seuss parodies. She exemplifies, in spirit and in deed, the type of employee deserving of this honor.

Congratulations, Tara, on being Employee of the Month.

He is part of several teams that provide direct aid in reducing loss of life, property and environment such as the Tamalpais Fire Crew, Urban Search and Rescue Team, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Program, and Explorer Cadre and Rope Rescue Cadre. He was recently assigned to the devastating Sonoma County fire siege, the Southern California fire storm and with USAR battling mudslides and floods in the Santa Barbara area.

His love for Marin and his personal character shines through his ability to help develop young adults, supervising, mentoring and equipping them with tools to be productive leaders and exposing them to careers in fire service. Willy's hobbies include repairing and maintaining small motor and mechanics, so aside from his role as emergency responder, he is a key player in maintaining the team's rescue craft and power equipment.

Chief Weber said "There is not enough time in the day to describe the level of leadership, genuine commitment, and service Willy provides to our county. The entirety of the department crew was tested and pushed to its limit with the devastations California experienced. Willy puts 100 percent of himself in every role he's had with us, and it was truly amazing to see him continue to be an unwavering leader and team player at the forefront of the devastations."

Thank you, Willy, for your dedication to Marin County and congratulations on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Michael is a constant source of warmth and patience in a stressful work environment. He is consistently kind to clients, agency partners and co-workers, and is a compassionate yet quietly fierce advocate. He is a true collaborator and communicator. He is responsive and level-headed, and works well with other departments and court offices. Michael's calm, unassuming manner, supportiveness and willingness to challenge himself are evident every day in the way he regards his clients, their loved ones and his colleagues.

He takes an extraordinary amount of initiative and has taken on many challenging roles, over and above carrying a large caseload, including that of Placement Specialist, Court Liaison, and Intern Coordinator. Despite this, he is extremely generous with his time and extensive knowledge base.

Michael is a credit to the County of Marin and we congratulate him on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Diane doesn’t just run “the show”– as in the televised and webcast Board of Supervisors meetings. Diane retains a wealth of institutional knowledge in all matters related to official County business of the Board of Supervisors.

She oversees the voluminous public documentation that goes along with each Board meeting and makes sure it is properly posted in advance and archived for the future. She works closely with the Board President and County Administrator’s Office to schedule and orchestrate the meetings.

She also supervises the collection of historic Board records and documents, and has held statewide leadership positions within her professional associations such as the California Clerk of the Board of Supervisors' Association (CCBSA) and the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials (CACEO).

As a champion of transparency, Diane is driven to make all information accessible to everyone – with integrity, kindness, professionalism and innovation.

Congratulations, Diane, on your excellence in serving the County of Marin and receiving the honor of Employee of the Month.

Laurie manages the department’s network team and is responsible for the two datacenters and over 40 remote locations. She and her team ensure that employees can log into their computers, enable remote access, and provide wireless connectivity.

Supporting and maintaining the network with the various interconnecting pieces is a large task that Laurie’s team works diligently to accomplish. Laurie, never daunted by a challenge, continues to move forward at a precipitous pace. Under her leadership, her team built a new network at Los Gamos for the datacenters of the IST and Sheriff departments. They continue to monitor and make improvements by increasing network availability and security. Laurie recognizes and appreciates that a solid network infrastructure is critical to the County in conducting business. Laurie also enjoys working with departments during their planning phases for office moves certify make sure all their network needs are considered.

The County of Marin is grateful for Laurie’s commitment to excellence and congratulate her on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Ginetta Huntress is a member of the Shared Services Division. She is responsible for managing the implementation of software projects that span across all departments within the County. What distinguishes Ginetta is her professional commitment and attention to detail. She is effective in communicating with all levels of staff, and welcomes involvement and partnership with every department. She is collaborative, patient and sensitive to the unique services each department provides to both citizens and employees.

Her most notable achievement was managing the replacement and upgrade of the County’s support tracking system. Her expertise led to a smooth transition of this major piece of software that is used by every department. Using her organizational change management and project management education and experience, Ginetta has worked on several large, county projects. If you have not yet had the pleasure, there is a good chance you will meet Ginetta as she implements the Office 365 project, the current County-wide project.

Congratulations, Ginetta, on your excellence in serving the County of Marin and receiving the honor of Employee of the Month.

Pedro has been a role model both as a lawyer and as a person. Throughout his exemplary 29-year career as Deputy Public Defender, Pedro has been a role model both as a lawyer and as a person. He is professional, caring, and calm, even when under the most stressful of circumstances. His compassion for his juvenile clients and vigorous advocacy on their behalf is unparalleled. He also consistently handles the most complex adult criminal cases.

Pedro treats everyone with dignity, respect, and kindness. People who work with him, including those from other county departments, feel involved with a sense of working towards a shared goal. He is respected by adversaries, judges, colleagues, and clients.

It is a pleasure to be around Pedro. He usually wears a big smile, offers a kind word or a joke from his seemingly endless material.

Pedro is an asset to so many throughout the county. The County of Marin is proud to honor him as Employee of the Month.

Austin is an exemplary employee who goes out of his way to help others and to take on new projects. His nice demeanor and excellent computer skills are often praised by his co-workers, who rely on him for assistance and support.

Austin began his career with the County as a volunteer in Health and Human Services. Just one month later, he interviewed for and accepted a position as an Office Assistant III. In 2013 his skills and his initiative qualified him for his current position, where he is a key employee in the Administration Division, coordinating the workflow of all professional services contracts and enrolling department employees in mandated training programs through its Relias Learning Management System.

Austin is helpful, professional, and pleasant in serving the public and working with department colleagues or interacting with staff throughout other County departments. He is the consummate team player who wants the best for his colleagues, the department, and the County. The County of Marin is proud to honor Austin as Employee of the Month.

Stephanie is a champion for employee well-being initiatives at the County of Marin. Working in collaboration with the benefits team, she leads the Employee Wellness Program. She builds key trust-based partnerships throughout the organization to ensure wellness options are designed to support employees in being their best at work and beyond.

Stephanie's inclusive, caring, positive and thoughtful approach to workplace well-being is evident in all she does. From leading comprehensive workplace wellness programs to partnering with internal and external stakeholders, she is a natural organizer who brings out the best in others. Some of the many workplace wellness programs include partnerships with local organizations promoting health initiatives, "Nooner Lagooner" treks around the Civic Center lagoon, and the annual Health and Wellness Fair. Stephanie leads the Wellness Ambassadors, who share program information, evidence-based educational materials, and innovative wellness ideas with their departments. She credits this group with much of the success of the wellness initiatives.

Stephanie is a driving force in creating a positive culture of well-being throughout the organization and the County of Marin is honored to recognize her as Employee of the Month.

Joe keeps the departmental technology systems running smoothly behind the scenes so that staff can do their best work serving the community. Easy to get along with and willing to propose new ideas to support continual improvement, Joe is an effective problem solver. When tasked with a problem, Joe's first response, regardless of whatever else is on his plate, is "I've got it covered," instilling confidence in those who work with him.

Joe has many talents that he brings to the job, including the ability to research problems, his enthusiasm for trying something new and willingness to share his knowledge, and the character to lead his team.

Congratulations, Joe, for excellence in service to Marin County and for being chosen Employee of the Month.

Lana is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is well-liked and respected, professional, hard-working and efficient. She is positive and gracious, and counts herself fortunate to work with her colleagues and to serve the public in a field that she loves. Every day she brings a smile to work. 

Lana is motivated by her commitment to improving services to the vulnerable population that she serves which is demonstrated in her work. She has an incredible work ethic, is a leader and is dedicated to every member of the team. She assists her co-workers whenever questions arise and strives to find solutions to difficult problems. The volume of tasks Lana performs is exceptional. She is also adaptable and willing to take new and challenging assignments. She was instrumental in the implementation of True Link, a new software system that allows representative payee clients to manage their benefit funds through a restricted debit card.

Lana is an asset to the County of Marin with an array of exemplary qualities, and deserves the recognition of Employee of the Month.

Aside from carrying out his usual, full-time responsibilities, he is frequently called upon by supervisors and jail administrators to organize and oversee other critical tasks such as painting and cleaning projects. The Marin County Jail is a complex facility that requires daily maintenance and service in order to operate safely and securely for the inmates, staff, and public.

Joe is known to take initiative and organize his own inmate worker crews, which enhances the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. He is conscientious about the County's recycling efforts and makes every attempt to keep the facility 'green'. He ensures that any needed repairs are completed to a high standard and puts forth tremendous effort and pride in its appearance.

Joe is trustworthy, reliable, and straightforward. He is a dedicated employee who is respected not only by colleagues, but also by the inmates and public. He goes above and beyond and gets things done! Congratulations, Joe, for excellence in service to the citizens of Marin County and for being chosen Employee of the Month.

His strong work ethic, friendly demeanor, and dedication to excellence compel all who work with him to do their best.

Jim has worked with DCSS for over 20 years. His in-depth knowledge of the department's operations comprises casework, customer service, legal processing, and so much more. Jim consistently goes the extra mile to provide first-rate service to customers and fellow staff alike. As a team leader, he is a beloved mentor who gives freely of his assistance and expertise, and his infectious humor and wit contribute to an enjoyable work environment. His long-term volunteer service within the community adds evidence of his character and leadership.

Jim is a model employee and community member, and has earned the high recognition of Employee of the Month. Congratulations, Jim, on receiving this honor.

Larry is patient in helping citizens understand their cases and options. Larry participates in diversion programs for homeless and low-income defendants to gain a better understanding of how clients are best served, and is involved in other outreach programs that mentor youth.

Larry is also persistent. He was recently recognized as the top collector for 2016, collecting over $940,000 in revenue. He is respected by his team, and is a champion of positive change. He is both Employee Voice and 5 Year Business Plan Ambassador for the department. Larry has been an active member in the County of Marin’s COMAEA affinity group where he recently spoke on its behalf during the DREAM mixer.

Congratulations, Larry, on being recognized as Employee of the Month.

She goes above and beyond her required job duties to make exemplary and notable contributions to the Health and Human Services Department. Jami served as an organizer of this year’s HHS Information Fair and a member of the Community Facilitation Team for the department’s recent strategic plan efforts. She is part of the HHS networking committee and organizes “brown bag” lunch meetings on topics of interest to staff. In her specific work area, Jami is a true leader. She voluntarily assumed various duties during a time of transition in her division, remaining a constant source of support and inspiration to her clients, colleagues, and managers.

Jami truly exemplifies what it means to “lead from within” She is positive, persistent, and solution-oriented. Jami is a true asset to the County of Marin and deserves the recognition of Employee of the Month.

With the debut of the County's new Munis Financial System, Sharmon's star has shone even brighter! She has been a lifeline to department personnel by helping them navigate the system, fiscal policies and logistics associated with the payment process, and has tirelessly supported internal and external staff during this challenging time. Sharmon consistently demonstrates an endless amount of patience and resourcefulness in solving problems.

In addition to her strength in Administration, Accounts Payable and Facilities, she was the lead coordinator of the Civic Center Records management Fall event. Sharmon was recently promoted, and all are confident she will also shine in her new role! She is admired by many, and for all the right reasons.

Congratulations, Sharmon, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Rosie is a tireless worker and dedicated to serving the community of Marin, she has volunteered for some of the most challenging assignments in the department. In addition to taking the sex offender caseload and be the collaborative law enforcement representative, Rosie acted as a field training officer and firearms instructor, and is president of the Marin County Latino Employees Association. Rosie eagerly accepts many tasks and assignments as they arise to help a co-worker, such as last minute transportation and translation needs.

Rosie’s passion to serve the entire community of Marin is demonstrated in her work with the Latino community. Rosie is proud to help young people find the path to a healthy and successful life in their community.

The County of Marin is fortunate to recognize and congratulate Rosaura De Alvarez as Employee of the Month.

Robin takes the time to talk with the volunteers to determine what they need and works to implement their ideas into the Jail’s inmate program. Robin is a team player and is respected by her team. She supports and encourages her team to achieve their goals.

Her energy and encouragement has helped to boost inmates’ confidence, providing the opportunity to develop positive skills. Some former inmates have written or visited Robin to thank her for believing in them. It can be difficult for some whose lives have hit a road where there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel and it often takes a special person to help them overcome their obstacles. Robin’s belief in them helps them to believe in themselves.

Robin is dedicated to her co-workers, the inmates and the volunteers she oversees. She credits the team for a job well done and claims it is because of them that she is effective at what she does. Robin deserves this recognition for her outstanding dedication. Congratulations, Robin.

Patrick's work was essential to the success of several projects including the Information, Services and Technology (IST) Marin Commons Datacenter migration, Change Gear Service Desk, and Tyler Munis.

When under pressure due to system outages, Patrick keep his cool and concentrates on resolving the issue at hand regardless of what is happening around him. His top notch troubleshooting skills and ability to focus has saved the County several times. Patrick does his best to share his knowledge of infrastructure and help others understand how all the pieces fit together, solve technical issues, streamline processes, and keep systems running smoothly.

Patrick's hard work, effort toward continuous improvement, and ability to work well across teams and departments make him one of the most respected technicians in IST. Congratulations, Patrick, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

and several cities and towns. She is also responsible for the most complex and difficult projects.

Christy began her career with the County as an intern in the division and has worked her way up to the senior level through hard work and demonstrated results. She is a dedicated employee who has proven to be a key asset for the County by consistently delivering projects to her clients. She approaches her work with a calm professionalism that puts others at ease, building a foundation of trust between her and those involved in the project.

Christy successfully acquired Sky Ranch for the Open Space District and was a key part of the County’s Forest Knolls Trailer Court purchase. Christy holds the Senior Right of Way Agent designation of the International Right of Way Association has served in many positions for her chapter, including “Professional of the Year” in 2014.

Christy’s friendly demeanor, solid work ethic, depth of knowledge, professionalism and excellent customer service exemplify the qualities of public service to the County of Marin and its residents. Congratulations, Christy, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Tony can be counted on to take care of whatever needs to be done to both manage his caseload and support his colleagues. He is an exceptional Deputy Probation Officer and an excellent trainer for the department; he is considered a leader among his peers for his willingness to provide help where needed.

Tony is dedicated to what he does, because he is fully aware of the honor and challenge he and others in the department have in serving the community. In return, he is respected by staff, clients and the community. He also demonstrates his commitment by flexing his schedule to accomplish whatever needs to be done. Many have seen him early in the morning, late in the evening and even occasionally on weekends working hard to that end.

The County of Marin joins the Probation Department staff in recognizing Tony as an exceptional employee and congratulating him on being named Employee of the Month.

Ethan performs many expert tasks, is an excellent technician and an exemplary employee. He demonstrates pride, energy, and a willingness to help his co-workers and he is a true leader and has an ability to motivate others to strive for their best.

Ethan freely and clearly explains complex subjects and takes the time to make sure they are understood. He is not satisfied with the status quo; instead he strives for excellence seeking better ways to serve the County and its citizens. His strength of character was recently witnessed during a vehicle rollover accident on Highway 101 while on the job. Ethan did not hesitate to run to the accident scene and render first-aid to the injured party.

Congratulations, Ethan, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Jane is a very helpful and responsive colleague and she consistently delivers high quality service with thoughtfulness and compassion. She conveys a collaborative and positive attitude with sound advice and timely answers to difficult benefits questions, and she clearly explains confusing and complex Medi-Cal regulations so that her elderly and disabled clients understand the process.

Jane is patient and kind to clients and staff alike. She often works with individuals who are anxious, confused or upset, but she puts them at ease with a calm and empathic demeanor. The County is fortunate to have Jane providing support to the In-Home Supportive Services clients and a valuable partner with Aging and Adult staff in serving the community. Jane exemplifies the qualities of a skilled, dedicated and caring Marin County employee.

Congratulations, Jane, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Jacalyn was instrumental in improving our communication efforts as compared to a traditional, long, narrative. Jacalyn brought spectacular and modern style to the task after reviewing myriad annual reports. The eye-catching results are proudly displayed on the County’s website (www.marincounty.org/2015)..

Jacalyn is also a founding member of the MAPLE affinity group and the Diversity, Respect, Encouragement, Acceptance in Marin Collaborative, qualifying her as a champion of diversity. She is an influential leader of the Social Media Taskforce and the Public Information Team (PIT) Crew. Last year, she won a national award for the logo and branding initiative she created to enhance the image of County publications.

Congratulations, Jacalyn, for a job well done.

Kara regularly goes above and beyond her normal duties. She is polite, courteous and patient with employees during what may be a stressful time for some regarding their benefits, and follows through to ensure their needs are met.

Kara leads a group of co-workers on a walk around the Civic Center to promote wellness and camaraderie, and she arranged a tour for the department when an employee expressed interest in Frank Lloyd Wright and the Civic Center. She also sent out personalized emails to fellow employees prior to the Employee Wellness Fair highlighting information that might be of interest to each of them.

Kara has received several promotions and special assignments in her short time with the County and her commitment to the County and surrounding community goes beyond the Civic Center walls. This summer when the fires threatened and burned homes near her childhood neighborhood she made personalized notes and care packages for the firefighters to thank them for their service.

Congratulations, Kara, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Sydney provides MCERA’s members with easy-to-understand and pertinent information about their retirement benefits. she embraces change with a willingness to find new solutions to old problems. Her initiative led to the redesign of MCERA’s seminars as interactive workshops that focus on specific career stages. As the department’s Communications Associate, Syd is also responsible for all member publications comprising the website, handbooks, newsletters, workshop materials and other customized external presentations.

While Syd is the face of MCERA’s workshop program she is also an integral part of the overall business operations, which includes providing direct customer service. Syd is passionate about making sure members get the support they need to make important decisions. As part of MCERA’s broader customer service teams she shares the goal of providing superior service, striving to make the complex rules and concepts about retirement relatable.

Syd is an outstanding example of the Retirement Department’s commitment to their members and we are proud that she has been chosen as the Employee of the Month. Well done, Syd!

Joanne is a terrific listener when a caller is in need of resources or reassurance. She is a stabilizing force and is supportive of colleagues, initiating change to improve efficiency to everyone’s benefit. Joanne’s character includes patience, and thorough and thoughtful attention to detail. She also assumes many roles that include website management, information specialist for a new database, power point expertise, graphic arts, and financial administration. She possesses uncanny vision to look ahead and ask “What if...” in order to ensure the best possible service to customers.

Thank you, Joanne, for your excellence in serving the citizens of Marin County, and congratulations on being chosen Employee of the Month.

For many years, Carol has assembled all of the “in custody” files in the Public Defender’s office, and helped attorneys to obtain necessary discovery and other documents. She is very detail oriented, and rarely does one need to ask her twice to complete a task. In many ways, Carol Heaney represents the “heart” of the Public Defender’s Office.

Carol volunteers every year to coordinate the Combined Charities Campaign, and she has helped our office to achieve a high level of participation. She recently collected donations to secure backpacks and school supplies for Marin’s homeless and poor children. Carol is a person who exemplifies the mission of the Public Defender by treating everyone with respect, and working toward our goal of encouraging our clients to lead positive and productive lives.

Thank you, Carol, for your service and congratulations on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Erich’s dedication and desire to promote cohesiveness, professionalism and excellence within the varying operational units is exemplary.

Erich is very upbeat and energetic in all aspects of his work. Erich also possesses the ability to communicate with people from all walks of life, easily making the translation between "tech-talk" and everyday vernacular. This is a positive quality in the technology world!

Erich shares the goal with his colleagues to provide the best end user experience possible. For that, we would like to thank Erich for his passion and drive towards excellence!

Her wealth of knowledge and experience allow her to question content in documents and she also volunteered to be the department’s branding coordinator and ensures that all documents are compliant with the laws related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Despite constant interruptions, Mary accomplishes everything with her trademark, dry sense of humor that keeps everyone around her in stitches. Her calm, efficient demeanor quickly puts members of the public at ease.

Our hats are off to you, Mary, for your outstanding spirit of service to the citizens of Marin County!

She displays excellent customer service, cheerfully assisting the public at the front counter.

Bridget has a ready response to requests, completing tasks thoroughly and quickly. She is proactive and often asks “What can I do?” She demonstrates a sense of quality, ownership and pride in her work. Bridget speaks up when there is a problem and offers solutions that will improve the department’s efficiency and conservation of resources.

Bridget is a quick learner with a warm and witty sense of humor that puts others at ease. She is an inspiration to many “to do better and to do it with style.” Bridget is a stellar representative of a County of Marin employee and deserves recognition as Employee of the Month. Congratulations Bridget!

Juvenile Drug Court is a collaborative program of support for youth who are dealing with serious issues around their use of drugs and alcohol and have entered the juvenile justice system. As the Deputy Probation Officer in the program, Sandra’s responsibilities are varied and vital to the program’s success. She supervises the youth enrolled in Juvenile Drug Court, meeting with them at least weekly to ensure their compliance with conditions of probation. Sandra is also responsible for coordinating the weekly team meetings, where she facilitates the discussion by giving updates and informing the team members of important events for the participants and their families.

Sandra is in regular contact with a variety of service providers, as she is the primary manager of an individualized “case plan” designed to help youth and families, most of whom face daunting challenges to becoming successful and healthy. Finally, Sandra has arranged and then participated in a series of events and activities designed to provide the youth opportunities to experience the possible alternatives to a lifestyle of delinquency and substance abuse. She has taken some youth on tours of college campuses, and outings like zip lining, a hike in the Marin Headlands, and a visit to Alcatraz.

Sandra has the rare ability to adeptly manage both an administrative role and a direct service one simultaneously, which is a valuable commodity. In each of these roles, she demonstrates compassion, energy and enthusiasm for her assignment. She also projects a quiet confidence and competence that is infectious to both the youth she works with, and her co-workers. Despite the many demands on her, Sandra is often the first to volunteer for an assignment, fill in for a co-worker who has a conflict, and to participate in a Division workgroup to improve our services. Sandra’s work epitomizes the best qualities and characteristics of a County of Marin employee. She not only deeply cares about what she does, she also strives for excellence, and then puts in a level and quality of effort that assures it.

Chon takes pride in how well he keeps his route clean and is an exceptionally dependable employee.
Chon’s duties include mopping floors, emptying trash, polishing faucets and any other tasks needed.

Chon approaches every task with unique enthusiasm and is proud of his important contribution in maintaining these facilities. Employees at Novato’s Bel Marin Keys site especially appreciate the time that Chon spends cleaning their spaces, ensuring that their restrooms sparkle and offices are left neat and tidy. There is nothing Chon will not do, except frown! He always has a smile to give.

Many say Chon has a charming personality and a warm and friendly manner with an infectious grin that never fails to start their day with a “positive vibe”.
We are grateful for Chon’s strong work ethic and customer service. Congratulations, Chon, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Patrick’s desk is located in the bowels of the Civic Center, among the pumps, transformers and cooling systems that keep the Civic Center employees and public comfortable, and where he provides assistance with ease and humor.
In addition to picking up service calls, Patrick administers the employee security card key access, tends to the county-wide energy management system and handles the division’s accounting needs which are all part of his daily juggling act.

Patrick’s tenacious character selflessly lends itself to many an endeavor and extends professionally beyond the department, helping lead the Public Works softball team to three championships.
For all these attributes, the County of Marin is proud to honor Patrick as Employee of the Month.

Ruben’s responsibilities also include sorting county surplus materials, particularly technology hardware, to maximize the amount of surplus materials that can be reused or recycled.
He works with local organizations to donate authorized surplus assets to communities in need of technology, many of which do not have any.

Ruben looks at the County as part of his extended family. He has donated many hours of vacation time to fellow employees in need and truly cares about his County family.
In recognition of Ruben’s commitment and enthusiasm, the County of Marin is pleased to honor Ruben as Employee of the Month.

An Associate Civil Engineer, her work has ranged from major construction projects to managing work programs for flood prone areas of the county. Obtaining her professional engineering license in 2012, she’s only getting better.

In addition to her Flood Control work; Hannah is president of the Sonoma County Chapter of Engineers Without Borders and recently went to the Peruvian Amazon to help two villages build a rainwater harvesting system.

She is also a vital part of the County’s Wellness Program and is an enthusiastic Wellness Ambassador to her colleagues. Her passions include healthy foods, physical activities, and promoting heart-healthy living.

Hannah sets the bar high as an exemplary employee and involved community member and is has more than earned this recognition as Employee of the Month!

Cynthia is highly respected by all the staff and is a big asset to the department.

She is a hard-working person who enjoys learning new things as well as training the rest of the staff. In the adult division Cynthia has trained the entire department in “Evidence based practices” and "Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LSCMI)".

Cynthia supervises the AB-109 unit and she is always available to probation officers outside her unit for advice. The AB-109 unit she supervises is one of the most, if not the most, successful AB-109 unit in the State of California. AB-109 is the foundation of California’s solution to reduce overcrowding, costs, and recidivism in and out of the state prisons. Without Cynthia’s skills, knowledge, and style our department would not be among the best.

Cynthia Fix’s outstanding commitment is not only to her unit and the department, but also to the community we serve. She definitely deserves to be the employee of the month.

Devoting his entire career to the underserved, he is an expert in creating successful relationships between Marin employers and youths seeking better opportunities through employment.

Dan is committed and quick to earn the trust of both employers and the young people he serves. Youths in the juvenile justice system often face many barriers to success, but Dan assesses, prepares and encourages them.

Dan is engaging, upbeat and charismatic. He is often heard greeting first-time clients with a booming “Are you ready to get a job today?” With Dan’s encouragement, youths have gained confidence and life-changing skills, and the program has exceeded goals since its initiation in 2012. 

He is known for saying “There are three ways to get a job – through people you know, people you know and people you know.” The County of Marin is fortunate to “know” Dan Daniels. Congratulations, Dan!

Her current assignment requires her to value residential and commercial properties in many areas of the County.

She’s always ready to pitch in on anything — a work project, committee participation, a softball team, you name it. She does it all with a cheerful, positive, “can-do” attitude.

In addition, Wendy serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for the Standing Orations Toastmasters Club. In her role with the Toastmasters, she has brought innovative ideas and upbeat outlook that has been noticed by all.

We are all lucky and proud to have Wendy as a member of the County family. Congratulations, Wendy, for being selected as April’s Employee of the Month.

She works with seniors, vulnerable adults, and people with mental and physical health disabilities, with the goal of supporting people to live as safely and independently as possible.

Mandi exhibits passion for the work she does and concern for the well-being of her clients, giving them hope in times of extreme distress and uncertainty. She provides training and consultation and enjoys sharing her knowledge with colleagues and other professionals.

For her exceptional role in promoting and protecting the health, safety, well-being and self-sufficiency of residents in Marin, Mandi is proudly recognized as Employee of the Month.

During the last 10 years he worked part time for both the County and the Conservation Corps North Bay, then joined the County full time last year.

Alekz is our go-to person when a repair or a County-maintained drainage facility is in need of clearing. When residents are warm and dry at home, Alekz endures the storms to ensure the drainage facilities flow to prevent flooding. In addition, he prepares drawings, assists with flood control projects, and brings his valuable experience with the Conservation Corps North Bay to oversee the Corps works crews to assist the County with creek maintenance.

Alekz’s consistent can-do attitude, proactive approach to work, and astute attention to detail make him the epitome of an exemplary county employee.

Congratulations, Alekzandar, on being recognized as Employee of the Month.

Steve treats everyone fairly, extending genuine warmth and support in all situations to colleagues and to visitors attending court for criminal and civil matters.

Steve has spent his career teaching, coaching, encouraging and training new employees in the Sheriff’s office. He provides critical briefing information that is both current and accurate and ensures all court floor duties are complete daily.

Steve is passionate about his job, influencing both citizens and employees with his great work ethic. According to one supervisor; “Steve goes above and behind his scope of duty. … He is always striving to improve and help others. It is a pleasure to supervise and work with Steve. When it comes to being the employee of the month, it is a no-brainer.”

Steve is an exemplary model of excellent public service. The County of Marin is proud to honor him as Employee of the Month.

Over the past 25 years, he has worked his way through the ranks as a seasonal aide, ranger, supervising ranger and is currently Parks’ Chief Park Ranger. Ari cherishes his involvement with his staff and community, striving for excellence in everything he does. Many co-workers have described him as always fair and honest.

Ari has been instrumental in digitizing the ranger’s patrol information and various department information and forms, all of which serve the staff and the public more efficiently. He also serves the vital role of Parks’ oil spill response liaison with Marin Office of Emergency Services and California Fish and Wildlife.

Ari’s work is never done. He plans to be with the County family for many more years to better serve the people who enjoy our parks! Congratulations, Ari, on being recognized as Employee of the Month.

Bruce has made it his personal mission for the past decade to expertly procure even hard-to- locate official and vital records for customers, all with a great degree of congeniality and charm.

Bruce could also be dubbed the “master of marriage certificates,” having amassed a wealth of knowledge about the subject. He especially enjoys greeting newlywed couples who come to register their marriage licenses, adding his warmth to their special day.

Bruce’s aim is to provide the kind of service that every customer expects and appreciates so that they can leave with a smile on their face. It is a true pleasure to work with him as he is fully engaged and enthusiastic about his job, devoted to providing exceptional customer service.

We are proud to congratulate him on being selected as the Employee of the Month

Her responsibilities include oversight of emergency response, court, adoptions, licensing, and everything else in between.

Chua is a strong leader and a fierce advocate for the families and children served by Social Services. She is compassionate, hard-working and conscientious, with a dose of humor and humility. She is one of the biggest “unsung heroes” for the work accomplished on behalf of children, families and the community. Chua is an inspiration to staff and is a true team player. Colleagues boast that she is thoughtful, caring, trustworthy and supportive. She approaches her work with a positive attitude and does what needs to be done.

Chua Chao truly deserves the recognition of Marin County’s Employee of the Month. Congratulations Chua!

Her customer service skills are outstanding and she is always helpful, calm and patient with every customer.

During Debbie’s eight years with IST she has won the respect of her colleagues for her positive work ethic and her calm demeanor under any circumstance. No matter how busy Debbie is she always takes the time greet her co-workers with a smile and maintain a positive attitude despite numerous interruptions.

Debbie manages many tasks that keep IST running smoothly, including coordinating meetings, supply oversight, accounts payable and receivable, building needs requests, and greeting the public. Debbie is willing to take on any job, big or small, with a great attitude.

Debbie epitomizes the qualities that define the “Face of Marin County Government” and as an outstanding county employee she deserves to be honored as employee of the month.

Dan Miller is an outstanding employee who practices the core values of respect, integrity and excellence in his service to the public.

Dan often receives compliments from the public on the excellent services he provides. He works collaboratively with others and welcomes challenges and new responsibilities, such as assuming the duties of the retired Candidate Nominations Officer and is now responsible for guiding candidates through the complicated nominations process, as well as for carrying out his duties as the Financial Filing Officer for campaign financial reports and Conflict of Interest statements of over 800 County, school and district officials and staff.

Dan prepares and distributes the Candidates’ Manual for candidates running for office and is their resource for election information. Dan also implemented an electronic financial filing system that enables candidates and campaigns to file their financial statements and will launch a companion system for the Conflict of Interest Statements later this year. Dan is an asset to the Elections Department because of his competence, his knowledge and his ability to work constructively with both customers and co-workers.

Congratulations, Dan, on being named Employee of the Month.

As an Agricultural Inspector III for 23 years with the Agriculture/Weights and Measures department, Anita Sauber has done an extraordinary job overseeing the Marin Organic Certified Agriculture (MOCA) program (including many other programs). When MOCA started in 2000, there were no forms, procedures, database, or new staff. Anita led the way in developing and implementing the program.

Anita is highly respected among her colleagues and industry. She is a strong team leader who exhibits perseverance, spirited passion, effective motivational skills and ingenuity. Her leadership paved the way in creating a nationally recognized organic certification program. The MOCA program primarily certifies crops, livestock, and dairies. A typical crop inspection takes 15 hours, and a dairy inspection takes 30 hours!

Anita has a knack for making things fun, and fervently supports and advocates for those things close to her heart, especially sustainable endeavors. She is a tremendous asset to the Department, County, industry and community.

Congratulations, Anita, on being named Employee of the Month.

How many Marin County employees have had their department name an award named after them? For years, the Parks division awarded the “Iron Mike” trophy to the employee who used the least amount of sick days in a year. Supervising Park Ranger Mike Maraccini won so many times the award was retired!

Mike Maraccini started his career with the County of Marin back in 1979 working for the Landscape Division. After four years, Mike transferred to the Parks Department as Maintenance Worker at Paradise Park. His dedication to providing clean and safe facilities soon led him to the positions of Supervising Park Ranger of Paradise and Stafford Lake Park. He is currently stationed at Paradise Park, “The Jewel of Marin”.

Mike is being recognized for providing great recreational opportunities on a daily basis and at special events to our thousands of users. He has been named the Volunteer Supervisor of the Year from the CCV and has not missed a game for years as pitcher for the “Bark Rangers” softball team. His smile, sense of humor, and high quality public service has been a recognizable fixture at the Civic Center and our 30 park facilities for over 33 years!

Leon Tam has served Child Support Services since 1998. The Department provides services for the enforcement of parental responsibilities, including the establishment of paternity for children and court orders for financial and medical support for children. Leon’s comprehensive knowledge of the program, combined with his willingness to politely assist his colleagues and clients, has made him highly admired and respected.

Leon is self-motivated and has the ambition to seek out solutions and solve problems no matter the topic. He demonstrates the highest work and ethical standards when he reviews cases to ensure accuracy and adherence to policies. He also maintains a positive outlook under any circumstance. Described as having a scrupulous persona, he achieves excellence by consistently going above and beyond as a public employee. Leon is undeniably deserving of this County of Marin accolade.

Congratulations, Leon, on being named Employee of the Month.

Jeff Young continues to prove, time and time again to be a valuable and contributing member of the HHS Technical Services team. His expertise at Helpdesk extends far beyond the technical and into the most complex and challenging part of Helpdesk Support . . . the end user. His excellent people skills along with his wide breadth of technical knowledge has made him both expert technician and a great ‘ambassador’ for the Health & Human Services Technical Services team. He is always willing to take on any task, ranging from fixing a broken keyboard or mouse to relocating an entire department. It was with the task of moving the HHS Financial department that his attention to detail and timing became most evident. Along with being very professional he is well liked and respected by both his clients and his team members. We are very fortunate and honored to have Jeff as a member of our team.

Kathleen serves the community by linking health services to those in need, providing a connection between community-based organizations and county services, and focusing on broader health care issues such as dental care and immunizations. She is prevention-focused, and driven to find solutions within the community. Kathleen honors client confidentiality and maintains unshakeable appreciation for her patients as whole human beings. Part of Kathleen’s personal mission is to help patients reinforce the mind-body connection, and she is a cheerful example. Dependable and friendly, Kathleen is a “Rock Star” on our team. All who spend time around Kathleen are encouraged to imagine and work toward a better world. It is with great pride that we congratulate Kathleen!

Raquel is poised and proficient in her position and remains calm, cool, and collected during any incident, never displaying frustration or nervousness. Her peers enjoy working with her and have immense trust in her. Raquel is always at her partner’s side, assisting and providing her with the necessary help and information.

Raquel does not seek recognition, and is gracious and compassionate. These qualities spill over to other Sheriff-sponsored events, such as the Marin City toy give-away. At one community event Raquel learned of a grieving family that prompted her to raise over $5,000 dollars to assist them in their time of need. The Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Raquel on displaying such excellence and congratulate her on her recognition.

The County of Marin is equally proud to congratulate Raquel on being chosen the Employee of the Month!

She works with hiring managers to develop the best recruitment plans in order to reach the widest round of candidates and achieve the best results and handles every situation in a skillful, professional, respectful and courteous manner.

Vicki’s work is invaluable in providing excellent services to this community, whether it be assisting people with necessary benefits and healthcare, protecting vulnerable children and adults, or recruiting leadership to shepherd through significant policy changes. Her great work has assisted in building and professional and caring workforce this County can be proud of. She exemplifies customer service at its best! We are proud to have her chosen as Employee of the Month.

His kaleidoscopic skill set has made him an invaluable team member and a highly respected resource to his clients.

Mark takes great pride in delivering support for computer systems from desktops to servers, databases to AutoCAD, and GIS applications used by engineering and mapping staff. He is extremely knowledgeable about the latest technology related to all areas of security.

Mark worked closely with the Maintenance Division of Public Works on the computer system that controls all of the civic center’s heating and cooling, card key access, lighting, and energy efficiency.

Above all else, Mark finds his motivation in opportunities to make his co-workers’ digital world brighter and in creating order from chaos. Our sincere thanks, Mark, for all of your efforts and congratulations on being chosen Employee of the Month!

It is hard to imagine another county employee who knows the lay of land in Marin County better than Debbi. A native of the county with roots in West Marin, Debbi has spent her entire career serving the people’s interest by ensuring that new development meets the county’s standards for safety, environmental quality and design.

Debbi has become an oracle for the County’s development regulations over the years by amassing significant historical knowledge that others routinely tap into when researching properties in the County.

Debbi has gained the respect and admiration of those she works with by always being fair and equitable and always working towards the goal of compliance, while doing so with humor, compassion, and professionalism.

The Community Development Agency is proud to see Debbi recognized for her contributions to the County and her selection as the Employee of the Month.

Peggy has worked for the Sheriff’s Department for twenty-nine years. Peggy enjoys being a part of people’s lives even in the worst circumstances and helping them better their lives whether in or out of jail. She loves being a part of reuniting families. She is a true believer in staying with people through the long haul, and helping them find value in themselves, regardless of their situation. Her goal is to see people return to their community to care for themselves and others as they have been cared for.

Peggy is a true gem to the Marin County Sheriff’s Department. She never misses a beat. On Holidays she has dressed up like the Easter Bunny, The Great Pumpkin and an Elf visiting all of the employees and inmates bringing cheer and joy to everyone. Peggy is a true leader and one of a kind.

Carl is the supervising equipment operator in charge of the Open Space roads and Trails team. There are few trail professionals in the state that can equal Carl's skill and eye for trail work nor his ability to handle a piece of equipment. He has a talent to envision a sustainable and quality pathway from a bare piece of ground. He can supervise a crew, bulldoze a tread, and build a bridge all before lunch!

The public that hikes, and horseback and bike rides the trails of Marin County pay homage to Carl's hard work. He has worked over the 200+ miles of trails in the Open Space District and you can see his fingerprint on the bridges, stairs, walls, tread and signs everywhere.

Carl represents the best qualities of a public servant - reliable, skilled, and dedicated. He is held in very high regard for his professional attitude, unflappable personality, and modesty. He is respected by fellow staff, partner agencies, and the public and is a great teacher and mentor. He is a quiet guy, but when he speaks, everyone falls silent. They know he is one of the best in the business.

Congratulations Carl on the well deserved honor of being Employee of the Month!

To every task, every day, and everyone he meets, Michael Mayorga brings a big smile and an infectiously positive attitude. There is no task too big or too small that isn’t taken on with his customary gusto. As a custodian in Public Works, Michael handles all custodial duties at the jail as well as 10 and 20 North San Pedro offices. He is extremely thorough in his work and is always happy to roll up his sleeves and go the extra mile.

Those who are privileged to work with Michael are well aware of his customary agility and speed in performing his work. No job is too daunting or too minuscule and he handles it all with his trademark optimism, keen sense of humor and can-do attitude.

Michael’s approachable manner and cheerful disposition ensure that, at the end of the day, he leaves both people and the workplace a happier and better place. His positive outlook is inspirational and simply makes a difference. Congratulations, Michael, from us all!

Dana Armanino, a native to Marin County, works on a wide range of environmental programs including the County’s Energy Watch Partnership where she provides technical assistance to the cities, towns, schools, and special districts interested in implementing solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Dana’s dedication to sustainability is evident in her coordination of the County’s successful Green Business Program certifying 405 businesses, and was instrumental in making Marin County’s “Greenest County Fair on Earth”. Her contributions to the County’s commitment to clean energy can also be seen by the roof-top solar installations and the wind energy conversion system on the Civic Center campus.

Dana is an expert in her field. She approaches challenging situations in a professional, confident and good-natured manner. Her drive and commitment to excellence make her a model public employee.

Dongfen Gao began working for Marin County in March 2005. From the very start, she demonstrated some of the best qualities in work ethic, professionalism and productivity.

She has been a key team member on projects for the Justice Departments such as GIDEON, a modern case management system for the Public Defender and EJUS (Electronic Justice System), search application used by a number of Criminal Justice Departments. She has also worked on projects for the Probation Department and the Community Development Agency.

Dongfen has consistently tackled difficult technical problems and quickly provided solutions that are used across a number of IST applications and services. She takes the initiative and often offers more efficient technical improvements to new and existing applications. Dongfen also keeps current in the ever- changing work of Information Technology. Dongfen is well-respected by her colleagues and helps makes Marin County a great place to work.

The County of Marin is proud to honor Dongfen Gao as Employee of the Month.

Jodi Olson is always willing to help and has the knowledge, resources and relationships to resolve assessment problems. She has a special talent to untangle complicated matters, explain them clearly and concisely, and provide understandable examples to the people she interacts with every day – taxpayers, attorneys, county staff and state agency employees. Jodi provides change in ownership and appraisal training. She provides valuable resources and guides others to learn from her expertise.

A taxpayer said this about Jodi: “… what better person to be the face representing County government … she is a shining example of an articulate professional who was at the very core of creating my successful experience ...” Jodi takes every opportunity to increase her knowledge and insight regarding the many rules and regulations pertaining to her work. Jodi is an excellent representative of the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s Office and the County of Marin.

Congratulations, Jodi, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

If you walk by Inna Frid’s desk, chances are she’s not alone. Since Inna came to IST we have discovered that if you need a person to bounce ideas off of, someone to discuss the pros and cons of a programming methodology or you just don’t know how to do something, Inna can and will help you.

Inna is well-versed in all of our major technology areas from web to desktop application development, and she was the lead programmer on the JURIS (Court Traffic case management system) project, grasping a broad understanding of the entire system while coding intricate modules. Inna maintains a pleasant and professional attitude in all situations, and she demonstrates the best that the County of Marin has to offer.

The County of Marin is proud to honor Inna Frid as Employee of the Month.

Among the clerical tasks in the District Attorney′s Office, you name it and Victoria Gould has mastered it. Whether heading up the records department, subpoenaing witnesses from around the country, or literally running a file to court that an attorney needs, she consistently comes through with a smile and a single question: "Anything else I can do?" She is the go-to person for virtually any clerical emergency and proves that problems can be solved calmly, quickly, and competently.

In her 17 years with the DA′s Office, Victoria has learned to anticipate what the attorneys will need to prepare their cases and proactively springs into action. She locates files from storage, researches criminal rap sheets, and prompts the crime lab to test drug samples, all before an attorney asks. "Already been taken care of," she′ll say.

Congratulations, Victoria, on a job well done and for being chosen Employee of the Month!

Olga Lobato has been with the Marin County Clerk′s office since September 2005. As a Deputy County Clerk II she examines and maintains an index of various legal and non-judicial documents. She began her career in December 1996 and worked for seven years in the Criminal Justice departments.

Olga works with a diverse customer base and uses her bilingual skills to assist our Spanish speaking customers with marriage licenses as well as performing civil ceremonies to make their day special and memorable.

Olga′s warm demeanor and energy come from within and are reflected in the courtesy and respect she gives to others. She has exceptional customer service skills and a great attitude. Olga just loves to help people! Her commitment to her co-workers, the public and her job represent the highest standards for our employees.

Congratulations Olga on being selected as the Employee of the Month!

Giuliana Ferrer has been a wonderful addition to the Probation Department and has contributed endless energy to make it the best department. Her personal and professional commitment towards this goal span a broad range of endeavors, from enrolling in Toast Masters and challenging herself to improve her public speaking skills, to taking over all training within the Probation Department and assuming an important role at our monthly managers meeting. Giuliana has enrolled in the Bay Area Training Officers association taking on a more regional leadership role. She has coordinated regional and statewide training with our partners from setting up Power Point to being responsible for all statewide mandated reporting.

Her constant drive to improve in all areas, both personally and professionally, has led Giuliana to be highly respected by all staff. She is a leader who leads by her actions.

The County of Marin is extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful individual. Congratulations Giuliana on being the Employee of the Month.

Since joining up with DPW at the County Garage in 2006, Eugene Lew has simply been exceptional. As an Equipment Service Assistant, he is well known for not just taking care of business but going the extra mile to provide the highest possible level of service. He takes his work seriously in ensuring that both the County’s vehicles and his customers receive close and personal attention. He takes time with people to answer questions while ensuring that the motor pool cars are well maintained.

Eugene’s hard work and dedication go above and beyond as a member of the County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team and also as a reserve police officer. After all that, he still has time and energy for college and other courses.

In recognizing Eugene’s strong work ethic and focus on customer service, it’s clear that his selection as employee of the month is truly well deserved!

As the Library Desk Supervisor for the Fairfax Branch Library, Anthony Puga manages and schedules circulation staff and handles complex circulation issues. He has contributed several entries to the Library’s Spanish Services blog, was instrumental in implementing the check-out of Nooks to library patrons, and trained all staff on social media and the new Sierra circulation software.

Anthony’s motivational leadership skills have a direct result on the positive performance of the entire circulation team, and his initiative and positive attitude also have an effect on the rest of the staff. He is unflaggingly willing to teach, coach, find solutions, and encourage employees to do their best.

He is compassionate, enthusiastic and hard-working. There’s not a day he doesn’t arrive with a cheerful smile, and he makes a point of thanking staff for their efforts on a regular basis. It is apparent that Anthony enjoys his work, and that he is committed to providing excellent service to everyone he comes in contact with. He is well-deserving of Employee of the Month.

Jeanene Gibson is the face and the voice that greets many visitors and callers to Public Works. Not all may realize or appreciate their good fortune – but we do. No matter how busy or stressful the day might be, Jeanene treats every customer with genuine concern and respect. As an Office Assistant III, in her five years with the County she has been constant in her dedication, concern, and commitment to providing caring and quality service. It is no surprise that should her co-workers find themselves in a pinch, they know they can count on her to assist on a moment’s notice. Jeanene also finds time for the Toastmasters group “Standing Orations” and is currently the club’s president.

Truly one of the kindest, most sincere and hard-working people you will ever meet, Jeanene is a credit to the County of Marin and is deserving of this honor.

Congratulations, Jeanene, on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Tim Farrell began his 20-year career as a group counselor at Marin County Juvenile Hall. Since then he has filled an assortment of assignments in all three divisions. Currently, as an assistant supervisor in Adult Investigations, he has the opportunity again to interact directly with clients. Tim has made great contributions to the department, such as participating in the creation of the Domestic Violence Protocol and the Probation Information System (PRISM). He participated in many committees over the years, taking a keen interest in the structuring of the department. He also spearheaded the Probation softball team (the Violators), who won the championship this past year. Tim shares his compassion and calm competence with coworkers and clients alike, drawing others to him for direction and knowledge. He is hard-working and highly respected by staff. Throughout his career he has demonstrated a commitment not only to the department, but also to the community we serve. Tim is one of the department’s best assets and a role model for excellence. Congratulations, Tim!

Sarah Campos has been a committed employee for the County of Marin since 1998. She began as an Accounting Assistant for Community Mental Health Services and worked her way up to an Administrative Services Technician for the Office of the Public Guardian in 2006. Promoted to an Administrative Services Associate, she is presently responsible for supervising the fiscal staff, training staff and volunteers, and overseeing the office budget and preparing court accountings. She is a natural leader.

Those who know Sarah uniformly agree she is one of the hardest working, dedicated, and committed County employees. Sarah is a team player, a positive influence, an innovative thinker, takes initiative, and provides an outstanding level of service to both the residents of Marin and to staff. Sarah is a true asset to the County of Marin; she works beyond the call of duty and always gets the job done in a top notch manner! We are truly fortunate to have her on our staff!

Karon Merritt has worked for Marin County Health & Human Services for 16 years. She covers the juvenile court desk for Children and Family Services. This position requires gathering huge amounts of information, while paying close attention to details and timeframes. The staff she supports are under pressure to get things done quickly and correctly. She brings energy, knowledge, willingness and a ready smile to her position. Karon is the court desk expert and her deep knowledge of the process helps her catch errors. As part of her position, she organizes the calendar for the families who come to court. Coming to Juvenile Court can be very painful for families, and Karon welcomes them with compassion and caring. She is consistently cheerful, patient and always willing to help. She is beloved by the staff she works with and is truly an invaluable gem.

Congratulations, Karon, on being recognized as Employee of the Month.

Courtney joined the Health and Human Services Office of Finance 4 years ago and not a day has gone by that her cheerful attitude has not affected those that she works with. Courtney approaches any assignment with a positive attitude - no job is too big or too small. Work can come to her from many different directions and she accepts each assignment with a smile no matter how busy she is. Courtney is known for her exceptional organizational skills. Courtney takes ownership of any job she is assigned leaving a sense of security to the lead person she is working with that the job will get done completely and accurately. There are so many ways that all of us at H&HS could thank Courtney for her dedication and support, but as Employee of the Month the people that she has worked with join us in saying Thank You Courtney for the outstanding work that you do.

The Community Development Agency’s Principal Planner, Jack Liebster, is considered by many to be a “Jack of All Trades.” Jack manages the Community Planning program in the Planning Division and oversees a number of programs ranging from the development of zoning regulations that implement the County’s nationally-recognized Countywide Plan, updating the County’s Local Coastal Plan, or assisting with efforts to protect salmon habitat. Whether it is representing the County in public meetings to discuss proposed development policies in Marin’s coastal areas, monitoring local responses to climate change and sea level rise, or being the Agency’s representative on the County’s Public Information Team, we can count on Jack to rise to the occasion by tackling his next challenge with a sense of purpose, enthusiasm, and determination. Jack’s incredibly hard work ethic and high standards raise the bar for excellence in public service, while his sense of fairness, empathy, and humor are attributes that make Jack an effective negotiator and problem solver.

Vivian Lo-Lew is the “go-to” person in the Community Development Agency’s Planning Division who will pitch in and help, no questions asked. Known to assist colleagues with a power point presentation to meet a hearing deadline, or research property and permit records to supplement analysis in a staff report, Vivian responds quickly and always with a “can-do” attitude. As a member of the Customer Service Team, she is often the first point of contact for those visiting the public information counter. She is patient and very conscientious about providing accurate zoning information. Vivian is also a team player with an upbeat personality, going above and beyond her assigned duties, such as applying her web and graphic design skills to create a new webpage for the Local Coastal Program update and pitching in whenever and wherever needed.

Her colleagues eagerly join together in congratulating Vivian on being chosen Employee of the Month.

As a Flood Control Project Manager in Public Works, Jack is truly a gem. A good number of his eight years with the County have been devoted to building what is now known as the Ross Valley Watershed Program. He has worked to develop and implement a groundbreaking approach to water resource management in which competing interests became shared interests and public frustration became widespread support.

Jack’s technical expertise, people skills and common sense approach have made him the perfect ambassador of this complex and visionary program which, for the first time in 50 years, is bringing solutions and progress in addressing the chronic flooding problems in the Ross Valley.

Jack has a unique and remarkable ability to combine concepts and ideals with down to earth realities, and then find a way to make things happen. Throughout it all and despite the challenges, Jack has maintained his customary calm, devotion to his work, and his infectious positive attitude. His is truly deserving of the title Employee of the Month!

Terry Jones is the Community Library Specialist who drives the Bookmobile for the Marin County Free Library. She works extremely hard moving materials from the top of the Civic Center to points all over the County. She always has a friendly smile and positive “can do” attitude in any circumstance. Even on her busiest and most stressful days, Terry provides an energetic willingness to help out and be flexible in unpredictable circumstances on the road.

On one day Terry will be checking out materials to commuters at the Ferry Landing, the next day she will provide reading recommendations at an assisted living home, then off to West Marin ranches or Farmers Market for a rousing story time.

Patrons have always expressed a deep appreciation for her commitment to provide materials they might not otherwise get. Congratulations Terry on the well deserved honor of being Employee of the Month!

Leslie Galiani has been working her magic as a vital member of Public Works’ Purchasing Division for 10 years, and every year she just gets better! Leslie brings a solid energy and enthusiasm to her work along with a personal passion for stretching every County dollar to the max. She’s a natural at maintaining strong working relationships with her fellow employees and clients.

For Leslie it’s a professional and a personal goal to deliver the best goods and services possible in both economy and quality. Even in unfamiliar or stressful situations, Leslie is at her best, always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. She is sought out by employees from all departments for help with the many and sometimes complex aspects of Purchasing policy and procedures.

Simply stated, Leslie is a cornerstone of the Purchasing team. Her intelligence, courtesy, helpfulness and work ethic make our world a better and brighter place. Congratulations, Leslie on being chosen Employee of the Month.

Hired in 1998, Marty Graff began his career as a Social Worker in Children and Family Services, promoting to Program Manager over training and technology. His skills in leadership and communication proved valuable as Marty made the shift from CFS to his current position as the Senior Manager over the Social Service Eligibility Branch in Health and Human Services. Marty has the rare distinction of being nominated by staff in both the Children’s and Eligibility Branches- which is truly a testament to his cross cutting leadership and vision. These nominations all speak to the wonderful presence that he brings to whatever assignment he undertakes. Marty’s strong analytic and organizational skills, coupled with his compassionate and artful listening lay the groundwork for the impressive work he has done. He consistently brings his excellent judgment to the difficult tasks at hand- and is determined to achieve whatever goal or challenge must be met. To quote one of the nominees “He treats everyone with a level of respect that is unparalleled. He is a true gem of a person and a great guy to work with and for.” Offering up the best role modeling there is, he is a constant reminder of what integrity means, and his dedication to the work coupled with his humanity and genial personality make him a valuable asset to his fellow employees and to those he serves.

Accounting Technician Qiana Davis expertly manages the accounting duties for a number of Public Works divisions. In a field where accuracy is essential, she has made herself an indispensable member of the department’s accounting team. In addition she is DPW’s person extraordinaire for all personnel and Human Resources procedures and has become a wizard at implementing those procedures in the system. . Qiana is confident, professional, self sufficient; self motivated, and maintains a pleasant and positive attitude with everyone she encounters.

Qiana is a key stone of the Administrative Division of Public Works and is an excellent public representative for the County of Marin. Qiana is highly respected by her colleagues for her patient, positive work ethic and ability to handle stressful situations while providing accurate and timely answers to complex accounting and personnel issues. Congratulations Qiana on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

With unrivaled expertise in fire behavior and mapping, Tim Walsh has travelled the state as a member of an Incident Command Team to provide critical information for fire suppression efforts at major incidents and was assigned to the damage assessment team that worked at the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks.

This work and insight into fire behavior gave Tim a clear understanding of the gravity of the potential for a major wildland fire in Marin. Five years ago, Tim worked with seasonal employees to implement a pilot program for vegetation management to help reduce the amount of volatile fuels in strategic locations throughout Marin. The base of the program’s success is Tim’s dedication, work ethic, and compassion for the job he does and the people he works with. He provides truthful and expert career guidance to crew members, taking on the job of life coach to ensure their success in work and in their personal lives.

Tim’s unbridled commitment to the communities he helps to protect and the employees in his charge makes him an excellent example of a dedicated public employee. Congratulations Tim on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

A recent compliment given by a colleague who Eric Steger supervises was “Eric is a hero.” As a professional civil engineer, Eric is a friendly and extremely knowledgeable person. He is responsible, resourceful, intelligent, succinct, and an invaluable asset to any team or project. His quiet nature and good sense of humor make him a joy to work with. Eric has a special skill in dealing with frustrated individuals; he is a good listener, asks questions and provides just the right information while providing exceptional customer service.

Among Eric’s many admirable qualities are his ability to decipher the most complex issues and turn them into simple processes, and his ability to set timelines and goals that everyone can understand and work towards. Eric’s firm determination, work ethic and management style leave no room for failure. In addition to his exceptional work as the head of Public Works’ Transportation Division, Eric is a consummate team player and is known for his collaborative work with other Public Works divisions.

Eric is a role model of professionalism, integrity and reliability and a true asset to the County of Marin. Congratulations Eric on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

In her role as an IST Systems Support Analyst Irina is a role model of professionalism, integrity and reliability and excels in training and presentation techniques. Irina is the primary website analyst assigned to all County departments, including County Counsel, the Civil Grand Jury and the County Administrator’s offices. Irina is instrumental in developing the public and departmental websites of all departments she serves while demonstrating patience, flexibility and the capacity to troubleshoot difficult applications promptly.

Irina converts and applies development and production web pages, newsletters and announcements on all applicable platforms of these websites, applies her knowledge of the County’s E-Government (EGOV) server structure, and is able to relay the necessary procedures to a newcomer in a very patient and professional manner. Irina is always responsive to queries, encouraging and she keeps a positive attitude when less savvy webmasters are discouraged or frustrated.

Irina is a true asset to the County of Marin. Congratulations Irina on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Although his position may not be as visible to non-county employees, he is a real asset to the County. Alan is an organized person who does not hesitate to make time for questions from other employees. He has the capacity to transact easily with fellow staff members, as well as those outside the department and he does so with a ready smile. His co-workers enjoy working with Alan because they know that his part of an assignment will be well thought out and delivered with a sense of humor.

Alan handles issues promptly and accurately. He is a straightforward and approachable person. He is also a dedicated employee who provides stability in an office that has been, and is going through challenging transitions. Throughout all of this, he has a positive attitude and offers support with patience, undue diligence and overall good humor.

Alan Kruse is the face of County government. He was also the face performing the wedding ceremony for his daughter Allison when she wed her husband outside the cafeteria by the fountain. Alan is truly a man of many talents.

Congratulations, Alan, on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month!

Although his position may not be as visible to non-county employees, he is a real asset to the County. Alan is an organized person who does not hesitate to make time for questions from other employees. He has the capacity to transact easily with fellow staff members, as well as those outside the department and he does so with a ready smile. His co-workers enjoy working with Alan because they know that his part of an assignment will be well thought out and delivered with a sense of humor.

Alan handles issues promptly and accurately. He is a straightforward and approachable person. He is also a dedicated employee who provides stability in an office that has been, and is going through challenging transitions. Throughout all of this, he has a positive attitude and offers support with patience, undue diligence and overall good humor.

Alan Kruse is the face of County government. He was also the face performing the wedding ceremony for his daughter Allison when she wed her husband outside the cafeteria by the fountain. Alan is truly a man of many talents.

Congratulations, Alan, on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month!

Anjurle Duchaussee embodies the County’s mission of providing excellent services, and is an example of the County’s Customer Service Guidelines in action. She quietly does her job without drawing attention to herself. The manner in which she delivers our services regularly earns her recognition from Public Assistance clients who call to express their gratitude for Anjurle’s help, and for the respectful and compassionate manner that she serves the public.

As an Eligibility Worker II, Anjurle serves a caseload of nearly 400 clients, helping them obtain benefits essential for the survival of individuals and families. Anjurle is also a highly effective worker, processing her workload with a level of efficiency that makes her one of our strongest performers. She routinely offers assistance to her peers, and volunteers to take part in new initiatives. Anjurle motivates all of us with her energy and strong work ethic.

Her warmth, positive attitude and cooperative spirit make it a true pleasure to work by her side. Congratulations, Anjurle, on being selected Employee of the Month.

Bonny has worked for the Marin County Free Library for 13 years. She worked as a circulation manager in both the Novato and Fairfax Libraries before completing her Masters Degree in Library and Information Science. She returned as the Branch Manager of the four West Marin branch libraries (Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Point Reyes, and Inverness). She oversees the West Marin Literacy program and the Library Beyond Walls program that delivers library materials to people unable to physically come to a library. Bonny also serves as the administrative liaison to the system’s circulation supervisors and is an active member of the Branch Managers Team.

Since becoming Branch Manager, Bonny has worked closely with all segments of the West Marin population, presenting festivals like Dia de los ninos/Dia de los Libros with the Spanish speaking community, starting baby bounce story time, and working with the Library’s Friends groups, area schools, and local agencies. Bonny has a generous personality and always works above and beyond expectations. Library staff and members of the West Marin community are delighted by her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication.

Congratulations Bonny, on being selected Employee of the Month.

For the more than 2,000 employees of the County of Marin, finding a place for every employee to sit and providing efficient work space has always been a challenge; however, it is managed seamlessly by David Vaughan of the Department of Public Works. As an Associate Architect working in the Capital Division, David manages the complex and demanding aspects of space planning. David is always on hand as an expert, resource and colleague to conduct every aspect of these complex moves. Not only does he masterfully handle a vast array of tasks and projects on the individual department’s behalf, he also provides a sense of calm, humor and moral support during times of transition for departments not familiar with construction. He has great enthusiasm for the work that he performs and is always looking for ways to improve. David’s friendly demeanor and can-do attitude exemplifies our County’s approach of “People helping People”.

Congratulations David on being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Eric is a Probation Officer assigned to the Placement Unit in the Juvenile Division. Eric started working in the Probation Department eight years ago. Eric works with minors who have been removed from the custody of their parents by the Court and placed in group homes by the Probation Department. Eric’s role is to ensure that the minor’s needs at the group homes are being met and to maintain communication with their parents. He encourages both parents and minors to develop their skills in order to be reunited. Eric is extremely dedicated to the youth and their families. Eric is bright, capable and very conscientious about the work he does. He has a kind and compassionate demeanor that evokes feelings of trust and respect. Both the youth and the parents frequently praise Eric for his support and constant encouragement. Eric is an outstanding employee who demonstrates the utmost professionalism, dedication and respect. Eric is well deserved of this award and we are honored to have nominated him.

When the administrative support position for the Emergency Medical Services Agency was eliminated, Loretta Rogers, Secretary to the Public Health Officer, stepped up, with a positive attitude, to take on the additional work of supporting the staff and customers in EMS. As the first person the public and EMS stakeholders often encounter, she exhibits a high level of professionalism and provides outstanding customer service.

Loretta supports the Public Health Preparedness and EMS programs. From staffing the HHS Department Operations Center to assisting with the department’s emergency notification system, she enthusiastically and competently performs a wide variety of functions with exquisite attention to detail, often with surprisingly rapid "turnaround time".

Highly reliable, efficient, and readily accepting of any task, Loretta works well under time constraints, always maintains composure, and is a pleasure to work with. We are all appreciative of Loretta’s assistance and the very important contributions she makes to our programs.

Jim Toth is the type of employee with whom everyone loves to work. He has been a key member of the MERIT group, which is responsible for supporting and updating the County’s SAP fiscal software, since its formation in 2005. As the lead “Basis Administrator,” he has the responsibility for keeping the SAP system up and running 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Jim learned something completely new when he joined MERIT and has taken this daunting task all in stride. He has been instrumental in helping to get SAP to work right in the County.

Jim constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty. On several occasions over the past four years, he has worked around the clock to ensure that the SAP system remains stable and current with software patches. He regularly works over holiday weekends to minimize system downtime to the County employees. Jim is a calming presence in time of stress and pressure. His dedication and positive demeanor sets an example for others.

Congratulations, Jim, for the well-deserved honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Elly Ferrell is dedicated to her work and is a phenomenal organizer. Her energy and devotion to getting things done goes beyond even the best in customer service. Elly manages the County’s Printing Services, which handles print projects from all of the departments within the County and from various outside agencies. It is the nature of her work that people routinely stop by her office with last minute projects and extremely short deadlines. She is an artist at shifting the day’s work to meet her clients’ needs. She handles a broad spectrum of projects from massive, complicated reports to simple copies and business cards. She is also known for the quality of her editing and design work. In her 36 years of service, she has gained a reputation as someone who always gets the job done.

In her spare time, she volunteers for projects she supports. She helps with several functions at work including the Marin County Craft Fair where she sells her beautifully hand knitted scarves, and volunteering to help the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program with the garden tours that are put on every year.

Elly is originally from Germany and her office walls are covered with pictures of children that have adopted her as an honorary oma (grandmother in German).

Elly Ferrell truly deserves the recognition as Employee of the Month for her exceptional work ethic and her dedication to her colleagues and the citizens of Marin County.

Quianne Hunter is a Secretary in the Parks & Open Space Department. Quianne raises the bar for excellence in customer service responding to public inquires, facilitating park reservations, and treating everyone with courtesy and respect.

Working with IST staff, Quianne has been instrumental in launching the on-line park and facility reservation system. Quianne supports our popular and growing volunteer and environmental education programs, providing information and coordinating events, distributing publicity and maintains the community contacts database, as well as supporting the needs of our parks and open space field managers and staff. Quianne is the ultimate team player, she frequently provides essential back up services in the busy Parks and Open Space administrative office, and reveals the traits her co-workers appreciate and the POS Department relies on Quianne is friendly, dependable and has an undeniable sense of humor.

Quianne's ready smile, quality work ethic and exceptional customer service skills exemplifies service to the Marin community at its finest Congratulations Quianne on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Ken Mercer is a Technology Systems Specialist II in the Health & Human Services Information Technologies Department. Ken has been outstanding in his abilities to update, handle and function with all of the technical tasks and responsibilities for the computer and filing systems of opening the new Health & Wellness Immunization Clinic. Ken always makes himself available for even the smallest of task with a helpful answer and a ready smile. His talents and professionalism help to reduce the frustration that arises due to the transition of moving the clinic to the new Health & Human Services Wellness Campus. Ken has been our lifeline to sanity on many an occasion, he is very well respected by his peers and has always managed to show good humor, all the while keeping a professional attitude even through the most stressful of situations. Ken has exhibited excellent project management skills not only during the move to the new Health and Wellness Campus, but also in managing the daunting task of upgrading to our new Electronic Medical Record system, Centricity. Congratulations Ken on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Hired in 1989, Patty Taylor has been a Dispatch Supervisor in the Sheriff’s Office Communication Center since 1994. Patty stands out as an exceptionally dedicated dispatcher, supervisor and friend not only within our division; but to the five Marin police departments, ten fire departments and numerous other agencies served by our division. In addition, Patty extends warmth and genuine devotion just as equally to those citizens calling in – whether with a complaint or a request for help.

For the past 20 years Patty has spent her time teaching, coaching, encouraging and training new employees in the Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Communications Center. She has been the driving force in building her team of dispatchers and providing extremely current and accurate information when coordinating large and often stressful emergency situations. Patty’s commitment to her job, the employees she supervises and the emergency personnel that rely on her to help keep them safe in dangerous situations is truly unmatched within the department. Patty goes above and beyond the call of duty often covering 12 hour shifts for others even after working several 12 hour shifts in a row herself. Patty responds to frightened 9-1-1 callers with appropriate efficiency often providing critical medical or CPR instruction with genuine empathy and caring regard no matter how dire the emergency is.

Patty’s core work ethic, compassion for others and patient demeanor set an exemplary model of public service at its finest. Congratulations Patty on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

In the wide-ranging field of radio communications, Greg Miller has consistently excelled in every challenge and task that has come his way. This is no small accomplishment in a field that has changed dramatically during the 20 years that Greg has been with the County. As a senior communications technician in Public Works’ Communications Division, Greg is part of the team responsible for maintaining the county’s complex and crucial radio communications system.

He has the unique ability to attend to demanding technical details while remaining attentive to the needs of his division’s clients, which include all of Marin’s public safety agencies. Greg approaches his work with an ease and professionalism that have become his trademark. Every call is handled with finesse; every problem receives the necessary attention until there is resolution. His dedication has gained him the respect of everyone who has had the good fortune to work with him.

Greg’s greatest asset is his genuine concern for others. This sentiment comes up time and again with clients and fellow employees alike. Greg is a shining star in a field where getting it right is the only acceptable result. Congratulations, Greg, on your selection as Employee of the Month.

As a Group Counselor III at the Marin County Juvenile Hall, Grady Livingston is the Lead Staff on the p.m. shift. Grady has earned the respect of the Juvenile Hall staff for his leadership and positive influence on the lives of the young people that are detained. He continually strives to put forth his best efforts on a daily basis to help steer troubled teens in a positive direction.

Grady is a very competent Group Counselor and Team Leader. He leads by example, he is very well orientated toward the safety and security issues of the youth detained in Juvenile Hall, and has excellent counseling skills. Grady takes pride in his work and is extremely supportive of the members of his team.

Grady’s leadership, compassion, understanding manner and patience in providing a positive role model to Marin’s troubled youth exemplifies public service at its finest. Congratulations Grady on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Jim Rodgers is a Health & Human Services RN-Nurse Practitioner in the County Jail and is responsible for providing health services to inmates who are detained. Providing chronic and acute health care for the incarcerated is neither glamorous nor easy. Jim’s professionalism, expertise and experience in correctional medicine involve knowledge and collaboration with multidisciplinary agencies and span a wide variety of specialty areas. These include: Emergency Response, Acute Trauma Care, Addiction and Pain Management, Pregnancy; Primary Care & Addiction Management, Chronic & Acute Infectious Disease Management, Orthopedics, Endocrinology, Oncology, Gerontology and Dermatology. He provides direct collaboration with community physicians and hospitals in Marin and surrounding counties.

Jim is well respected by all who work with him and successfully weighs and integrates the complex social, medical, mental health, criminal and legal aspects of providing inmate health care. His superior leadership, understanding of risk management and devotion to public service has earned him the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Jesus Contreras is the first person to greet and assist probationers in the Adult Probation office. Given the nature of probation services most of the individuals who enter the Probation office are there due to unpleasant circumstances. His smile, professional demeanor and coolness help Jesus keep the office under control with an understanding of the frustrations of many of the probation department’s clientele. Jesus is always polite and assists customers with questions usually beyond the scope of his duties. His professionalism and respectful manner even when probationers exhibit anger or have mental illness disorders eases the nerves of both English and Spanish speaking defendants who are experiencing our justice system for the first time. His willingness to act as an interpreter for our officers when needed has enabled the involved officer and defendant to reach a clear understanding of the expectations and needs with regards to the case at hand.

Jesus is truly a rising star in the Probation Department and an excellent representative to the public for the County of Marin. He is highly respected by his colleagues for his patient, positive work ethic and ability to handle stressful situations while providing reception services to the multicultural clientele served by the Probation Department. Congratulations Jesus on the honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Jason Balderama is responsible for tech support and upgrades to electronic equipment for the County Fire, Public Works and Information Services & Technology Departments. In County Fire he has developed timesheet tracking programs, databases, and communication solutions for CAD reporting, the EMS Agency patient records system and the design of the department’s Standards of Cover project.

In the Public Works Real Estate division Jason has developed a database application used to track division jobs, leases and deeds and a timesheet for task tracking reports which has become the preferred template used throughout the department. Jason is a leader in his field and a mentor; he consults with the IST Server Group, and has been instrumental in the automation of application upgrades. Jason is a valued member of the IST Computer Imaging Group that makes decisions about the default operating systems for all computers at the County of Marin.

Jason consistently produces products that are innovative and user friendly leading to increased productivity and efficiency. From a strategic plan perspective, Jason is the perfect model of what internal customer service should look like. Congratulations, Jason, for the well deserved honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.

As a dedicated Public Health Nurse in the HHS Division of Aging and Adult Services Rita Widergren always goes the extra mile for the people she serves; whether they are clients, students, volunteers or colleagues. Rita does not accept a situation where nothing can be done; she finds ways to intervene with those around her in a positive manner.

Rita represents nursing at its finest by spearheading projects such as the Divisions’ Project Independence which utilizes the combined efforts of students, volunteers and County staff to assist older adult clients to remain safely in their homes, and Transition to Wellness, which provides medical respite and support for homeless individuals with serious medical conditions. Rita chairs the quarterly Marin General Bridges meetings which bringing together all sectors of health care providers in Marin County to work together to solve problems and fill in gaps in providing services. She has been a driving force to integrate nursing services within the Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Rita is an exemplary professional in her attitude, effervescent determination and solution based advocacy to those in need. She is an inspiration to her colleagues and an outstanding model of public service at its finest. Congratulations Rita, for the well deserved honor of being selected as the Employee of the Month.