Local Government Champions
Team ILG Wants to Recognize Hard Working Public Servants!
The ILG team is collecting nominations for outstanding leaders in public service. Nominations can include anyone working in one of California’s cities, counties or special districts – from staff to elected or appointed officials. Self nominations are also accepted and encouraged!
Help us celebrate public servants performing good work in the areas of:
- Leadership & Governance
- Public Engagement
- Sustainable & Resilient Communities
- Workforce & Civics Education.
Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these Champions of Local Government in California.
Nominate a colleague, a friend or yourself for a job well done!
Nominate a Local Government Champion Today!
Those submitting nominations will be entered to win a free registration to an upcoming ILG training (valued at up to $1,000).
Check out our latest features below!
Local Government Champions
Public Engagement Pillar
Mary Jo Flynn-Nevins, MS, CEM, Chief of Emergency Services, Sacramento County OES
“Mary started her Emergency Management career in 2007 where she served as the Emergency Management Assistant Director for the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department until 2015. Mary Jo has a MS from CSU Long Beach in Recreation Administration, a BA from CSU Fullerton in English Literature and is a trainer with the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). She offers advanced level training in areas of public alert and warning, social media and emergency organization and management. She currently holds a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and is the Past Chair of the Emerging Technology Caucus and DHS, Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), Social Media Working Group for Emergency Services and Disaster Management (SMWG).” Read more.
- Merritt Perry, City Manager, City of Fortuna
- Stacey Stevenson, Deputy City Manager, City of Murrieta
- Steve Monaghan, CIO, County of Nevada
- Porsche Middleton, Mayor, City of Citrus Heights
- Michelle Reimers, General Manager, Turlock Irrigation District
- Salem Afeworki, Energy and Sustainability Services Manager, City of Costa Mesa
- Charlie Uhrig, Mayor, City of Solvang
- Steven Gama, Councilmember, City of Port Hueneme
- Christine Viterelli, Grant Writer, City of Arvin
- Dr. Jei Africa, Director, Marin Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
- Laura Garnette, Chief Probation Officer, County of Santa Clara County Probation
- John Takhtalian, Deputy City Manager, City of Glendale
- Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications, Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District
- Sona Coffee, Environmental Programs Administrator, City of Irvine
- Jennifer Carvalho, Recreation Supervisor, Town of Yountville
- Devin T. Murphy, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Pinole
- Ron Duncan, General Manager, Soquel Creek Water District
- Sharon Ranals, Assistant City Manager, City of South San Francisco
- David Lawrence, P.E., General Manager, Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency
- Kevin Perkins, Planning Director, Yuba County Community Development and Services Agency
- Sarah Zarate, Director, City Manager’s Office, Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations, City of San Jose
- Jorge Rodriguez, Director, Deputy Emergency Services Coordinator, County of Sonoma Department of Emergency Management
- Lindsey Liebig, Member, Herald Fire Protection District Board of Directors
- Angel Barajas, Supervisor, Yolo County
- Dan Hentschke, Assistant City Attorney, City of Santa Barbara
- Councilmember Damon L. Alexander, City of San Bernardino
- Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager, City of Whittier
- Devon Hedemark, GIS Coordinator, City of Shasta Lake
- Council Member Marisela Santana, City of Lynwood
- Jason Behrmann, City Manager, City of Elk Grove
- Myah Mashhadialireza, Community Spaces Program Manager, Isla Vista Community Services District
- Alex Walker-Griffin, Vice Mayor, City of Hercules
