OC Health Care Agency SOAR Awards

5 SOAR TH ANNUAL

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION CEREMONY

March 12, 2020

Service and Compassion go a long way!

Our Mission Protecting and Promoting Optimal Health in Orange County

Our Vision Working Together for a Healthier Tomorrow

Our Values Partnering with our Clients and the Community, we value: EXCELLENCE in all we do INTEGRITY in how we do it SERVICE with respect and dignity

Years of Service

RECOGNITION “Celebrating all of our successes, as individuals and as an organization, as we continue working together to address the very complex issue of homelessness through service and compassion.”

– Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA Director County Health Officer

40

Y EARS OF SERVICE Congratulations on your anniversary of 40

years of service! Reaching this milestone is a very special occasion for you and for

30

YEARS OF SERVICE HCA sincerely appreciates your

hard work and efforts year over year. We applaud the determination and compassion

HCA. It is an excellent demonstration of

that each of you demonstrated to the

your compassion, loyalty, and dedication to

countless citizens you served throughout

the Agency and County of Orange.

Orange County. Thank you for your 30

Becky A. Stone Public Health Services

years of service!

35

Angie N. Gonzalez, Public Health Services

Y EARS OF SERVICE Congratulations on your 35th service

anniversary! HCA is proud of all you have accomplished. Each of you has been an asset to the agency. Your dedication and compassion is exemplary. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Orange

Alma F. Vesga Public Health Services

Anthony F. Martinez Regulatory/Medical Health Services Carlos R. Andrade Behavioral Health Services Craig S. Aguilera Public Health Services Donna J. Smith Public Health Services

County residents.

Eleanor Forrest Public Health Services

Alison E. Halderman Public Health Services

Elizabeth Bausman Behavioral Health Services

Mohamed S. Ibrahim Public Health Services

Felicia O. Olaoshebikan Public Health Services

Roxanna Osborn Public Health Services

Flavia G. Torres Public Health Services

Giselle K. Rocha Behavioral Health Services James H. Williams Public Health Services Janice M. Davis Behavioral Health Services

25

Y EARS OF SERVICE Through the years your talents,

determination and compassion helped our success. Together, we take pride in your

Jeffrey S. Nottke Behavioral Health Services

accomplishments and your commitment

Juraj Masaryk Public Health Services

Congratulations and thank you for your

Maria Lopez Public Health Services

Alan W. Reynolds Regulatory/Medical Health Services

Marilyn J. Schmidt Public Health Services

Annette M. Malijen Behavioral Health Services

Mia Delgado Correctional Health Services

Be T. Nguyen Public Health Services

Michel K. Lizotte Administrative Services

Blanca I. Esparza Correctional Health Services

Michelle P. Roth Behavioral Health Services

Celia C. Anaya-Conboy Behavioral Health Services

Minoo Ghajar Public Health Services

Dagmar M. Himmler Correctional Health Services

Rosario M. Adams Public Health Services

Guillermina Olivares Public Health Services

Tamara E. Halle Regulatory/Medical Health Services

Irma L. Calata Public Health Services

Victor Cota Behavioral Health Services

Jackie C. Tran Public Health Services

Yvonne M. Cervantes Public Health Services

Jane R. Camacho Behavioral Health Services

to excellence, integrity and service! great work for the past 25 years.

Kevin T. DeWindt Behavioral Health Services

Sharon K. Hoang Behavioral Health Services

Kimberly Nguyen Public Health Services

Stacey A. Northcutt Correctional Health Services

Laura Esquivel Behavioral Health Services

Tina Chen Behavioral Health Services

Lucia I. Duong Behavioral Health Services

Tisa T. Nguyen Administrative Services

Maria E. Tomas Public Health Services

Veronica Garcia Public Health Services

Maria H. Avalos Public Health Services

Vu A. Tran Public Health Services

Mark Johnson Correctional Health Services

Walter Cadena Administrative Services

Mary E. Mckee Public Health Services

Xiomara A. Delgado Behavioral Health Services

Michael G. Iwai Correctional Health Services

Zerdell A. Bui Correctional Health Services

Nhu N. Nguyen Behavioral Health Services Quan N. Nguyen Public Health Services Ramona Gomez Correctional Health Services Randee M. Bautista Public Health Services Rona S. Tagayun Public Health Services Ruben Garcia Correctional Health Services

The Service and Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) awards are bestowed upon employees who have gone “above and beyond� in their service to clients, community partners, or staff, and to any employee who accomplishes outstanding achievement beyond their scope of duties.

SERVICE AWARD

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Exhibits positive and professional

Exhibits stellar performance on a

interaction with others, builds strong

division project or task and significantly

team spirit by contributing positively

contributes to the strength and vitality

to the work environment through

of the division or Agency.

encouragement and support and demonstrates high performance standards of excellence.

Demonstrates a dedication to excellence, service and integrity, is an independent thinker who exhibits excellent leadership and good judgment to deliver efficient and effective services to staff, clients and community partners.

Initiates and seeks new challenges, displays a willingness and desire to learn new approaches for the effective delivery of excellent customer service.

Demonstrates value-added performance on division or Agency initiatives, integrates improvements that benefit the Agency.

Initiates and implements new, innovative ideas and/or processes that notably enhance operations or administration by increasing productivity and efficiency.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

–Albert Einstein

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

MARY YOUNG

Administrative Manager I Contract Services Years of Service – 3

Mary Young from Contract Services is selected for an Outstanding Achievement Award for the stellar contribution she has made as a Human Services Contract Administrator. Mary served as the lead member of Contract Services’ Provider Outreach work group. The goals of the work group were to increase HCA’s provider pool and to improve provider working relations post award through collaboration, feedback and partnership. The work group developed surveys to garner feedback on the experiences of providers and prospective providers to help identify current challenges, areas of improvement, and avenues for better communication and collaboration.

One particular area from the surveys identified a significant interest in a Provider Outreach Event for providers to learn more about contracting for Human Services with HCA as well as other County agencies. This event, focusing solely on Human Services, had never been held by HCA or Orange County. Mary took the lead for the inaugural Provider Outreach Event and worked enthusiastically with her colleagues and County agency partners. The Human Services Provider Outreach Event included partners from the County Procurement Office, OC Sheriff’s Department, OC Probation, Social Services Agency,

OC Community Resources, OC Registrar of Voters, OC Public Defender, as well as representation from HCA’s internal programs such as Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth and Prevention, Adult and Older Adult Services; Office of Compliance; Information Technology Services; OC Links, ; Public Health Services; Correctional Health Services; and Whole Person Care.

Mary ensured marketing, registration, and site logistics were kept on track with detailed planning, which lead to over 450 participants showing interest and gratitude for the County’s first ever Provider Outreach Event. 61 current and potential providers hosted tables at the event with 83% reporting through a post event survey, that their goals of learning about Human Services programs in the County and how to do business with the County were met 81% believed they would attend the event again. Mary, along with the work group, produced an informative event with minimal resources.

It was Mary’s organization, collaboration and dedication that significantly contributed to enhancing relationships with current Human Services providers and helping new providers learn more about HCA and the County.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

JUAN CORRAL

Administrative Manager I Contract Services Years of Service – 4

Juan Corral from Contract Services (CS) is being selected for an Outstanding Achievement award as he has consistently demonstrated positive, collaborative efforts while leading the CS Operations Unit, established in March 2019.

Juan has successfully led the Cost Report Efficiency work group with a collaborative spirit achieving measurable, timesaving outcomes. Cost Reports have historically been complex and time-consuming, however thanks to Juan’s leadership and vision, all 187 Cost Reports were completed on time, with minimal extra hours required during Cost reports, and enhanced accuracy, with less than ten follow-up emails requiring edits or clarifications. His efforts have brought multiple departments and teams together in an effort to create a more efficient cost reporting process. Peers and providers have given extensive feedback that support these efficiencies, specifically citing an increased level of customer service and time saved.

Juan has been quick to rise to the occasion when tasked with special projects and initiatives. Juan consistently maintains a positive attitude and approach to achieve desired results. Juan leads his team with integrity, empathy and public service motivation, which inspires those around him to

serve the community in an effective and efficient manner. He continues to create efficiencies and ensures that the Contract Services division has all the necessary tools and information to be successful. His adherence to department efficiencies have led to substantial costs and timesavings for the Agency and he continues to seek effective solutions to the administrative requirements of Contract Services.

Juan encourages innovation and knowledge sharing between employees within the department as well as in collaboration with other County agencies.

He solicits feedback from all levels of the Contract Services division to create processes that are diverse and innovative.

On a daily basis, Juan exhibits positive and professional communication while interacting with both internal and external customers. He regularly receives praise from all levels of the Agency because of his cooperative mentality that leads to effective results. His confident and calm demeanor creates a positive work environment for the entire department, and this behavior encourages others around him to be customer service oriented and responsive to the needs of the department.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

–John Wooden

SERVICE AWARD

STEPHANI BRYSON Service Chief I

Adult & Older Adult Behavioral Health (AOABH) Years of Service – 9.5

Stephani Bryson has a consistently positive interaction with her team and other programs. She is encouraging, supportive, understanding and positive in helping with navigating treatment issues, quality and paper work issues, and general difficulties of working in mental health.

Stephani’s door is always open and she is approachable with anything that comes up. Her positive, cooperative, fun attitude is infectious. She builds team spirit by encouraging events and giving recognition to teammates, getting approval for the team’s first retreat and, having fun team-building activities.

Stephani is knowledgeable and if she does not know something, she will find out. She is supportive and very good at fostering positive interactions between members of her team that has resulted in everyone on the team becoming positive and supportive of each other. She helps provide good

service to clients and interacts well with outside entities.

Stephani is not afraid to adjust how the program operates and modifies the program which is important to ensure the Open Access program (a new program) run smoothly. She is a very effective manager.

The Program for Assertive Community Training (PACT) changed to Open Access and she has helped the team figure out and navigate the new program.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

KELLEY PONCE Service Chief I

Children & Youth Behavioral Health (CYBH PACT) Years of Service – 28

Kelley Ponce is currently the Service Chief for the CYBH PACT program that works with youth and young adults with a history of serious mental health interventions (multiple psychiatric hospitalizations and/or incarcerations due to mental health issues) by providing comprehensive field-based services and innovative practices, including socialization and wellness groups. Kelley leads a team that is warm, dedicated, and supportive, both toward their clients and each other, which I believe begins with her leadership.

Kelley’s dedication goes beyond just the work with her team, especially over this past year when the Peer and Parent Partner (Mental Health Worker II) role was introduced across CYBH. Kelley saw an opportunity to provide training and support to those stepping into this newly created role as well as to their supervisors. Kelley has hosted several, of what are now called Mental Health Worker Forums, where these new staff can meet and receive training, discuss ideas, concerns, and problem solve together to better develop

their engagement in our CYBH system and to enhance their impact with their clients.

Kelley’s initiative and follow through with this project goes well “above and beyond” her role as the Service Chief for CYBH PACT; her help with this has been invaluable and very well appreciated by her colleagues and supervisors. Kelley is respected by her staff and peers and has been a “go-to” Service Chief for other Service Chiefs.

Kelley’s approachability and care, make her influence and impact go well beyond her role and it touches all areas of CYBH, especially with our more specialized programs where we work with youth in custody, on probation, and in the foster care system. It continues to be an honor to work alongside her and she is a model for so many others in HCA.

CORRECTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.”

–Mother Teresa

SERVICE AWARD

LENA CHUNG

Comprehensive Care RN II Correctional Health Services Years of Service – 3.5

Lena Chung has worked with Correctional Health Services (CHS) since May 2016.

Her previous nursing experience had been working in psychiatric hospitals, including caring for geriatric patients needing psychiatric care.

that is useful when dealing with individuals going through a crisis. Her supervisor and manager note that she is always able to give very detailed information about each of her patients, as she takes the time to get to know their unique health needs.

Lena is described by her peers and supervisor as responsible, a team player, kind, compassionate, and customer-service oriented. Lena works mainly in the acute mental health housing unit at the Intake Release Center of the Orange County jail system. She cares for patients who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and for those in a mental health crisis. She is a true patient advocate and is aware of the needs of each of her patients.

Providing care to the incarcerated population comes with many challenges. Lena is a shining example of the Correctional Health Services Mission Statement: “Providing correctional healthcare with respect, compassion and integrity through a culture of teamwork and accountability”.

Lena always takes the initiative to ensure she is providing the best possible care to her patients and maintains a positive attitude throughout her workday. She tends to be soft-spoken with a calm demeanor, a trait

SERVICE AWARD

KERRI GARDNER Program Manager

Correctional Health Services Years of Service – 21.5

Kerri Gardner, Correctional Health Services (CHS) Program Manager implements the County of Orange vision, outlined in the Integrated Services strategy. The program is undergoing many changes to better meet the needs of incarcerated individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Multiple projects are being implemented simultaneously, requiring diligent oversight and strong project management skills. Additionally, a solid knowledge base of clinical and jail operations, personnel management, and construction needs is critical to meeting performance measures. Kerri’s background in human resources, emergency operations, project management, and operational leadership makes her the perfect person to oversee – and juggle – many of the plans, in collaboration with County partners.

Kerri is skilled at coordination and collaboration with the various stakeholders required to implement large-scale projects.

She works closely with project partners to ensure that the needs of CHS are wellrepresented and addressed appropriately.

Kerri has been a key player in the different construction projects that are in process and she brings a unique perspective with her knowledge of clinical service needs and how they can be impacted by jail and facility operations. This knowledge and understanding helps the program to achieve better patient outcomes with attention to small details, including how paint color can impact patients with health care concerns.

Kerri is respected as a valuable partner by other team members and she brings a wealth of knowledge from her background that makes her a true asset to the CHS team.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

DOCTOR JOANNA SU Correctional Physician

Correctional Health Services Years of Service – 13

Dr. Joanna Su has worked with Juvenile Health Services (JHS) for 13 years and oversees clinical and administrative duties for JHS clinicians. Dr. Su’s role as a Physician II- Correctional and pediatrician, providing health care to incarcerated youth at Juvenile Hall and at times in Orangewood Children and Family Center, is important not only to the youth and children within JHS but the community at large. She takes seriously her role in providing clinical health care to the youth served and is a leader to other JHS staff. She has developed and fostered excellent relationships with OC Probation, Social Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services and other Health Care Agency (HCA) programs such as Nutrition Services, Public Health, Epidemiology and Department of Education.

She is always professional and courteous, and fosters and maintains positive work relationships with the youth, to address their health needs such as education and mental health. She also chairs the Quality Improvement Committee (QIC) and tracks Mortality and Morbidity reports for QIC to continuously improve the quality of care in JHS along with developing clinical guidelines

and policies. She oversees and reports on quarterly Balanced Scorecard Measures which have included developing protocols to manage obesity, prevent vitamin D deficiency and currently Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program within JHS. She also precepts University of California, Irvine Family Practice Residents that rotate through Correctional Health.

Outside of work, she keeps busy with her two daughters’ activities along with her husband and dog Buttons and enjoys traveling, nature, holistic health and volunteering. She was a Girl Scout leader and was actively involved in school PTA, and is currently a 7th grade Co-Class Advisor for Assisteens of Irvine and is a board member of nonprofits TongueOut and Tam Ky Project and her daughters’ Irvine Swim League swim team. She has gone to Houston and Haiti for medical missions with TongueOut and contributes in community service projects with Tam Ky, Girl Scouts and Assistance League of Irvine Assisteens. She also helps develop curriculum and field trips for her daughters’ current school and enjoys seeing every child thrive.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

JOAN VILLANUEVA Support Services Manager

Correctional Health Services Years of Service – 27

Joan Villanueva, Support Services Manager of Correctional Health Services (CHS) consistently leads her team to provide excellent service that supports the work of the clinical disciplines. The past year has been hectic for CHS as we began to implement the vision of the Integrated Services. Joan’s leadership extended beyond her department.

She accepted the task of co-chairing the ReEntry Resources Program.

Internally, this program involves the nursing/ medical and mental health case management teams. This program collaborates with Behavioral Health Services and contractors, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Social Services Agency and more. Joan showed exemplary project management skills and a fine ability to engage the multiple stakeholders to make this program grow and succeed. Joan was instrumental in: -Getting teams to create an efficient workflow for the inmate release process that rolled out last November 2019

-Working with the electronic health record staff to make improvements in the forms to improve data gathering and evaluation -Understanding the processes of various county agencies and find workable solutions to incorporate the intricacies each agency has to improve the services that is given to inmates prior to release and upon release -Making timely changes to the process as needed Joan does all the work with a positive attitude and eagerness to see the Integrated Services accomplish the vision. She stands proud with the rest of the CHS team as we move forward in redefining the way we deliver care to our clients.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

“Nothing is impossible.

The word itself says I’m possible!”

–Audrey Hepburn

SERVICE AWARD

RHONDA FOLSOM Program Supervisor I

Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) Years of Service – 14.5

Rhonda Folsom is creative and innovative, which makes her a great team leader and mentor for the Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) staff. As Program Supervisor for TUPP’s Prop.

99/56 project, Rhonda supervises five staff and oversees seven contractors. The Prop. 99/56 project is robust, entailing seven objectives: Helping seven community colleges establish tobacco-free campuses, reducing youth access to tobacco, maintaining a diverse tobacco prevention coalition, and developing a healthy retail recognition program. In 2019, Rhonda oversaw the collection of 1,000 store observation and 400 public opinion surveys to support the California’s healthy retail campaign. Rhonda coordinated communication among staff, contractors, interns and volunteers to meet the project deadline. Rhonda also guided the development of two large-scale media campaigns to reduce youth access to tobacco and raise awareness about secondhand smoke.

Another example of Rhonda’s exemplary service was her work on a Quality Improvement project in 2018 to improve the Health Promotion division’s shared folder. The Division Manager had expressed a desire to clean up the folder and make it more

efficient. Rhonda took the initiative to work with another staff member to conduct focus groups with staff and obtain feedback on ways to improve the folder. She and the staff developed a new labeling system for the folder, and provided a training and booklet to all staff that explained the new system.

This successful quality improvement project continues through today.

Another example of Rhonda’s dedication to excellence was from her recent PIP goal. She participated in a webinar called “1-on-1 Meetings: The Magic Wand of Leadership Strategies.” She identified strategies for improving 1-on-1 staff meetings, and created a handout to summarize the practical strategies that were successful. Then she shared the handout with other supervisors.

The supervisors provided the following comments: “Beautifully stated, Rhonda!” “Nice! I will try to implement.” “I love this. Thank you for sharing.”

“This is so cool. Thanks Rhonda for sharing!”

Rhonda stands out because of her desire to work smart and be efficient, while also building positive relationships with others. She strives to do better every day and help her team do the same!

SERVICE AWARD

EVAN TEXTOR

Information Processing Technician Program- Community and Nursing Services Years of Service – 1

Evan Textor is the main clerical support for the purchasing and publishing assignments for AFAM and MIU programs. Evan goes above and beyond to make sure that his purchases are correct and always tries to get the best price possible.

He is very efficient at researching online for special items, verifying items ordered are correct and following up on status. One example, he researched extensively on the data loggers needed for monitoring of flu vaccine for program.

Along with the nursing Program Manager, details were reviewed and he recognized the best option was the device he recommended for transport of vaccine. Evan also responds to purchasing requests from staff in a timely manner and inquires with the corresponding department areas on details. He has an excellent understanding of the various object codes and the many program job numbers and when to apply.

Evan is extremely helpful and savvy with computer and audiovisual equipment. He assists with set-up of computers for new employees and guides them with login of computer. For our All-Staff Division Meetings, he is our “go–to” for logistics, set-up

and AV needs - making sure the microphones are working properly, verifying the sound system is working well, and helping set up of visual presentations.

Evan’s attitude towards his job is very positive. He is very professional and demonstrates integrity with his honest communication, feedback and reliable follow through. He is very insightful when an item or process requires additional attention and promptly notifies a manager/supervisor for guidance. His demeanor is friendly and professional in his daily dealings with staff. Evan has volunteered without hesitation for flu clinics and on other projects that arise.

Evan’s daily work demonstrates dedication, responsibility, and a strong commitment to the program and the many tasks that are required to facilitate the important work of the nursing staff working in the community. He is an incredible asset as he is dedicated in providing excellent support to the program. Evan is highly regarded by staff and has become a valuable member of our team.

SERVICE AWARD

ROBYN BARAN

Public Health Nurse Community and Nursing Services, Maternal Infant Unit Years of Service – 20

Robyn Baran is a Public Health Nurse (PHN) III in Community and Nursing Services division.

Robyn has served the County of Orange as a PHN in the Maternal Infant Unit (MIU) for 20 years. She has a wealth of experience working with vulnerable populations including Medically High Risk Newborns. She draws on her experience to help her peers in a unique role as a program administrator of the division’s Electronic Nurse Case Management documentation system.

Robyn is skilled in her work and is very detail oriented. She has high work standards and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure excellent service delivery. She is creative and enthusiastic about her work and thrives on helping her peers improve workflow and efficiencies.

She recently led efforts to re-design and develop a key assessment tool for the PHNs within the MIU program. Robyn was integral in the rollout of this tool. She further contributes

to providing on-going training to nursing staff to help familiarize themselves with the documentation system.

Robyn also enjoys mentoring team members and participates in educating new staff on the care of newborns and infants. Robyn seeks new challenges and is very motivated to learn new things. She is sought out by her peers for guidance and support and is always willing to help. She has a strong work ethic and works diligently to meet deadlines. She is an asset to Community and Nursing Services division.

REGULATORY/ MEDICAL HEALTH SERVICES

“Life is a journey. Part of that journey is not just using your talents, but trying to decide what is your gift and then directing your talents to support your gift so you can soar to new heights.”

–Daniel Burrus

SERVICE AWARD

JENAFER FORESTER

Supervising Environmental Health Specialist Food and Pool Safety Years of Service – 14

Jenafer Forester is a Supervising Environmental Health Specialist within Environmental Health (EH), overseeing the Specialized Assessment Team (SAT). SAT is responsible for responding to reports of foodborne illness and lead exposure in children, conducting inspections at detention facilities, and reviewing and processing applications for cottage food operations and shared food facilities.

Jenafer works with our Public Health Services Communicable Disease Control division’s medical directors, public health nurses, and epidemiologists to investigate foodborne illness complaints throughout Orange County. Jenafer and her team conduct inspections, interviews, and sampling at about 300 food facilities annually to assess risk and to determine causes of illness. Jenafer demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with people, putting them at ease during investigative interviews, and she has imparted this skillset to her team. The team’s hard work has resulted in improvement to the protection of public health through numerous efforts, from statewide recalls on contaminated food sources, to improvements in local restaurant cleaning practices. Jenafer’s good judgment and critical thinking while performing her investigative duties are

enhanced by her dedication to excellence, service, and integrity to her job and to the community.

Jenafer also leads the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) where her team helps identify and eliminate sources of children’s exposure to lead in tthe county. Jenafer works collaboratively with our Public Health Services and state partners to provide education on the hazards of lead poisoning, to get children tested, and to eliminate sources of exposure. Jenafer’s passion to protect the health of our youth is evident by her commitment to ensuring our assessment and reporting are thorough, accurate and complete. She works with our state grant partners to ensure our staff are properly trained, and our assessment equipment are well maintained to deliver the best customer service to our community.

Inspections of detention facilities are coordinated with multiple other County agencies as well. Jenafer organizes a meeting with all involved agencies at the beginning of each year to discuss when each of these inspections will take place and the expectations. Jenafer’s ability to coordinate and lead the group demonstrates leadership through her positive and professional interactions with others.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

KIKI CASON

Supervising Environmental Health Specialist Environmental Health Plan Check Years of Service – 12.5

Kiki Cason is a Supervising Environmental Health Specialist and currently supervises the Plan Check section within Environmental Health (EH), and oversees a team of 10 Specialists. Any facility that makes or sells food, and any location with a public pool or spa must submit plans to EH. In 2019, EH received 2,197 plans for new construction or remodel, and 1,498 revisions for corrections needed to the original submittal.

That’s a lot of work for a small group, but Kiki takes these challenges head-on by making it happen and completes the projects effortlessly.

Kiki was a Specialist in the Plan Check section herself before being promoted to Supervisor, and knew very well the requirements for the entire plan check process.

Kiki exhibits creativity and integrates improvement through our processes even when clients and contractors are rushing her team with short deadlines. Kiki jumps in and helps with reviews and problem solving to get the job done.

She is quick to offer innovative “work around” and new ideas, which our clients greatly appreciate, and can think on her feet when alternatives are

needed. She has demonstrated initiative and has enhanced our operations by balancing projects and working on priority projects when they come in, and identifying when a team member needs assistance. She has demonstrated attention to detail and understands that a mistake could negatively impact the client.

Kiki is a joy to be around. She always has a good attitude and positive interactions with everyone she meets. When her team needs a boost, she can pull them together and help them set goals while meeting their target. She has inspired many, and EH is lucky to have her as a part of the team. Kiki is also an active member of Technical Advisory Committees and the California Environmental Health Associations.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

TERRI WILLIAMS Senior Public Health Nurse Employee Health Services Years of Service – 14

Terri Williams, Senior Public Health Nurse has been a part of Employee Health Services (EHS) since 2006 and over time has developed a fantastic skill set. It doesn’t matter what the topic, question, project or issue is, if you want a solution or an in-depth understanding of it, just call Terri. There is not a single thing in the broad spectrum of EHS services that Terri does not fully understand or know how to do.

Terri is recognized as an expert in areas such as blood -borne pathogen exposure follow- up for County of Orange (County) and non-county workers, the aerosol transmissible disease standard and communicable disease exposure management, the hieroglyphics of medical standards for the entire County title schematic, and surveillance testing for lead at the OC Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) firing range.

She is recognized throughout the County and is routinely consulted by the County Safety team, the County Classification and Compensation team, the OCSD and the Health Care Agency (HCA) Pulmonary Diseases team. Her customer-

focused knowledge and expertise have benefited many throughout the County, and that is evident as Terri manages 12 medical surveillance programs that encompass may County agencies.

The current project that she is shining on, is building the functional and technical requirements as well as the workflows for our new EHS software system. Terri has been wowing the vendor consultants and our HCA Information Technology (IT) project manager with her broad knowledge, persistent commitment, and technical knowledge. Terri’s dedication to this project and her willingness to go the extra mile in completing user acceptance testing workflows is helping to shape the software into a very productive tool that will serve EHS and the County for years to come. Terri is clearly valueadded to the entire County by her stellar skill set, knowledge and performance on a daily basis.

Thank you for attending the 5th Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony to celebrate employees’ contributions to the Agency and County.

Special Thanks to the 2020 Employee Recognition Ceremony Planning Committee for their creativity and work on this event: Lisa L. Alford

Peter Laidinh

Maria Corona

Julie MacDonald

Susanna Ganey

Ed Mertz

Daniel Garcia

Anh Nguyen