Spotlight on Excellence Award
Chosen annually, Spotlight on Excellence is a peer-nominated award that shines a light on the outstanding contributions of California's public-sector workforce, whether a public agency, program, or employee. These are the people behind the scenes who often go unnoticed, even as they work diligently to educate us, protect us, keep us healthy, and provide essential services and infrastructure.
Meet Our 2024 Recipients
Debb Jachens
The backbone of every organization involved in administering pension benefits remains its people. Perhaps no one knows this better than the California School Employees Association’s (CSEA) Member Benefits Coordinator, Debb Jachens. Building on time spent as a high school bus driver, Debb joined the CSEA Member Benefits Department in 2009 and currently provides members with retirement workshops and resources to make the most of their CalPERS pension. Through Debb’s tireless work ethic, countless members have been able to understand their benefits and set themselves up for a successful retirement. Congratulations to Debb and the CSEA.
Christian Wallis
As Chief Executive Officer of the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), Christian Wallis carried through an ambitious plan to transform the district and elevate its profile as a leader in community health for the more than 500,000 residents it serves. This impact includes expanding programs and services for residents as well as restructuring how GHD approaches internal team development and career advancement. Congratulations to Christian and the GHD team.
Learn More About Our Past Honorees
2023
Scott Taylor, General Manager
Lamont Public Utility District (LPUD)
Recognized for helping turn a troubled public agency into an example of transparency, trust, and stability, along with securing critical state funding (PDF).
Among a series of challenges, including failing infrastructure, frequent changes in management, and employee embezzlement charges, Scott stepped in eight years ago with a vision to lead. He secured a monumental $31 million in combined grants — the first in the agency's 80 years — for much-needed water infrastructure improvements. These improvements bring clean, safe drinking water to the residents of the Lamont PUD service area for now and generations to come.
2022
Julian Bond, Administrator
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Recognized for his dedication to the residents of the CalVET Veterans Home of Ventura and an exemplary leadership style that leaves all who meet him inspired. Referred to as Colonel Bond by his team, he’s demonstrated a lifelong passion for serving others, both now and through a decorated career in the U.S. Army.
2021
Monica Espinoza, Human Resources Director
City of Orange
Recognized for 24 years of service to the city, where she’s worked her way up from an intern to executive leadership. The positive relationships she’s fostered over the years have resulted in eight successful long-term contracts with labor partners and skyrocketing morale. She's well known for doing everything she can to support her team, the organization, and city residents.
2020
Trieste Huey, Director, Food Services
Fontana Unified School District
Recognized for leading her team quickly into action when the Fontana Unified School District announced on March 13, 2020 it would be temporarily closing schools in response to the coronavirus pandemic. With all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, FUSD’s Food Services team made certain students and their families, some of whom rely on the district for their only meals, got the food they needed when it mattered the most.
2019
Michelle Tucker, Chief, Division of Human Resources
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Recognized for launching several successful initiatives to advance women and minorities, shaping future generations of employees to work in the transportation industry. Under her leadership, the Recruitment Office collaborated with special groups such as Downtown Streets, Goodwill Industries, Prison to Employment, and refugee groups that onboard employees who have had trouble entering or re-entering the workforce.
2018
Manuel Colunga, Outdoor Field Supervisor
San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District
Recognized as a dedicated steward of over 44 miles of water canals and recharge basins throughout the San Bernardino County region, Manuel's passion for groundwater management knows no bounds. He led a partnership with 12 neighboring agencies to raise awareness and further enhance water recharge efforts in neighboring communities.
2017
Jeanne Amos, Library Services Director
El Dorado County
Recognized for 22 years of dedicated public service, Jeanne transformed El Dorado County libraries into the community hubs she envisioned. Programs she developed helped El Dorado County receive recognition from our State Legislature for its early learning education, and for having the highest percentage in the state of reading to young children each day.
2016
Kenneth Duran, Assistant City Manager
City of San Dimas
Recognized for his accomplishments during more than 30 years as assistant city manager, including the city hall remodel and downtown revitalization.
2015
East Valley Water District
Recognized for their commitment to leadership, partnership, and stewardship, and understanding the need to educate the community on the efforts involved in maintaining a water system.
2014
Howard L. Chambers, City Manager
City of Lakewood
Recognized for his accomplishments during his 38 years as city manager, and his ability to build working relationships with city staff, civic leaders, and state legislators.