FACES OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Ellen Alty

Executive Assistant | Internal Services

County Tenure: 4 years • Department Tenure: 2 months

I started at the County as the front office secretary to five deputies in the Third District Board Office. Every single day, I put my all into helping them maintain the highest level of productivity. Then opportunity came knocking, and I was promoted to the position of Executive Assistant to Supervisor Kuehl and her Senior Strategist. I recently transferred to the Internal Services Department (ISD), where I assist two General Managers with administrative and special projects. I’m excited about the new opportunities for professional advancement that lie ahead, and I feel honored and validated that my hard work has been paying off.

At both the Board office and at ISD, the work has been varied, interesting, important, and fun – it "checks all the boxes."

My co-workers are happy and friendly, and l feel we each learn and grow professionally on a regular basis, which allows us to further develop our talents. It has been my County experience that the people are amazing, the benefits are second-to-none, and there seems to be a location and a job for just about any type of professional in the job market. I continue to feel I've hit the professional jackpot of loving what I do, and with whom and where I get to do it.

Cory French

Building Crafts Superintendent I | Internal Services

County Tenure: 18 years • Department Tenure: 18 years

I started with the Internal Services Department (ISD) as an Electrician Apprentice, an entry level position. After five years as an apprentice, I became a journeyman electrician, capable of completing large projects and directing other staff in the process. I have worked on numerous projects, including the remodeling of La Puente Library and the MarshaI Canyon Pump Station.

Throughout my career with the County of Los Angeles, managers, supervisors, and line staff have recognized certain qualities in me and helped me develop the skills necessary to achieve my goal to promote.

The County provides a rich environment for its employees to flourish. For example, in 2015 I was nominated to attend the ISD Supervisor Academy, which helped improve my training skills and refined my understanding of the department’s human resources protocol. If you are a self-starter with a desire to help people in our community, then this is the place for you.

Susana Espinosa

Program Manager I | Beaches and Harbors

County Tenure: 9 years • Department Tenure: 6 years

As a late bloomer, I wasn’t always sure what career path I wanted to take. All I knew was that I wanted to help people and be part of something that made a difference. When I found my calling in the field of recreation, I didn’t know working for the County of Los Angeles would be so rewarding.

The County of Los Angeles cares about its residents and strives to stay true to its mission “to enrich lives through effective and caring service.” I know this because I see it daily in the efforts of my staff, colleagues, and management.

I feel very fortunate to have found a career with the County of Los Angeles. I have had the pleasure of working with great managers and mentors who allowed me to take the lead, learn from my mistakes, and further develop my skills. The career challenges, triumphs, and generous employment benefits are invaluable to me. I look forward to a long and fulfilling career with the County.

Matthew Miller

Physician Specialist | Medical Examiner-Coroner

County Tenure: 3 years • Department Tenure: 3 years

My department has an atmosphere which fosters learning and discussion. Having multiple forensic pathologists in a single office allows for consultation and discussion that would be unavailable at any other office. As a result, this allows us to continuously learn a great deal from within our department. I especially enjoy my job because there is a sense of truly helping other residents of the county.

When I am able to provide family members the reason for why their loved one passed away, they are usually immensely grateful for the information I provide to them.

Working for my department and the County is very rewarding, and I feel that it provides me the opportunity to give back to the community in a way that no other job could. The large population served by our office allows us to see cases, all of which could not be seen at any other single office in the country.

Cherene Cexil

Senior Marketing Analyst | Public Health

County Tenure: 5 years • Department Tenure: 1 year

What I enjoy most about working for the County is that I am helping people who are just like me. In 2012, I applied for health insurance through the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). An Eligibility Worker helped to process my case and kindly made sure that my family was aware of the benefits we were eligible to receive. I thought that if I was ever presented with an opportunity to give hope to someone the way this Eligibility Worker did for me, I would do so in a heartbeat. In 2013, that opportunity presented itself when I became an Eligibility Worker II.

The reward is more than a pay check or stable benefits. The gratification of helping someone become able to eat, see a doctor, or get life-changing support is priceless.

The County, DPSS, and currently DPH have helped me develop in ways that I did not know I could. My supervisors, manager and Chief saw my potential. Not only have I been a news anchor for a department's internal news network, but now I am responsible for marketing life-changing programs and services available to all LA County residents. Working for Los Angeles County has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Coby Skye

Assistant Deputy Director | Public Works

County Tenure: 19 years • Department Tenure: 19 years

Joining the County is like joining a family. We work collaboratively to make our communities better. We take care of our neighbors in their time of need, preserve the environment, and improve the quality of life where we live. It is a noble effort which keeps many employees at the County their whole career.

Personally, what I enjoy most is the pride I have in seeing the positive impact of my work for a diverse region of over 10 million residents.

The County can offer an incredible array of career paths and professional development opportunities. The County provides regular training and supports lifelong learning, with tuition reimbursement and other programs available in many departments. I have benefitted from amazing mentors who provided me with encouragement and guidance. I enjoy my assignments as well as working with my team to create solutions for new challenges. With so many departments, you are sure to find a career that will put your best talents to good use while nurturing your long term goals.

Lina Ng

Inspector III | Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures

County Tenure: 11 years • Department Tenure: 11 years

I enjoy the work that I perform for the department and the County. Metrology, the science of measurement, is such a vital part of our society, economy, and beyond. In my position I have had the privilege and honor of representing the County during collaborations with well-known national agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

I have had the chance to travel to conferences and trainings on behalf of the County and represented our region in discussions relating to our profession. It has been a once in a lifetime, amazing opportunity.

The County has many opportunities and resources for you to explore! Take the opportunity to come and work for an organization like the County. You never know where your career may lead.

Allison Ortiz

Librarian III | LA County Public Library

County Tenure: 4 years • Department Tenure: 4 years

My main career goal has always been to work for the common good, and at the County of Los Angeles Public Library, I have the opportunity to serve a diverse public every day. Whether it is sharing a book with a child or connecting a patron to job search resources, I feel that my work makes a difference. I can see the positive impact on individuals and the community, and it is deeply satisfying.

My education gave me the base that I needed, but my training and experience with the County has propelled me professionally and developed me personally.

My work is frequently challenging and I am certainly never bored. I have attended formal trainings on early childhood development, children’s literature, STEM programming, and leadership. I have also been given the chance to put these trainings into action. With the support of my supervisors and peers, I have been given a level of responsibility I did not think I could have so early in my career. I cannot think of an employer that would better meet my professional needs. Libraries promote life-long learning, and I feel that the County as a whole shares that goal for their employees.

Tene Tate-Dickson

Senior Analyst, CEO | Chief Executive Office

County Tenure: 10 years • Department Tenure: 3 years

I started working for the County of Los Angeles while completing my graduate program in public administration. I started as an Administrative Assistant and had no public sector work experience. The County has given me incredible work experience in my academic field. I have worked in the areas of budgeting, contracting, human resources, and risk management. I am now a Senior Analyst for the Chief Executive Office assisting the Homeless Initiative. I am truly confident in my skills as a public administrator due to the professional development I have received in the County.

I love the fact that there are promotional opportunities available within the 30+ County departments, providing employees with avenues to acquire new skills, knowledge, and abilities.

In addition to the County’s generous compensation and benefits packages, the County provides job stability that is unmatched in our current economy. The County has so many avenues for professional development that there is no room for boredom with all the opportunities that are available. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of joining the County family to do it today!

Jim Green

Departmental Chief Information Officer II | Probation Department

County Tenure: 21 years • Department Tenure: 2 years

I have had fantastic opportunities to work on really interesting problems in my County career. I’ve had great managers and mentors who put their faith in me, gave me challenging assignments, and supported my work. As I’ve done more, I’ve been asked to take on new challenges and new opportunities. I’ve grown professionally and personally in the process.

Working in IT leadership, I am in a unique position to help all of our employees have the information and tools they need to succeed in providing great service to the residents of Los Angeles County.

I work with some really great people who are motivated by the same desire to make things better for the people in Los Angeles. For me, it’s really about a sense of purpose, knowing that what I do really matters.

Kelly Buck

Division Chief, Public Defender | Alternate Public Defender

County Tenure: 32 years • Department Tenure: 32 years

I love this job! No two days are the same. The people at the Office of the Alternate Public Defender (APD) are the best part. I work with an extraordinary team of managers, lawyers, investigators, paralegals, and IT staff who employ the highest degree of professionalism each and every day. At APD we are a team that feels more like a family.

We support one another, brainstorm ideas to improve defenses and service to our clients, and are allowed the freedom to develop fresh theories to provide the best public defense.

I have had the good fortune of being one of the original team of attorneys and staff that launched APD. As part of that team, I have had the opportunity to establish and expand our services throughout the County. I have gone to trial on every sort of case from misdemeanors up to and including capital crimes. Throughout it all, I have always known that I have had the support and guidance of the entire APD team. They have made it possible for me to deliver the best service possible to our clients, their families, and the courts.

John Mina

Human Resources Analyst IV | Human Resources

County Tenure: 20 years • Department Tenure: 20 years

What I like about working for the County is that I get many chances, on a daily basis, to help people. Being a civil servant is in my DNA. I get the opportunity to help my fellow co-workers, as well as reach out to the greater community. I find all departments to be open, diverse, and welcoming. As an openly gay man, I have never been and felt treated as “other.” I interact with practically all departments and have been openly embraced by all of them.

When you feel at home and comfortable, you stay.

I came to Department of Human Resources (DHR) as an academic intern. I found a wonderful mentor who hired me and showed me how to interact with County management, executives, and staff. I believe that this is one of the major keys to my success and longevity in the County. I’m encouraged to come up with ideas and explore them. DHR values my input and I am free to be who I am.

Sara Rathbun

Fire Captain (56 Hour) | Fire Department

County Tenure: 10 years • Department Tenure: 10 years

The County of Los Angeles is one of the most diverse and opportunity-rich environments I have ever had the privilege to work in. The opportunity to serve the public, to master new skills and to work in various geographical environments is unmatched. In one week I can be assigned to a rescue squad in Lancaster, a fire engine on Catalina Island, or a truck company in Whittier.

If you are dedicated to helping people and committed to public service, you can achieve your goals at theCounty of Los Angeles

It is a great privilege to be part of a unique team dedicated to helping our fellow citizens improve our community. The County provides competitive wages, benefits, and virtually unlimited opportunities for advancement and professional development. If you are looking for an incredible rewarding career in which you work with other dedicated public servants, that is different every day, then the Los Angeles County Fire Department is for you.

Gilberto Salinas

Assistant Hospital Administrator II | Health Services

County Tenure: 8 years • Department Tenure: 8 years

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services gives me the opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment that is rich with diversity. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, I work directly with front line staff, patients, nurses, surgeons, and official dignitaries. The staff and patients in Los Angeles County inspire me daily.

Some of the words that come to mind when I think about my organization are: innovative, progressive, mission driven, stable, challenging and exciting.

As a former patient of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (RLANRC) and LAC-USC Medical Center, my journey is a personal one. My first job with Los Angeles County was as a volunteer at the age of 18 years old. Today, as an Interim Chief Clinical Officer at RLANRC, I have administrative oversight of Ambulatory Care clinical and non-clinical areas. The opportunities are endless.

Sophia Soni

Senior Physician | Health Services

County Tenure: 4 years • Department Tenure: 2 years

I was a medical student at Harvard, trained at the University of San Francisco, and worked at the University of Southern California prior to joining the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LADHS), and I can unequivocally say that this is the best fit for me. I have been presented with leadership opportunities at a far earlier stage in my career than what I would have been given in most any other setting and been supported at every step.

I love being part of LADHS because I am surrounded by like-minded people who share the same mission of providing high quality, cost effective, patient centered care for the patients of theCounty of Los Angeles

We are currently in the midst of a huge transformation that will turn LADHS into one of the premier safety nets in the United States. As a provider, you will not find a more exciting, engaging, or challenging time in health care or a place more thoughtful or committed to that challenge. Join us!

Kelly Ty

Human Resources Analyst II | Human Resources

County Tenure: 10 years • Department Tenure: 10 years

The Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources (DHR) has helped me develop professionally and in my personal life. I entered the County uncertain of what would happened if I were to “come out of the closet.” The County welcomes diversity and creates an environment that I feel safe in. The friendships I have made through my County career have allowed me to open up and just be myself. They are accepting of my differences and that allows me to focus on the work at hand.

There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you can make a difference in the community where you live.

DHR is a great place to work. There are plenty of opportunities for growth and development. I have worked in Employee Benefits, Workforce and Employee Development, Examinations, and Workplace Programs. Each division has empowered me with different sets of skills that help me enjoy my current assignment and provide the best service as a civil servant.

Johan Julin

Human Resources Manager | Human Resources

County Tenure: 4 years • Department Tenure: 4 years

The County is a respectful, fantastic place to work. As a gay, bi-racial immigrant, I’m embraced by my management and my co-workers for the diversity I bring. This is true not just of my demographic characteristics, but also of my experiences and background.

The County is a progressive organization that values multiple points of view.

My management listens and is open to my ideas for how to get things done better, faster, and with more satisfaction -- both for our customers and for our employees. I feel valued as an employee for what I'm able to do. If you have the skills to do a job at the County, I strongly encourage you to apply. The County is a place where your career can thrive, regardless of the color of your skin, where you come from, or who you choose to love.

Bobbi Tanberg

Assistant Hospital Administrator II | Health Services

County Tenure: 26 years • Department Tenure: 4 years

County employees have the unique opportunity to achieve higher education, develop new skills, and pursue other professionally challenging positions in the County, while maintaining the stability of their employment. I am the perfect example of an employee who started in a direct patient care position, pursued and completed a degree in management and moved into an administrative position.

I feel extremely fortunate to have a very rewarding career which utilizes both my clinical experience as well as my leadership skills.

If someone were thinking about becoming a County employee, I would not hesitate to tell them that choosing to work for the County was the best decision of my life. No matter what challenges I face during the day, I can count on a fellow co-worker sharing a smile or saying 'have a nice day'. And I know that the work we do is improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable citizens of Los Angeles County.

Veronie Steele-Small

Battalion Chief | Fire Department

County Tenure: 28 years • Department Tenure: 28 years

Working for the Los Angeles County Fire Department has been an awesome experience. It has been a rewarding responsibility and a privilege to be a part of such an elite organization. What I have enjoyed the most - besides the friendships, teamwork, benefits, and salary - have been the OPPORTUNITIES! The opportunity to expand my knowledge base, develop skills for life, have continued education and training experiences, and develop personal characteristics such as discipline, commitment, and conscientiousness. These opportunities have enabled me to shape myself into the woman I am today.

Fire protection is a very serious business. When the bell tones for anyone with a problem deemed an emergency - we will be there 24/7.

If this is the type of career you are looking for, it's right here. To the women and girls today, I say to you: don’t limit yourself. If you've never thought about this type of career, think about it now. If I can do it, so can you.

Glenda Medina

Senior Departmental Personnel Assistant | Office of the Assessor

County Tenure: 10 years • Department Tenure: 10 years

Working for the County of Los Angeles, I have discovered that there are endless career opportunities for people who have ambition, perseverance, and a good work ethic. I have been with the Assessor's Office, Human Resources Division for eight years. I started as an Intermediate Clerk and have been promoted to different positions.

My job has turned into a career wherein I have gained a considerable amount of experience and knowledge.

In addition, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 in collaboration with the Assessor's Office presented me with the opportunity of a lifetime, and in 2012 I earned my Bachelor's degree in Public Sector Management. With this sponsorship, I was able to enhance my analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.