CEO Carlos Palacios announces winners of 2024 employee recognition awards

The Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on March 11, 2025, to honor outstanding county employees during the annual Employee Recognition Awards ceremony. This event, led by CEO Carlos Palacios, aimed to celebrate the hard work and dedication of county staff across various departments.

The awards recognize individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the county's operations. Categories include general government, health services, human services, justice and public safety, and land use regulation. Each board member presented proclamations to the award recipients, highlighting their achievements and the positive impact they have had on the community.

One notable recipient was Myrna Guerrero, honored in the Justice and Public Safety category. As the administrative services manager for the Public Defender's Office, Myrna faced significant challenges when she joined the team in 2023. She quickly implemented effective administrative workflows, trained new staff, and played a crucial role in developing the office's first independently proposed budget. Her leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing operations and enhancing the department's efficiency.

Although Myrna was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness, her colleague, Heather Rogers, expressed gratitude on her behalf. Myrna's heartfelt message emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success within the department.

The ceremony concluded with a reception, inviting all attendees to celebrate the achievements of the award winners and foster community spirit. This annual event not only recognizes individual accomplishments but also reinforces the county's commitment to supporting its employees and enhancing public service.