Get to Know Your DCAO: Andrew Strong, PSG

Get to know the County’s new leadership team in a series of stories highlighting some professional and personal highlights. It started with Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to the CAO’s leadership team – the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officers and Chief Financial Officer. 

Right now, it’s Andrew Strong’s turn. He’s the new DCAO for the Public Safety Group. Previously, he was the director for the Office of Equity and Racial Justice.

What is your leadership style? I lead with grace, an open mind, accountability and by seeing everyone’s humanity.

Advice to someone just starting out in their career? Be open-minded and remember that relationships are the most important things in life. Your co-workers, supervisors, leadership, friends and family are all important. It’s a balance but keeping that in mind will keep you balanced and lead to significant social capital in the workforce.

Advice to someone who wants to move ahead in their career. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t sell yourself short. Sometimes you have to go back to move forward, meaning if a position pays less but gives you more opportunity to build relationships and gain visibility, it could be worth it! 

Recommend any professional development resources like books, podcasts, YouTube channels, etc. (efficiency, careers, getting ahead, etc.)? 

I highly recommend the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Following those principles will keep you focused, and lead to balance and success in your life and career. 

What prompted you to apply for a job at the County? 

Getting out of the Navy and I wanted to get my foot in the door somewhere that I felt would provide security and benefits for my family, and the County seemed like a great place to be! 

Do you have a particular philosophy? Motto? Saying that inspires you/that you live by? 

My motto/saying for when times get tough is “this too shall pass." It serves as a powerful reminder that both good and bad times come and go.

Where did you grow up? 

Bossier City, Louisiana.  

 First job? 

Working for my dad. After he retired from the Air Force, he started his own cleaning business. Of course, I was one of his first employees and it was my first job. Good old, Happy Andy’s Cleaning service. 

How do you relieve stress?  

Going to the gym and pushing myself to the limit with my workouts. 

What do you like to do on vacations? 

I love a good cruise! Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean you name it. I love being out to sea and pulling into ports to explore. 

Do you have any pets and what do you like about them? 

I have a miniature poodle mix named Mikey. I love dogs and not a fan of cats!  

Favorite food or cuisine? 

I love some good Cajun and Creole cuisine! Jambalaya, gumbo, fried catfish, it’s all good and a little taste of home. 

Least favorite food? 

Not a fan of calamari! 

What keeps you grounded? 

My family and remembering where I come from keeps me grounded. When I need to be centered, I think of my children and my 109-year-old grandma. What she has been through and what I need to do to leave a legacy for my family. 

Also read:

Get to Know Your DCAO: Brian Albright, FG3

Get to Know Your DCAO: Dahvia Lynch, LUEG

Get to Know Your DCAO: Kim Giardina, HHSA

Honoring National Injury Prevention Day

The County Administration Center was lit Monday night in honor of National Injury Prevention Day.

Call for CSDFEA Board of Directors Nominations

The County of San Diego Filipino American Employees Association (CSDFEA) is now accepting nominations for the 2025-26 Board of Directors. Open positions are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, auditor and three general member positions. See position descriptions.

Submit your nomination by Friday, Nov. 22. Email submissions or questions to csdfea@sdcounty.ca.gov.

County Hosts Annual Tribal Flag Ceremony for Native American Heritage Month

The County of San Diego hosted its annual Tribal Flag Raising event at the County Administration Center on Friday in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

The ceremony highlighted the County’s commitment to improving government-to-government relationships and recognizing the region’s First Peoples’ resiliency, identity and culture.

Chairwoman Erica Pinto of the Jamul Indian Village, Chairman Bo Mazzetti of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and Chairman Robert H. Smith of the Pala Band of Mission Indians joined County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas on behalf of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA).

The SCTCA is an association of all Tribal Chairpersons in the region along with tribes in the San Bernadino and Riverside Counties.

See Who Won the Employee Wellness Softball Tournament

Team “Lysis to Kill” won the 2024 Employee Wellness Intramural Softball Tournament at Sweetwater Sports Complex this weekend. The friendly competition promotes camaraderie, teamwork and physical activity.

1st Place - Team Lysis to Kill

Nick Castro, Public Health
Mathew Lui, Public Health
Paul Temprendola, Public Health
Sarah Stous, Public Health
Rorick Luepton, HHSA
Olivia Springfield, Public Health
Lisa Perez, Public Health
Rosanne Alfonso, Probation
Nicole Chris, Probation
Jocelyn Nunez, Behavioral Health Services
Nicholas Rhoades, Public Health

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2nd Place – Team Right in the Piehole

Leonard Hopper, Child and Family Well-Being
Jade Nieto, Child and Family Well-Being
Alex Kahn, Child and Family Well-Being
Tania Jimenez, Child and Family Well-Being
Matthew Hargrove, Behavioral Health Services
Steve Wells, Child and Family Well-Being
Samuel Murray , Planning & Development Services
Linda (Joanna) Alcaraz, Child and Family Well-Being
Fanita Durham-McLennan, Child and Family Well-Being
Lisa Salsbury, Child and Family Well-Being

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3rd Place – Team Base Invaders
Ryan Johnson, Environmental Health and Quality
Joann Lee, Environmental Health and Quality
Ernesto Reyes, Environmental Health and Quality
Rayvin Bautista, Environmental Health and Quality
Mukhambika Adapa, Environmental Health and Quality
Mike Daoud, Environmental Health and Quality
Dennis Dangca, Environmental Health and Quality
Steven Tamayo, Environmental Health and Quality
Joanne Seo, Public Works
Leon Wirschem, Environmental Health and Quality
Linda Wirschem, Environmental Health and Quality
James Wyatt, Environmental Health and Quality
Itzel Toscano, Environmental Health and Quality
Diego Velasquez, Environmental Health and Quality

See a gallery below.

Get to Know Your DCAO: Kim Giardina, HHSA

Get to know the County’s new leadership team in a series of stories highlighting some professional and personal highlights. It started with Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to the CAO’s leadership team – the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officers and Chief Financial Officer. 

Right now, it’s Kim Giardina’s turn. She’s the new DCAO for the Health and Human Services Agency. Previously, she was the director for the Child and Family Well-Being department.    

What is your leadership style?

I try to be a very approachable, open and supportive leader. I really believe in utilizing Gallup Strengths Based leadership and empowering my team to do what they do best every day.  

In the Clifton Strengths Assessment, what are your signature themes?

Achiever, Focus, Discipline, Significance and Belief.

How do you stay organized?

With Discipline in my top 5 strengths, I naturally have a strong need for routine and structure. So, I am a very organized person. I keep my calendar and to do lists very organized and updated every day, both at work and at home. I tend to do the same routine every day so I don’t forget anything. 

What prompted you to apply for a job at the County?

I was supposed to get a job with the Navy after I graduated college. But when that didn’t happen, I scrambled to find any job I could with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and stumbled upon the County. Needless to say, I loved it and am still here 24 years later. 

Do you have a particular philosophy? Motto? Saying that inspires you/that you live by?

On a serious note - “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” On a more fun note – “You can’t have too many friends…or pairs of shoes!” 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in El Cajon. 

Introvert or extrovert and describe why?

Extrovert – I really get energized being around people and love the connections that can be made. 

What do you like to do on vacations?

We take very active vacations, so wherever we go we find ways to get in lots of hiking or bike rides, etc. We also love food and really enjoy getting to know a place through its food. 

Favorite food or cuisine?

Mexican or Italian

Least favorite food?

Fish.

Do you have any pets and what do you like about them?

Yes, I have a husky named Saka. She is definitely part of the family. She keeps us busy with her husky energy and stubbornness. She loves to go camping, hiking, and rock climbing with us. 

How do you juggle home and professional life?

I’m really grateful for my significant other and my son who both do a ton to help out at home. We talk every day about what everyone’s schedules look like and decide who is going to take on which responsibilities. We also have a family calendar to help keep everyone on track and organized. It’s much easier now that my son is driving – not having to get him to and from practice and games all the time, makes things much more manageable. 

Also read:

Get to Know Your DCAO: Brian Albright, FG3

Get to Know Your DCAO: Dahvia Lynch, LUEG

Get to Know Your DCAO: Andrew Strong, PSG

2024 CECO Fall Campaign: Harvest Hope, Spread Giving

As we head into the holiday season of giving, consider joining your coworkers in giving to the community. 

The County Employees' Charitable Organization (CECO) launched its annual fundraising season and membership drive through December. CECO has been the charitable arm of the County of San Diego since 1956 and strives to lend a hand to the community by way of grants to local nonprofit programs and assistance to employees and retirees in need.  

CECO is run by our very own County employees and 100% of money donated benefits local nonprofit agencies and employees or retirees in crisis. 

Donating to CECO makes a big difference to our local community. Earlier this year, the organization distributed $101,507 in grants to 58 local nonprofit programs and the Employee Crisis Fund at its annual awards ceremony at the County Operations Center. Several local nonprofits, including health clinics, homeless service providers, after school programs and more, received grants. See the full list. 

Since its founding in 1956, CECO has distributed more than $7 million throughout the San Diego region. 

Making a big difference has never been so easy. Here are three ways to give and help CECO reach its goal of $10,000: 

 1. Participate in CECO’s Fall Fundraisers 

• CECO is hosting a fall fundraiser with See’s Candies through 12/6/2024. CECO will receive 20% of profits from any items you purchase by using CECO’s unique See’s Candy link. 

• CECO will receive 50% of profits with purchase of the following items:  

  Twinkling Ornaments Box (3.5oz) 

  Merry Reindeer Box (3.5 oz)      

• Keep your eyes open for upcoming CECO fundraisers on InSite. 

 2. Collectively raise 5% in contributions or pledge enrollment  

• County employees can participate in the CECO tradition of giving. Become a CECO contributor by pledging $2 or more of your biweekly paycheck or change your pledged contributions. 

 3. Make a One-Time Donation

• To make a one-time donation, please visit CECO’s donate link on Venmo. 

 For questions, email sdceco@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

 See the flyer below.  

Honoring Veterans and Operation Green Light

The County Administration Center was lit Monday night in honor of Veterans and Operation Green Light.

Employees at Registrar of Voters are Safe After Sheriff’s Deputies Investigate Bomb Threat

The Registrar of Voters received a bomb threat early Friday evening at its office in Kearny Mesa. Sheriff’s deputies conducted an investigation. They determined the threat was not credible, and those who were in the building were safe.

The safety of County employees and the public is a top priority. The Sheriff’s Office will continue working with law enforcement partners to monitor intelligence and information related to any possible threats, and they are prepared to handle any safety challenges that may arise.

The situation is an important reminder that we all play a part to keep our worksites secure. If you observe something that could result in eminent danger, call 911. Report suspicious or threatening activity immediately to your supervisor.

Visit the County’s employee workplace security site to learn more.

CSDFEA Collecting New Blanket Donations for Those in Need

The County of San Diego Filipino American Employees’ Association is donating new blankets to spread warmth and comfort to Dreams for Change, an organization that is dedicated to helping people who are facing housing difficulties.

All employees can help bring warmth and comfort to people in need.

Through Nov. 25, CSDFEA is collecting Venmo donations @CSDFEA, or purchases off the CSDFEA Amazon registry.

In 2009, Dreams for Change started to serve the needs of families and individuals struggling due to the recession’s economic downturn. From offering safe parking for those living in their vehicles to providing access to case management, employment support, and financial counseling, Dreams for Change helps bring hope and dignity to countless lives.