Get to Know MEERG President Tamara Murphy
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The County has 10 great Employee Resource Groups (ERG). They are each led by respective presidents who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community.
Get to know our Middle Eastern Employee Resource Group president Tamara Murphy, a principal administrative analyst with the Department of Public Works:
Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for?
A: Eight years and the whole time has been with the Department of Public Works, Financial Services Section.
Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?
A: I oversee the Budget Team that works on approximately 130 orgs including the Road Fund, Flood Control District, Permanent Road Divisions, County Service Areas, Community Facilities District, Stormwater Zones, Survey Remonumentation, and the Street Lighting District. We are responsible for the Annual 2 Year Operational Plan, 5 Year Forecast, Quarterly Fund Balance Projections, and day-to-day monitoring of all the orgs expenses and revenues.
Q: What are three words that best describe you?
A: Loyal, kind and loud.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: Well, before COVID I loved going to country music concerts, and going out to dinner with family and friends. These days, I stay home with my husband and 7-year-old son. We get to see our daughter sometimes, but she is currently in college at UC Riverside.
Q: Tell us about your ERG.
A: The mission of the Middle Eastern Employee Resource Group is to enhance Middle Eastern cultural awareness, to share the Middle East’s rich and diverse history and cultural contributions to the world, and to contribute to principles of cross cultural dialogue and understanding.
Q: Why are ERGs important?
A: Because they give employees a place to connect with other county staff that they would have otherwise never known. They are a great way to build friendships, expand your professional network, learn new things, and be part of something bigger than the one piece of the county where you work. Plus, it’s fun!
Q: What is your favorite part of being a member of your ERG?
A: Making new friends and learning about other people and hearing their stories. I am Middle Eastern, but I was born and raised here in San Diego. I am very “Americanized,” so I love listening to our members talk about the country they came from, how they got here, and how their lives have changed since coming here.
Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?
A: San Diego County Library (you can check books out electronically!)
The Cottages of Balboa Park (lots of good information and events representing different cultures)
If you need any support with your mental health, there is no shame, visit up2sd.org.
Q: Who can participate in your ERG and how can employees join?
A: Membership is open to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, creed, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation, who support the mission and goals of the San Diego County Middle Eastern Employee Resource Group. Membership is only $10 per year and you may email meerg@sdcounty.ca.gov for an application!
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