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