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Adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation honoring Birgitta E. Corsello, for 11 years of distinguished public service as County Administrator and for more than 33 years of outstanding service to the County of Solano (Chair Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The CAO’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation honoring Birgitta E. Corsello, for 11 years of distinguished public service as County Administrator and for more than 33 years of outstanding public service to the County of Solano.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Ms. Corsello began her career in public service over 36 years ago as an Analyst in the County of Kern’s County Administrator’s Office. In 1989, she moved to Solano County to accept a position as an analyst in the County Administrator’s Officer. Ms. Corsello earned several promotions during her time in the CAO’s Office including as Budget Officer and went on to be appointed to several department leadership positions within the County between 1993-2004, including serving as the Assistant Director of General Services/Office of Emergency Services Director, Director of General Services, Director of Environmental Management and Director of Resource Management. In 2010, she returned to the County Administrator’s Office as Assistant County Administrator.
In 2011, Ms. Corsello was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as County Administrator.
During her time as County Administrator and in prior positions, Ms. Corsello led numerous initiatives and work efforts including the successful transition of the LAFCo Officer to an independent office in 2000, the transfer of the Office of Emergency Services to the Office of the Sheriff and the funding of a dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the completion and adoption of the 2008 County General Plan update and EIR certification, and the funding and construction of a new independent water system serving 300 customers in rural North Vacaville.
During her tenure as County Administrator, Ms. Corsello made it a priority to invest in County Facilities and has overseen completion of numerous capital projects, including the Stanton Correctional Facility and adjacent Rourke Vocational Training Center, Animal Care Shelter upgrades, remodels of all County Veteran’s Memorial Halls, completion of the William J. Carroll Government Center, construction of the Probation Department’s Center for Positive Change, initiation of the Mental Health Diversion Adult Board and Care Facilities, a comprehensive Energy Services Project and many other tenant improvements and maintenance projects to further the lifecycle of County campuses and facilities.
Ms. Corsello’s leadership skills have been notable throughout her career but came to the forefront during multiple natural disaster emergencies that she successfully guided the County through to recovery. These include several flood events in the 1990’s, the mid-2000’s and in 2017. These times of crisis also included her leadership during the 2014 earthquake that damaged County buildings in Vallejo and the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex Fire that caused significant damage and the loss of more than 300 residential dwellings. Under her leadership, the County was able to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic that required many difficult operational and structural changes to protect public health while continuing to provide vital public services to County residents.
Despite her many responsibilities within the County, Ms. Corsello managed to participate in several professional organizations, including a term in 2019 as president of the California Association of County Executives (CACE) and as an officer of the County Engineers Association (CEAC). In addition, she has served on the Executive Committee of the Board of the California Medical Services Program (CMSP) and Chair of the Solano Emergency Medical Services Corporation (SEMSC).
Ms. Corsello’s commitment to the County organization and the Solano County community is reflected by the long hours she has put into her various roles and the high quality of work that has been produced under her oversight and direct involvement. Further, she has been recognized as a prominent woman leader and an inspiration to other women who strive to lead in their chosen profession. In 2009, she was recognized by the Board of Supervisors as Woman of the Year and in 2021 was chosen by Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) as a Woman of the Year representing Solano County.
Ms. Corsello’s career and accomplishments are truly impressive. Her breadth of knowledge, analytic skills and incredible memory are well known to all that have worked with her. The positive influence of her many contributions is evident in both the County organization and the community and will be for many years to come.
Ms. Corsello will officially retire on April 2, 2022, after providing more than 33 years of dedicated public service to Solano County in a professional and responsible manner. We wish her the best of luck and a happy and fulfilling retirement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2021/22 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2021/22 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may elect not to adopt a resolution and plaque of appreciation, however, this is not recommended, as this is an opportunity to honor Birgitta E. Corsello, County Administrator, for her years of distinguished service to the citizens of Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION