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Receive a presentation by the Department of Veteran Services on the selection of Mary-Lou Bermudez, Veterans Benefits Counselor, as the December 2025 “Employee of the Month,” making her eligible to use the parking space designated for this program
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors receive a presentation by the Department of Veteran Services on the selection of Mary-Lou Bermudez, Veterans Benefits Counselor, as the December 2025 “Employee of the Month,” making her eligible to use the parking space designated for this program.
SUMMARY / DISCUSSION:
On September 13, 2005, the Board of Supervisors established the County Government Center “Employee of the Month” parking program for County employees. The Department of Veteran Services (VSO) has been designated to select an employee for December 2025 and has selected Mary-Lou Bermudez, Veterans Benefits Counselor.
Ms. Bermudez joined the Solano County VSO on October 15, 2024, as a Veterans Benefits Counselor. Since being hired, she has provided counseling advice and service to hundreds of Solano County veterans and their families - seeing an average of 30 clients per week - helping them gain access to the benefits they have earned as part of their military service.
Ms. Bermudez is a Veterans' Benefits Counselor with a deep personal connection to the community she serves. A proud U.S. Air Force veteran with over 20 years of service, she brings firsthand experience, empathy and a global perspective to her role. Originally from the Philippines, she joined the military right after high school, building a career that allowed her to travel the world, embrace diverse cultures, and learn multiple languages, including Tagalog, Spanish, and some German.
Ms. Bermudez holds an associate degree in Logistics, a bachelor’s in organizational leadership from Brandman University, and a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology from Golden Gate University. Her approach is grounded in servant leadership, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that guide her as she helps veterans, and their families navigate the benefits system with care and clarity.
Outside of work, Ms. Bermudez is an active volunteer at military and veterans’ events in her community. She finds joy in spending time with her four rescue dogs, tending to her garden, and exploring personal wellness practices that support both people and the planet.
The Solano County VSO is honored to have Mary-Lou Bermudez as a valued member of the small (but mighty) VSO team and honor her as our employee of the month.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this designation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could elect to name someone else as the Employee of the Month; however, this alternative is not consistent with the Board’s “Employee of the Month Parking” program.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION