Get to Know Your DCAO: Brian Albright, FG3

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 Brian Albright’s turn. He’s the new DCAO for the Finance and General Government Group. As the former director of County Parks and Recreation, see how he enjoys the outdoors!

What is your leadership style?

Supportive. Establish the vision, equip the team with the resources they need to achieve it, roll up your sleeves to help when needed, otherwise get out of the way. 

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

I wanted to build the biggest and best regional park system in America. The County gave me that opportunity. 

panorama view of a grassy field with treets

Advice to someone who wants to move ahead in their career.

Be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Seek out new challenges. Build relationships across the enterprise and the industries/communities you serve.  

Do you have a particular philosophy, motto or saying that inspires you?

Truth matters and character counts. 

person surfing

Favorite activity or hobby?

Too many to name, but golf, surfing, hiking and biking are a few.

Oddest thing that ever happened to you?

Too many to name the top oddity. I seem to attract oddness, probably because I’m kind of odd myself. 

view of a lake with mountains behind it

Where did you grow up?

Denver 

Favorite food or cuisine?

Pizza

Least favorite food?

It’s a tie…cilantro and onions. 

2 tacos with onions and cilantro crossed out

Favorite place to eat?

Street tacos anywhere (hold the cilantro and onions). 

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

A dog Buckeye. I like him because he’s a fighter.  He’s 15 years old, blind and deaf, and has way exceeded his life expectancy as a big dog. But he keeps hanging on and bringing joy to our family. 

How do you juggle home and professional life?

I work hard, but when important home and family stuff comes up, I don’t miss it.  I hand the work keys over to someone else. I have regretted missing special family moments because of “important” work assignments but I have never regretted the times when I prioritized family and friends. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I like going to Broadway musicals with my daughter. 

Also read: Get to Know Your DCAO: Dahvia Lynch, LUEG

Vote in the Lip Sync Battle

The Lip Sync Battle finalists have been named! Now it’s time to vote for your favorite.

Check out the video performances below and then vote in the poll (lower, left side of the InSite homepage). The poll is open through 5 p.m. on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31.

Note: County employees must be on network to watch these videos. If prompted, click on sign-in.

The finalists (in no particular order) are:

Finalist 1: “Day-O”

Finalist 2: “Lose Control”

Finalist 3: “This Is How We Do It”

Finalist 4: “Made You Look”


Honorable Mentions

There was so many amazing submissions this year! With that said, the Halloween Committee selected three honorable mentions:

  • Rose Trujilio, Human Resources - “I Will Survive”

  • Christine Bolos, Madelynn Dahms, Carina Garcia, Jessica Ho, Bao Hoang, Kelsey LaBerge, Eunice Lee, Dani Lindsey, Megan Lytle, Julia Sison, Vicki Striebel, Jessica Lawler and Susan Devencenzi, Public Health Services-California Children’s Services - “Drop It In the Cart”

  • Diana Camacho, Sheriff - “Whenever, Wherever”

You can watch those here:

Help Wanted – Ballot Drop Box Lockers

The Registrar of Voters is looking for County employees who can lock the official ballot drop boxes when voting officially ends at 8 p.m. on election night, Nov. 5.

Voters who are still in line at that time can cast their ballot, but then the mail-in ballot drop boxes must be locked.   

And that’s where you can come in. You could get paid to serve on a two-person ballot box locking team.

 A mandatory hour-long training is required for this role. There are three training sessions to choose from, all on Nov. 2. They’ll take place in Chambers at the County Operations Center, Building 5520.  

  • Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 to 10 a.m.

  • Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m.

  • Saturday, Nov. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.

 The schedule for election night, Nov. 5.

  • 6:30 p.m. – Teams pick up locking supplies at a regional supply distribution site.

  • 7:15 p.m. – Teams arrive at their assigned ballot drop box location.

  • 8 p.m. – Teams lock assigned ballot box after last voter in line at 8 p.m. drops off ballot.

  • 8:30 p.m. – Teams return supplies to the supply distribution site.

One team member will drive their own vehicle; the other will be a passenger.

Pay for election night:   

  • Drivers - $115  

  • Passengers - $75                            

If you’re interested, fill out the survey and submit it by Nov. 1.

Vote for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winner

The entries are in! Vote for your favorite finalist in the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The poll is open through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

The finalists are:

Finalist #1

Finalist #2

Finalist #3

Finalist #4

Finalist #5

While the deadline to enter the pumpkin decorating showcase has passed, you can still share your pumpkin creation. Email a photo to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Learn more about all the Halloween Happenings in San Diego County.

Scavenger Hunt List Now Available

Why not join a scavenger hunt for your chance to win prizes? If you are not familiar with a scavenger hunt, it is a game in which the players compete to see who can obtain the most items from a list. You can play alone or as part of an up-to-5-people team.

Gather these items and then join to a live Teams event on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31) from noon to 1 p.m. to show off items or send photos via the chat.

List:

  • coin with dated 2015

  • picture of you or a team member with a red shirt

  • picture of you or a team member holding a pumpkin

  • picture of a fall (orange, yellow, red) leaf. (Make sure you are not touching poison oak.)

  • picture of a scarf

  • picture of the new County logo

  • picture of a County department sign

  • picture of nature - i.e beach, neighborhood park or outdoor space near your office or a team member

  • picture of coffee machine or tea kettle

  • picture of a local sports team apparel or memorabilia

Learn more about all the Halloween Happenings for County employees.

County Appoints New Chief People Officer

Photo of Anne Calle

Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton has appointed Anne Calle as the County’s first Chief People Officer.

Calle, who is currently with the District Attorney’s Office, has over 29 years of experience in human resources, executive coaching and leadership development.

“Anne has dedicated her career to removing barriers and uncovering potential in professionals across the County,” said Shelton. “I am confident her leadership will help us achieve new heights in service and excellence across the organization in support of the community.”

The position of Chief People Officer is new to the County with the purpose of inspiring and elevating our workforce. This will include:

  • One-on-one coaching and mentoring for senior executives and high-potential leaders

  • Facilitating tailored leadership development programs to individuals and teams

  • Comprehensive succession and strategic planning

  • Team building

  • Organizational development across the enterprise

She will work with the CAO’s office and other County leadership to promote resilience, adaptability and emotional intelligence. She will also work with the Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics to track the impact of these efforts and drive continuous improvement.

Calle started the award-winning San Diego County Regional Leadership Institute. The three-week program, which provides leadership development for state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, has had over 650 graduates since it launched in 2016.

With the District Attorney’s Office, Calle provided coaching and leadership training for attorneys, investigators and staff. She also speaks locally and nationally on leadership, personal growth and workforce transformation.

Calle will begin her role as Chief People Officer on Nov. 12.

Rewind: Strengths of Generational Diversity

Did you miss the Employee Resource Group Council’s “Fireside Chat” on Strengths of Generational Diversity? You can now watch the virtual session on InSite.

The ERG Council’s Fireside Chats are quarterly sessions with County leadership on the secrets to their career success. This quarter, the Emerging Workforce Association employee resource group hosted a lively discussion with HHSA Equity Liaison Elizabeth Bustos, Land Use and Environment Group Executive Assistant Tahaiti Tinsley and Economic Development and Government Affairs Administrative Analyst Mica Miragliotta.

Resources discussed in this session included:

Join Lively Halloween Events

The witching hour is near, with many virtual activities planned for Halloween. See the latest event announcements below!

(Note: No in-person events will be held this year.)

Trivia

Are you a quiz game wizard or have a love for learning fun facts? Join a live trivia contest on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The contest will be held from noon to 12:45 p.m. You can join as an individual or as a group with a three employees maximum per team. This event is open to the first 200 players.

To save time, register ahead of the event.


Scavenger Hunt

Why not join a scavenger hunt for your chance to win prizes? If you are not familiar with a scavenger hunt, it is a game in which the players compete to see who can obtain the most items from a list. You can play alone or as part of an up-to-5-people team.

Mark your calendar. The official list of items and rules will post on InSite at noon on Monday, Oct. 28. Participants will gather the items and return to a live Teams event on Halloween from noon to 1 p.m. to show off items.


Tarot Card

Tarot readers are standing by and ready to read your cards. See if they can shed light on your future! Join a fun and free tarot card reading from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on Halloween. This event will be held on Teams.


CECO Fundraiser

The County Employees’ Charitable Organization is hosting a tasty fundraiser. Order Panda Express on Halloween and a 28% of that sale will go to CECO.

Here’s how: Place an order for pickup or delivery through the app or online on Oct. 31. Apply code 927315 prior to checkout. (The fundraiser does not apply to in-person orders.)

Orders can be placed for Halloween day up to a week in advance. This is a great opportunity for group orders. Plus, this code can be shared with family and friends. Order now. Learn more.