Ventura County Public Works Agency Recognizes 2021 Employees of The Year

VENTURA, Calif. - Aug. 13, 2021 - PRLog -- Yunsheng Su, PhD, Luis Negrete, and Matt Maechler were recently named 2021 Employees of the Year for their outstanding job performance at Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA).

"We are so honored at VCPWA to have so many talented, hardworking individuals on our team that are devoted to excellence," said Agency Director Jeff Pratt.  "Our award recipients and nominees are essential examples of VCPWA's mission to be leaders in providing effective, innovative and sustainable public works services."

Celebrating 3 years at VCPWA, Matt Maechler was named Manager of the Year for his work with the Design & Construction team within the Roads & Transportation department.

In addition to staff and project management, main aspects of the job include understanding roadway projects from concept through construction, designing and implementing large safety improvements to help increase safety of thousands of the traveling public every day.

"In addition to the collaboration and comradery within VCPWA, one of the most rewarding aspect of my job is to hear the 'Thank Yous' from the public after a project is completed," said Maechler. "It's rewarding to know our work produces projects that benefit our community here in Ventura County."

Office employee of the year was awarded to Yunsheng Su, who has been with VCPWA nearly 20 years, since 2002.

On a day-to-day basis, Su teams up with the Advanced Planning Section within the Watershed Protection department to conduct feasibility studies and preliminary designs to find viable solutions to challenging flood control issues. Under the directions of managers, he also coordinates with FEMA engineers and officials to re-evaluate and re-map flood hazards throughout the County and reviews floodplain development permit applications.

"I joined the Ventura County Public Works Agency Watershed Protection with a commitment to serve the public interest," said Su. "During the nineteen years of public services in PWA, I am proud of the innovative research I conducted that will lead to significant construction cost-savings, and of the differences I make each day advancing the interest of the Ventura County communities."

Another 20-year VCPWA veteran is Luis Negrete, who was awarded Employee of the Year in the Operations and Maintenance category.

Recently promoted to Superintendent of Watershed Protection Zones 3 &4, Negrete's essential job duties include managing resources as well as operating and maintaining Watershed Facilities.

"I believe crucial aspects of the job include the ability to be both an effective listener and communicator," said Negrete. "But most importantly, to always strive to adhere to the vision, mission, and core values of the VCPWA."