Executive Services Supervisor
Meet Nicole Genzale
Describe your job
My job encompasses several distinct and interesting facets of public service at a special district. I manage the Executive Services Division (Exec), serve as Dublin San Ramon Services District’s (DSRSD)’s Board-appointed District Secretary, and serve as the appointed Authority Secretary for the DSRSD-EBMUD Recycled Water Authority (DERWA). I have been in this role for over 11 years.
Exec and the Office of the District Secretary is a special hub of administration, compliance, history, and ceremony that provides key services to support DSRSD’s day-to-day business operations for the Board of Directors, General Manager, staff, two joint powers authorities (DERWA and the Livermore-Amador Valley Water Management Agency LAVWMA), and our customers. I have the privilege of being part of the District’s leadership team and overseeing the very talented, dedicated, and busy (!) administrative professionals on the Exec team.
My role is similar to that of a City Clerk. I support our five-member Board of Directors and General Manager; lead the Exec Division; administer public meetings, records management, and Board elections; maintain the District Code, Board policies, and the Conflict of Interest Code; oversee California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and Secretary of State filings; prepare public notices and recordations; conduct bid openings; monitor division budgets; and ensure compliance with laws unique to government such as open meeting laws.
Sorry for the long description, but this key administrative role at special districts is not all that well known, so it's worth a broader peek for anyone interested in this type of public service. It's the best career I never knew about growing up and I’m so grateful to have found my way here.
How did you get into the water/wastewater industry?
I came to the District over 18 years ago as a human resources (HR) professional. I previously held recruitment and supervisory roles at a staffing company, then an HR generalist role at a home equity company which heavily downsized during the mortgage meltdown.
Making the leap to the public sector and the water/wastewater industry was not planned, but I was excited when I saw the job posting, as it was not only a great career opportunity, but a chance to apply my professional experience to meaningful service in my community.
As a Pleasanton native, I had been passing by DSRSD’s wastewater treatment plant and the “blue-roofed" District Office for years without realizing it. Working at DSRSD has given me such an appreciation for the critical work special districts do while humming along in the background of everyone’s busy lives.
Through my years at the District, I’ve been fortunate to serve in various positions, including Administrative Analyst, before being promoted into my current role. I enjoy and believe in continuous learning and am grateful that DSRSD is supportive of staff pursuing professional development and leadership opportunities.
After completing an extensive educational program through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), I earned the professional designation of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC). I’ve also earned the advanced Board Secretary certificate from the California Special Districts Association, the Athenian Fellow from IIMC’s Athenian Leadership Society, and graduated from the Regional Government Services Academy for Managers and Supervisors.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
There’s definitely more than one... launching or completing a project, wrapping a special event, streamlining a process for improved efficiencies, successfully advancing multiple priorities, celebrating important milestones, learning new things and teaching others, onboarding new Boardmembers and staff, working well as a team, and knowing our efforts are serving the community well.
One particular duty that I consider extremely rewarding, and an honor, is administering the oath of office to new Boardmembers and staff. The oath (or affirmation) is the pledge to support and defend the Constitutions of the United States and State of California, taken before entering upon their official duties and investing them with authority to act as a Disaster Service Worker. I appreciate the sense of ceremony and importance when they join the District and being one of the first to welcome them to DSRSD.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
That’s easy...there’s always more to do than there is time! And keeping pace with ever-changing needs, technology, and legislation.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Having adventures with my family. Some favorite locations are Carmel, Disneyland, and the racetrack (usually Laguna Seca or Sonoma), and anything motorsports or auto related. I love eating, not cooking, and am a chocoholic. I love winding down with mystery novels, movies, and marathoning shows.