Cindy Morgan, Children’s Behavioral Health program manager, was named Nevada County’s Employee of the Year today at a packed ceremony at the Nevada County Government Center in Nevada City. 

The award was one of eight awards presented by the Board of Supervisors.

As the program manager in Children’s Behavioral Health, Morgan has developed a team of incredible therapists and case managers who provide high-quality care to the most vulnerable young people in the county.  

Driven by a passion to provide better services to those in need, Morgan established a Crisis Response Team to support community members in the aftermath of crises.  The team is trained in the National Organization for Victims Advocacy Community Crisis Response protocol and Morgan has led this team in supporting community members after difficult events so that people can process their trauma and reduce the long-term psychological impacts of their experience.  

Morgan has also been the driving force in implementing early psychosis intervention treatment in Nevada County, a service usually only offered in urban areas. Early identification and treatment of symptoms like hallucinations and delusions can dramatically reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms and change the trajectory of a person’s life. 

Morgan’s passion for always improving and providing the best possible service has set a high bar. As a result, her team has developed a well-deserved reputation for excellence and is often called upon to help during times of crisis.

“Cindy has set the example for all of us by role-modeling kindness and humility while maintaining professionalism with employees and families we serve,” said the nominating statement by Nevada County Children’s Behavioral Health department. “Her hard work impacts our community deeply. She has created a culture of safety and connection that feels like family.”

The County received over 135 nominations for the awards from employees. The winners were chosen by a panel of five judges, including staff and community members. 

Other award winners were: 

• Above & Beyond Employee of the Year: Lauriana Cecchi, Clerk of the Board Office
• Innovative Employee of the Year – Thomas Maioli, Cannabis Policy & Compliance
• High Performance Organization (HPO) in Action Employee or Team of the Year (tie) – Eligibility & Employment Team and Public Infrastructure Excellence Team
• Volunteer or Intern of the Year - Graham Gardemeyer, Public Health
• Rookie of the Year – Lorie Hennessey, Information & General Services
• Collaborative Employee or Team of the Year – Biomass Project: Information & General Services, Office of Emergency Services, Public Works, Roads Maintenance, Environmental Health, Solid Waste
• Supervisor of the Year – Aubree Burkholder, Library

“I couldn’t be more proud of the employees in this county,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Heidi Hall. 

County Executive Officer Alison Lehman said the County's staff embodies the best of public service - commitment, creativity and a deep care for the community. "These awards celebrate the dedication and innovation that make Nevada County a great place to work,” she said.