Kelly Shelton, a longtime employee and assistant to CEO Tom Hatch was the winner of this month’s CEO Leadership Award presented at the city’s monthly Meet and Greet Ceremony on Thursday April 28.

“Since coming to Costa Mesa, Kelly has demonstrated her leadership, initiative, positive attitude, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed without even being asked to do so,” CEO Tom Hatch said as he presented her with the award. “She believes that she is a reflection of the City Council, City CEO and the organization as whole and may be the first and only time someone has contact with the City and wants the impression to be as pleasant and helpful as possible.”

Shelton began her career in local government with the City of Rancho Cucamonga as an Office Assistant 28 years ago.

She worked for the Cities of Rialto and West Covina before joining

She joined the City of Costa Mesa in August of 2004.

Providing support to the CEO is a job in itself, but for the last six months, Shelton has also been tasked with providing support to the City Council.

She also provides support for most special events to make sure a member of the City Council attends to present proclamations and at times, presents on the City’s behalf.

Shelton also serves as the City’s Liaison to the OC Fair & Event Center where she has been asked to assist on rating proposals and other events at the Fairgrounds while enhancing the communication and partnership between the City and Fairgrounds.

In addition to honoring Shelton, CEO Hatch welcomed nine new employees as well as two promoted employees at the City Hall event.