George Cortez, a nine-year city employee and maintenance supervisor, is this month’s honoree for the CEO’s Leadership Award, presented at the monthly Meet and Greet.

Along with his able staff, Cortez is responsible for sports field preparation, maintenance and renovation; irrigation management; special event support; including the Fish Fry, Snoopy Holiday Display, sports tournaments, and Concerts in the Park; maintenance and repair of all park buildings; planting, fixing or renovating all the landscape and site furnishings in the city’s 29 parks.

He also is charged with keeping up with the high use of specialized facilities such as the skate park and Bark Park. He interacts very effectively with the Parks and Community Services staff on a nearly daily basis.

Cortez, who began his career with the city in 2007, balances the constant requests for service from the public, the daily maintenance challenges and administering contractors working in his parks with all the other components of a busy park maintenance operation.

He always has time for his staff and tries to meet their individual needs, while responding to high priority requests from the Council, CEO’s Office and management. He has shown a dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality service possible to the residents and visitors to the City of Costa Mesa.

In addition to Cortez, 10 new employees were recognized at the Meet and Greet as well as three employees who were promoted.