Bryan Zahn is Mission Viejo's 2022 Employee of the Year

Bryan Zahn, a Senior Public Services Supervisor, has been named Mission Viejo’s 2022 Employee of the Year. 

Surrounded by colleagues and friends, Bryan received the annual award from City Manager Dennis Wilberg. 

Nominated by several people for the annual award, Bryan is a 17-year City employee who is known for always going above and beyond the call of duty and for his passion and love for Mission Viejo, which has helped to make it the beautiful city that it is today. 

As a supervisor of landscape maintenance, Bryan’s proactive work is evident throughout many City parks, facilities, and open spaces. Under his supervision, the World Cup Soccer Fields, Potocki Center for the Arts and other recreation complexes far exceed industry standards for landscape. In fact, Bryan single-handedly planned, organized, and managed the renovation of the World Cup Soccer Fields. The fields are now on par with the level of professional soccer fields. 

“Bryan is the heart of the Public Services Department,” said a coworker when nominating him for the award. "This year alone he led 19 scout projects and six community services projects. He plans, organizes and oversees many sport clinics such as the Julie Foudy clinic. He has built and fostered many relationships with sports leagues and the community at large, making him an asset to the improvement and care for our City.”  

For his outstanding efforts, Bryan was feted with the City Manager office’s “Most Valuable Player” recognition for working countless hours beyond his normal work schedule on weekends and evenings. He was also recognized by the Recreation Department for “saving the day” after hours at the Concert in the Parks at the Village Green.  

The City as an organization recognized Bryan’s growth this year by reclassifying his position from Public Services Supervisor to a Senior Public Supervisor.  

“With the additional duties, Bryan has become somewhat of an ambassador of the City as he comes in contact with so many residents throughout his workday,” said another nominator. “He represents the City with pride and humility and is always ready to be in the service of others.” 

The City of Mission Viejo appreciates Bryan’s outstanding efforts and commitment to this community.  He will be honored by the City Council in January.