Environmental Program Administrator is Mission Viejo’s 2018 Employee of the Year

Longtime City Environmental Program Administrator Denise Matson has been named 2018 Mission Viejo Employee of the Year.

Denise’s strong work ethic and commitment to the City of Mission Viejo has earned her the respect of peers, supervisors and community members alike.

Denise has been a cherished employee since she walked through the doors of City Hall nearly 18 years ago. In her role, she plans, coordinates, oversees and administers the City’s environmental program and organizes specialized projects and events. She manages the City’s solid waste contract and recycling programs; oversees the Public Works Department’s budgets; and prepares grant reimbursement requests, among other duties.

Known as a dependable employee who thinks outside of the box, Denise always goes above and beyond to ensure the City provides the best services possible to residents. It’s not uncommon for Denise to drum up new ways to promote environmental stewardship. For example, when the single-use plastic bag ban voted into law, Denise immediately recognized an even greater demand for reusable bags. So, she spearheaded the City-themed shopping bag etched with a colorful rendering of Mission Viejo that residents love. She introduced the bag with a fun community-building contest calling on residents to tell us what they like most about Mission Viejo. 

She also taps her creativity and leadership skills each year by hosting the City’s Environmental Fair for hundreds of third-grade students. This is no easy task, yet Denise never falters in coming up with new, unique and fun ways to foster students’ lifelong respect for our environment. Denise also does an excellent job managing the City’s solid waste contract and is quick to respond to and resolve resident complaints by maintaining a great working relationship with the waste contractor. It’s those relationships Denise has built inside City Hall and out that make the difference.

“One of Denise’s most impressive attributes is her support of others,” said Public Works Director Mark Chagnon. “In a department with a variety of personalities, she is always a positive influence and unifying force, leading by example and encouraging others to get involved. Most impressive is her willingness to participate, take on whatever needs to get done and her passion to make a difference.”