WORK EXPERIENCE

County of San Luis Obispo, Administrative Office

Principal Administrative Analyst - Regional Strategic Initiatives

As Principal Administrative Analyst, Carolyn led numerous strategic initiatives aimed at addressing pressing regional issues. Initiatives varied widely from infrastructure and housing planning to homeless prevention planning to COVID-19 emergency response. Work included: fostering collaboration and partnership among many local partners; visioning goals for strategic action; understanding complex systems and finding opportunities to improve outcomes; engaging the public; and working with elected officials to take action at key milestones. The regional infrastructure and housing initiative also involved collaborating with local land use agencies and the Council of Government to plan for future housing and develop common policies for mindfully increasing development of affordable housing, in light of limited resources.

County of San Luis Obispo, Public Works - Water Resources

Supervising Water Resources Engineer

As Supervising Water Resources Engineer, Carolyn oversaw the Water Resources Division's Subregional Unit focused on understanding and implementing the then brand new Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) regulations. Work efforts included: leading complex, multi-agency negotiations to form new Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in six groundwater basins; establishing simple, clear SGMA policies to clarify the County’s roles and priorities related to regulatory compliance; developing bimonthly reports to the County Board to convey progress on SGMA compliance activities and use of SGMA program budget; and collaboratively funding and initiating development of Groundwater Sustainability Plans in five groundwater basins.

County of San Luis Obispo, Public Works - Utilities

Project Engineer / Project Manager

Integrated Regional Water Plan: As Project Manager, Carolyn oversaw consultants and collaborated with regional stakeholders to develop the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. Work included: forming a 23-agency membership coalition; developing program and communication materials; facilitating inclusive and productive workshops; establishing community water resources goals and a regional vision; developing regional water supply and demand analysis; creating an inventory of multi-benefit water resources projects; engaging stakeholders; reviewing the draft plan against State standards; and gaining consensus and approval from advisory bodies, County and District Boards, and local councils.

Countywide Master Water Report: As Staff Engineer, Carolyn supported the Project Manager and consultant in developing the Countywide Master Water Report, a compilation of the region’s current and future water resource management activities. Project work included: describing community and regional water resources data systems; analyzing the region’s water supplies and demands; describing the relationship between the Master Water Report and different documents, programs and policies at the state, regional and community levels; establishing priorities for future actions; conducting public review processes; and gaining County Board approval.

County of San Luis Obispo, Nacimiento Water Project

Staff Engineer

As Staff Engineer, Carolyn supported the Project Manager during the design, construction and start up of the 45-mile long, $176-million supplemental water delivery system. Project work included: reviewing design plans and specifications for construction contracts; obtaining environmental permits and right of way access; constructing the pipeline, pump stations and related equipment; creating a manual of procedures for the entire water delivery system; and conducting frequent meetings with the Technical Support Group, Nacimiento Water Commission and Flood Control District Board.