Charles Bell, from left, Ivan Gonzales, Najmin Rima, and David Laak received their employee of the year award and trophy. Photo courtesy of the County of Ventura.
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VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2026 Employees of the Year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and innovation in their roles, contributing to the Agency’s ongoing success. The awards were presented on Tuesday, May 19th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Ivan Gonzales, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for 19 years, playing a key role in the Roads and Transportation Department. His major duties include coordinating emergency response efforts during storms, floods, fires, and landslides; supervising road maintenance crews and field operations; managing budgets and projects; overseeing personnel, training, and development; and responding to resident and roadway concerns to help keep the community safe.
“I’m humbled and honored to be recognized as O&M Employee of the Year,” said Gonzales. “I’m grateful to work alongside such a dedicated Roads & Transportation team, and this recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of the staff and crews I have the privilege to work with every day. It’s an honor to help serve our community and support efforts to keep our roadways safe.”
David Laak, honored with the Manager of the Year award, is in his eighth year serving as a Public Works Manager in the Water Resources Division of Watershed Protection at VCPWA. He leads coordination of the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program, a collaborative effort involving the County, Watershed Protection, and the county’s ten cities. His responsibilities include implementing and overseeing wet- and dry-weather water quality monitoring in local creeks and rivers, regulatory compliance reporting, management of countywide scientific studies and special projects, and public outreach and engagement initiatives. Through these efforts, David plays a key role in advancing compliance with stormwater permit requirements and protecting Ventura County’s water resources.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Laak. “This award reflects the strength of the incredible team I have the privilege to work with every day. Together, we tackle challenges, collaborate on meaningful work, and help protect the health of Ventura County’s watersheds and water resources. I am grateful for my colleagues and for the supportive, collaborative, and professional environment at the Ventura County Public Works Agency.”
Charles Bell, honored with the Rookie of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for six months, serving as a Senior Water Service Worker in the Water & Sanitation Department. His major duties consist of maintaining water infrastructure and helping ensure reliable water and sanitation services for the community.
“I’m honored to be recognized as Rookie of the Year and grateful to work alongside such a dedicated Water & Sanitation team,” said Bell. “It’s a privilege to serve our community and support the essential services we provide every day.”
Najmin Rima, honored as the Office Employee of the Year, is an Information Systems Analyst and a valued member of VCPWA’s Information Technology (IT) team. She has played a pivotal role in advancing key initiatives through the design and implementation of AIdriven applications, robust databases, and highvalue operational dashboards. Her analytical approach, problemsolving skills, and ability to translate complex requirements into effective technical solutions have streamlined workflows, improved data integrity, and strengthened decisionmaking across the organization.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition,” said Rima. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to meaningful projects that improve efficiency, support our teams, and help drive innovation across the organization.”
Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Ventura County through the effective management of essential infrastructure services. VCPWA oversees projects related to roads, flood control, water systems, and more, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and community well-being. For more information on Ventura County Public Works Agency and its services, please visit https://publicworks.venturacounty.gov/.