The city of La Palma recognized City Clerk Kimberly Kenney and Officer Jay Choi as their 2023 Supervisor/Professional Employees of the Year. The presentations were made at the city’s Jan. 16 regular meeting.
According to the city, Officer Jay Choi joined the La Palma Police Department on March 19, 2022. Jay consistently demonstrates a positive and caring attitude in his responsibilities, showcasing reliability by willingly coming to work on short notice. His commitment to the mission is evident, and he acts as a valuable liaison to the La Palma Korean community, fostering positive relationships.
Officer Jay Choi with Mayor Marshall Goodman.
Jay’s exceptional attitude and selflessness create a positive and uplifting atmosphere for those around him. In a brief time, Officer Choi has earned the respect and trust of both the department and fellow officers, making him highly deserving of this award, the city said.
“Jay consistently approaches his responsibilities with a positive attitude,” the mayor said, demonstrating a selfless and caring nature that truly stands out and is evident in everything he does.”
“Jay embraces the role of acting as a liason to the Korean American community, showcasing his dedication to fostering positive relationships with the La Palma community,” said Goodman.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve this community,” said Choi, and “if it weren’t for the guidance of our captains and our sergeants, and the support from the police department, and our officers, I don’t think I would have received this award,” he said.
Kimberly Kenney joined the City of La Palma on November 19, 2007, as an Administrative Secretary and was promoted to Deputy City Clerk in 2017, and promoted again in 2019 to City Clerk. “Kimberly always displays a positive attitude and well-balanced demeanor and is dedicated to her responsibilities, the city said in recognizing her,” said Goodman.
Her invaluable ability to oversee complex projects and responses to Public Records Act requests, and notary services showcase her exceptional abilities and commitment. Kimberly’s unwavering dedication and effectiveness make her a standout candidate for recognition. She is considered a vital asset to the City and her co-workers, deserving of appreciation for her exceptional service, he said.
“I’m sure that everyone at city hall understands how deserving our city clerk is of this award,” said Goodman. “You reallyl approach your responsibility with a positive attitude and well-balanced demeanor,” the mayor said.
Kimberly’s ability to oversee and manage complex project tasks is truly indispensable. You’re really consistently going above and beyond to ensure detailed and accurate staff reports, timely responses to PRA requests and provide notary services with unwavering dedication, effectiveness,” the mayor said.
He called her an “asset to the city” and well deserving of the award.
Kenney thanked the Mayor and Council for the award “but I give God all the glory,” saying to be a good public servant means to give back to one’s community.“This is year 17 I’m going on,” she said, recounting her rise from secretary to City Clerk. “I genuinely love working here. Every day is the absolute, utmost pleasure and I’ve never had a bad day,” Kenney said.
“The City of La Palma thanks and commends these dedicated City employees for their service and contributions to making La Palma one of the best places to live and work,” said Goodman.
The City of La Palma’s Employee of the Year program recognizes those who show outstanding job performance, make significant contributions to the work environment, and maintain high standards of personal conduct.
Ranked by Money Magazine in 2015, 2013, 2011, and 2007 as one of America’s Best Places to Live, the City of La Palma is a 1.9 square mile general law city in northwest Orange County, consisting of over 15,581 residents and approximately 300 commercial and industrial businesses. The City was incorporated in 1955 under the name of Dairyland and has 53 full-time and 35 part-time employees.