Public Service Spotlight: Kimberly Romero
Kimberly Romero is an extraordinary Architectural Technician in the Public Works Department whose contributions have been the backbone of San Luis Obispo County's infrastructure development since August 1989. As the only Architectural Technician in the County, Kimberly's role is both pivotal and expansive.
Outside of her professional achievements, Kimberly has a passion for sea glass hunting. She participates in local festivals where her unique finds have won awards.
Kimberly oversees the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a multi-year plan that identifies, prioritizes, and tracks capital projects. These projects, essential for the maintenance, improvement, or construction of facilities, are ranked by priority and scheduled meticulously year by year to meet established engineering standards and specifications. Kimberly's stewardship of the CIP ensures that every project, from the courthouse to the sheriff’s department, is planned and executed with precision.
Beyond managing the CIP, Kimberly is the keeper of facility plans for over 125 county-owned buildings, ranging from the health department to jails. She manages a staggering 12,000 plans and 10,000 project files, including specification books (SPECS), ensuring that every facility meets the highest standards. Her role extends to supporting the County's Energy Coordinator, focusing on solar energy, utilities, and water management.
Kimberly's expertise also supports her division, which handles the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program and the Facility Condition Assessment (FCA). Her diligent work in deferred maintenance ensures that County facilities, from the carpet to the parking lot, are inspected and maintained on a five-year rotating plan. This thorough approach has led to healthier, more efficient facilities and has brought down the County's maintenance index.
Kimberly's journey with the County began in 1989 at the age of 22. Over the years, she has witnessed and adapted to numerous changes, from layoffs to the creation of new divisions. Her resilience and dedication have seen her through various roles, from the mailroom to her current position as an Architectural Technician since 2000.
A testament to her commitment, Kimberly has built numerous programs around her expertise since 2007, when John Diodati created the Facilities Planning Division with her at its core. Kimberly's efforts have been instrumental in implementing the first five-year plan in 2016, ensuring that each year's priorities are budgeted and handed off to the Design Division for completion.
Kimberly's deep connection to the County extends beyond her professional life. She is a part of a three-generation legacy of public servants, with her mother and sisters also having dedicated decades to County service. Her daughter has continued this tradition, serving the County for three years now.
Known affectionately as "Can Do Kim," Kimberly's advice to newer employees is to pay attention to their surroundings and learn from every experience. Her extensive knowledge of the County's infrastructure, accumulated over decades, makes her an invaluable resource. As she approaches retirement, she plans to remain involved, leveraging her experience to ensure a smooth transition.
Outside of her professional achievements, Kimberly has a passion for sea glass hunting. She participates in local festivals, where her unique finds have won awards. Kimberly's creativity shines through in her crafts, from stepping stones to decorative jars filled with sea glass treasures. Her dedication to her hobbies mirrors her commitment to her work – both are pursued with passion and meticulous care.
Kimberly's story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep love for her community. As she plans her retirement, she looks forward to exploring new adventures, from driving Route 66 to continuing her sea glass hunts. Kimberly Romero's legacy in San Luis Obispo County will be felt for generations to come, both through the buildings she helped maintain and the relationships she nurtured throughout her career.
Briana Dickey, Administrative Assistant