Camarillo Health Care District CEO Kara Ralston received the General Manager of the Year Award recently from the California Special Districts Association (CSDA).  The award was presented during CSDA's annual conference, where more than 850 trustees and leaders of special districts attended several days of educational and leadership sessions.  Awards were presented to districts and individuals in various areas including exceptional public outreach, leadership and innovations. 

General Manager of the Year Award reflects exemplary character and leadership.  "It is an incredible honor to be selected from among such a revered group of colleagues," says Ralston.  As part of the nomination process, this excerpt from one of her annual reports to the Board was included:

"...I continue to be amazed by this team who has embraced this season of rebuilding.  So many times during this particular year, we have wiped our brow, taken deep breaths, and leaned in ever hard, together.  And in the midst of doing hard things, we have found laughter, camaraderie, and that indescribable feeling of accomplishment resulting from good, hard work."

Descriptions of some of Ralston's accomplishments during the year include:

• Led the District in receiving NCQA accreditation; highest score possible; 3-year certificate
• Led the District in receiving the highest national award for leadership in caregiving programs from Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the Rosalynn Carter Institute

The CSDA association, a 501c(6), not-for-profit group that was formed in 1969 to promote good governance and improved core local services through professional development, advocacy and other services for independent special districts, according to a news release from the organization.