City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison presented Human Resources Analyst Ruth Wang with the City Manager Leadership Award Winner for the month of September.

Wang is a valued member of the Human Resources Division, and during the pandemic, Wang navigated the City’s contact tracing program when employees tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Wang accepted this additional responsibility without hesitation while continuing to manage her regular Human Resources duties.

“This past year has been especially hard for our human resources team as we dealt with an unprecedented pandemic while still needing to recruit for new employees and deal with a wave of retirements,” Farrell Harrison said. “Through it all, Ruth has remained steady and professional and we are so lucky to have her on our team. Congrats to her on this well-deserved honor.”

She successfully manages these stressful situations for the employee with care, sensitivity and professionalism. Wang along with the rest of the City’s contact tracing team have made over 600 contacts.

In addition to this added work load, Wang is the primary recruiter for the Development Services and Fire Departments and has a great working relationship with both departments. She has processed over 150 candidates and conducted over 60 recruitments.

Wang is also responsible for claims administration and coordinating the City’s monthly Meet and Greet events and the annual Employee Service Awards. Wang’s creative ideas and themes for these events, and her attention to detail contribute to the success of these events.

Wang is recognized for her exceptional customer service, always cheery disposition and for being the ultimate team player. She never hesitates to offer her assistance to her fellow HR staff members and also to other Departments when needed.

She joined the City of Costa Mesa as a part-time Human Resources Technician in 2013, was promoted to Human Resources Analyst in 2014, and became a full-time staff member later the same year.

Prior to joining Costa Mesa, Wang worked in varying personnel positions at several local municipalities including the cities of Fullerton, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo and Tustin. Wang also previously worked as a wedding planner.

Wang received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of LaVerne.