Recreation Coordinator Emily Pulaski is latest to receive City Manager Leadership Award

Interim City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly presented Recreation Coordinator Emily Pulaski with the City Manager Leadership Award for the month of September.

“Emily is the definition of a team player, collaborative, dependable, and always willing to go above and beyond,” Gallardo-Daly said. “She consistently brings positivity, creativity, and professionalism to every interaction, building strong relationships and ensuring the best possible experience for all. I am so pleased to present her with this award.”

Emily plays a vital role in coordinating athletic field reservations for both the City of Costa Mesa and Newport-Mesa Unified School District through the Joint Use Agreement. These fields host a wide variety of sports, including soccer, tackle and flag football, rugby, baseball, softball, and more.

She also leads the City’s team of Field Ambassadors, who monitor field use, regulate lighting, open and close facilities, audit residency requirements, and help resolve disputes in accordance with the City’s Field Use and Allocation Policy.

In addition, Emily oversees the City’s Adult Sports Program, which provides year-round recreational leagues for the community. She coordinates the adult basketball league at the Downtown Recreation Center, along with adult and senior softball leagues at the TeWinkle Park Athletic Complex.

These programs, offered in partnership with Major League Softball, showcase Emily’s ability to collaborate effectively with contractors and community partners to expand recreational opportunities.

Emily is supported by her dedicated team of Ambassadors, who not only assist with athletic fields but also play an important role in monitoring parks, supporting open-access public sites, and helping with Citywide special events throughout the year.

Emily’s journey with the City of Costa Mesa began in February 2009 as a part-time Recreation Leader II in the Teen Program. She later worked in the ROCKS and Camp Programs, steadily advancing to Recreation Leader III in 2012, Recreation Leader IV in 2014, Recreation Specialist in 2019, and finally, a full-time Recreation Coordinator in 2021.

At every stage of her career, Emily has demonstrated pride, dedication, and heart in serving the community.

Emily is a proud Costa Mesa native, a graduate of Costa Mesa High School, and received her Associates degree from Orange Coast College. Her local roots make her service to the community especially meaningful.