Each year, McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD) employees vote for Employee of the Year. This award and recognition was started by Norman Shopay in 2009 and has been continued due to overwhelming staff support.

The Employee of the Year is chosen through a secret ballot by their peers and judged on merit of the employee’s contributions to MCSD.

The Employee of the Year must be a person who has brought about significant positive change, one who eliminates obstacles in achieving District goals and objectives, is resourceful, contributes constructively, innovates, exceeds expectations, inspires others, and proactively identifies and resolves challenges.  The 2023 Employee of the Year Award goes to Kirsten Messmer. 

Kirsten is exemplary in all the qualities listed above. She constantly exhibits a can-do attitude and is always willing to step up and help her co-workers in time of need. In addition to her duties as Recreation Coordinator, Kirsten also serves our community by being heavily involved with the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce. She is a natural leader and the District is fortunate to have her as a member of the workforce.  Her hard work resourcefulness and positive attitude are a great example to everyone who gets to work with her.

Kirsten will hold this distinction for the 2024 calendar year with a new employee of the year crowned at the end of 2024.