San Rafael Man Named 'Volunteer of the Year' by Marin County

PHOTO: Stephen Sarhad of San Rafael was honored as Marin County Civic Center Volunteer of the Year during the April 19 Board of Supervisors meeting. CREDIT: County of Marin.

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The following was submitted for publication by the County of Marin:

San Rafael, CA - The Marin County Board of Supervisors recognized three outstanding participants in the County of Marin’s Civic Center Volunteers (CCV) program who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism in a county program that engages more than 7,700 volunteers and interns a year.

At the April 19 Board meeting, the Supervisors commended CCV 2015-2016 Volunteer of the Year Stephen Sarhad of San Rafael, Student Intern of the Year Spencer Robert of Mill Valley, and Outstanding Staff Supervisor of Volunteers Pedro Oliveros of the Marin County Public Defender’s Office.

The Board also proclaimed April as Volunteer Month in Marin County.

Sarhad is a database expert who consults with the departments of Human Resources, Health and Human Services, and Information Services and Technology. He also volunteers with the Sheriff’s Office on the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service team and recently agreed to add a fifth county role, station keeper, in which he will help maintain “ham” radio equipment for the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.

Sarhad joined CCV in 2010 after retiring from the Bank of America. His attention to detail and analytical abilities enhance his varied assignments, which include Children’s Oral Health Program technical support consultant, web developer, and database consultant. An award-winning photographer, he alsovolunteers to take photos at county events.

Robert, a graduate student, has been an emergency management intern with the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services since 2011. Sheriff’s Office staff members who work with him appreciate his accuracy, reliability, and work ethic. His many accomplishments as an intern include development and approval of a unit insignia, research and revision of the Marin County Building Evacuation Plan, and analysis and redesign of the Auxiliary Communications Protocol.

Oliveros, a Deputy Public Defender, is the 2015-2016 Outstanding Staff Supervisor of Volunteers. A Marin resident and attorney, he has recruited, trained, and mentored legal interns in the Public Defender’s Office for more than 10 years and been an employee since 1988. Paid staff members are integral to the CCV program, which requires volunteers and interns to have a staff supervisor who supports assignments. Oliveros noted that his department’s interns are able to participate in jury trials, giving them valuable courtroom experience. Many of his former interns have gone on to successful legal careers, including one who is now a judge.

“Steve, Spencer, and Pedro embody the ideals of volunteerism,” said Anne Starr, Coordinator of Volunteers for the County’s Department of Human Resources. “They willingly use their skills and passion to serve others – and our whole community benefits.”

Student Internships Coordinator Joy Fossett said, “This year’s honorees truly invest themselves in their work. The County of Marin is incredibly fortunate to have them on our team.”

A valuable program for 37 years, CCV links local government with its people by involving residents directly in County work. Volunteer and student intern efforts augment and extend the work of paid staff, allowing more service to residents than would otherwise be possible.

CCV has the following opportunities available: Marin Civic Center tour docent, bilingual receptionist, scotch and french “broom buster” invasive plant puller, helpdesk technician internship, administrative aide, patient advocate for Project Independence, library book shelver, senior peer counselor, Marin County Law Library aide, open space steward, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), social media communications internship, and Student in Parks high school community service program, among others. Sometimes an assignment may be custom-designed based on an applicant’s interests and skills.

Details and applications for CCV participation are available online or by calling CCV office at 415-473-7407.