To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Presentation & Proclamation recognizing Kathy Marsh as she retires.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution recognizing Kathy Marsh, Director of Children & Family Services, on her retirement after 30 years of employment in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
BACKGROUND:
Kathy Marsh, Children & Family Services (CFS) Director at the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), is retiring after 30 years. She has spent her entire child welfare career dedicated to protecting, serving, and supporting children, youth, and families in Contra Costa County.
Kathy began as a Temp Social Worker in the Screening (Hotline) Unit, then served as a Social Worker in Continuing Services, Licensing and Adoption Home Finding, and Placement/Emergency Shelter Care. She also worked as a Program Analyst for Child Welfare Redesign Implementation.
In 2016, after 22 years of serving throughout the CFS Bureau, Kathy was promoted to CFS Director. She served as Interim EHSD Director during a transition in leadership.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF recognizing Kathy Marsh, Director of Children & Family Services, on her retirement after 30 years of employment in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
WHEREAS, Kathy Marsh, Director of Children & Family Services (CFS) at Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), is retiring in March 2024 from her life’s work of supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable in our community; and
WHEREAS, during her 30 years dedicated to protecting, serving, and supporting children, youth, and families in Contra Costa County, Kathy was instrumental in developing Children & Family Services programs; and
WHEREAS, Kathy began her child welfare career as a temp social worker in the Screening/Child Protective Services hotline unit, moved on to staff positions in Continuing Services, Licensing, and Adoptions, and later promoted to analyst, supervisor, and division manager roles for Home Finding, Placements, and the Independent Living Services Program; and
WHEREAS, after 22 years, Kathy became the Children and Family Services Bureau Director leading Contra Costa County’s exceptional child welfare program, served on the EHSD Executive Team, and stepped in as Interim EHSD Director in 2022 during a transition in leadership; and
WHEREAS, Kathy has inspired her colleagues at EHSD and throughout the County, providing encouragement, support, and resources for them to achieve their goals; and
WHEREAS, Kathy helped transform Contra Costa County’s child welfare system from mandated reporting to community supporting through her leadership and collaboration with the CFS team, EHSD community partners, County leaders, our courts, and state agencies; and
WHEREAS, throughout Kathy’s staff and leadership roles, Children & Family Services decreased the number of children and youth in out-of-home care from 2,245 in October 1998 to 529 in October 2023; decreased the rate of children in care from 8.7 per 1000 in July 2000 to 2.3 per 1000 in July 2023; and decreased the rate of recurrence of maltreatment within 24 months from 14.6% in October 1999 to 11.0% in November 2023.
WHEREAS in 2023-2024, Kathy and the CFS team collaborated with several County and community partners to develop our Families First Prevention Service Act (FFPSA) Plan which will continue and expand our collective focus on family supporting prevention services; and
WHEREAS, Kathy leaves a legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication to ensuring our community members have access to resources that support, protect, and empower them to achieve self-sufficiency; and
WHEREAS, Kathy’s many contributions during her time at EHSD include her wealth of knowledge, thoughtful leadership, kind demeanor, and genuine commitment to the people she has served.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that Kathy Marsh is recognized for her 30 years of dedicated service to Contra Costa County, with immense gratitude for her valuable contributions throughout her career.