SACRAMENTO >> In recognition of Women’s History Month, Senator Mike McGuire has chosen Carol Huchingson and six other women from throughout Northern California as Women of the Year, for their dedication, hard work and extraordinary accomplishments throughout Northern California.
Huchingson started with the County of Lake in June 1993. She served as the county’s Director of Social Services (DSS) during many tough years when staffing and budgets were especially tight in Lake County. Then when last year’s fires tore through Lake County, she stepped up and had a dual role as the Director of Lake OES and Valley Fire Recovery Coordinator, while at the same time still serving as the county’s DSS director.
McGuire noted that at a time when the county needed a strong, dedicated, organized leader for fire recovery, Huchingson stepped up and led the county through a very difficult past six months. She recently has accepted the position as Lake County’s next CEO, officially taking over as of April 1.
Every March, McGuire celebrates the contributions women have made by recognizing Women’s History Month. It is an opportunity to highlight the significant achievements women have fought to accomplish. Those recognized alongside Huchingson by the Senator are:
Marin: Pat Kendall; Sonoma: Jennielynn Holmes; Mendocino: Janet Pauli; Humboldt: Connie Stewart; Del Norte: Gina Zottola; Trinity: Kelli Gant.
In addition to being named the Lake County Woman of the Year from the Second Senate District, Huchingson is being recognized as the overall North Coast Woman of the Year, largely as a result of her efforts during and after the summer fires.
“She’s now leading the charge with rebuilding local communities,” McGuire said. “Thank you Carol for your commitment to Lake County.”
This year’s national Women’s History Month theme is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service & Government” and this year’s Northern California recipients exemplify that sentiment with unmatched commitment and dedication.
McGuire will be honoring the Women of the Year today at a luncheon in Santa Rosa.
