Marcela Piedra is the first female CAO of El Centro, California. As a 20-year veteran of local government, she has moved through a number of departments, including economic development and community services, before moving to the CAO position. With this extensive experience, plus her educational background, Piedra is a well-respected leader and role model. Piedra believes that having had a city manager that “really embraced diversity,” helped her with the confidence to step into the leadership role she now holds. Here are a few other highlights:
- You have to believe in yourself first because if you don’t, how can you expect others to believe in you.
- Remember, you are a role model for every woman in the community and beyond.
- Be open to learning everything you possibly can; you have to be teachable no matter what you do.
- We’re all going to have challenges, it’s the relationships you have built that help you get through the difficult times.
“To have an opportunity to change and impact people’s lives….and an opportunity to work with a group of people dedicated to what they do…how can I not love it?”
About ICMA
ICMA’s vision is to be the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world. We do this by working with our more than 12, 000 members to identify and speed the adoption of leading local government practices to improve the lives of residents. ICMA offers membership, professional development programs, research, publications, data and information, technical assistance, and training to thousands of city, town, and county chief administrative officers, their staffs, and other organizations throughout the world. Find out more about ICMA, and the profession, at our website: http://www.icma.org
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