Marcus Pimentel, Assistant Director at the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency has been a CSMFO Member since 1971 and currently serves as CSMFO’s President Elect. In his words, he shares with us his passion for supporting overs, impactful moments in his life, and how you can advance your career with a few simple yes’s.

1. What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show and why?

Warning. I’m going off script. Somewhere around 9pm on Monday night with my parents I had the best TV experience of my life. Yes, it was Game 5 night when the Giants won their first World Series in San Francisco. But it was the 7th inning that was the moment. A nearly retired SF Giants shortstop who was the hero of the Florida Marlins winning their first ever World Series in 1997 came to the plate with two on and two outs against one of the most dominant pictures of that time, Cliff Lee (Texas Rangers). After hitting only two home runs the entire season, Edgar Renteria hit a 3-run jimmy jack that just cleared the fence and put the Giants ahead 3-0 in what became the deciding Game 5. But it was the radio call of the Giants Broadcaster Dave Flemming that perfectly reflected that improbable moment as his own voice broke (think Peter Brady’s voice cracking). I will never forget that moment, that call, and who I was with.

2. How has a previous or current mentor impacted your career?

Amongst many names that influenced me like Richard Standridge, Don Rhoads, Fran David, Tina Reza, Margaret Moggia, Don Maruska, or Joanne Rennie, it was Deanna Musler who had the biggest impact on my career. I still hold onto the lessons I learned from watching Deanna Musler approach her job as the legal aid to the City of Capitola’s City Attorney. She showed me how to always bring professionalism and kindness to your work, how to plan ahead and anticipate issues, and perhaps more importantly how to treat everyone all the time with respect and to really care about those you work with.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Giving back to the community that gave me my education, my first job, my first date, the meeting place where I met my wife, and so many amazing child and recent memories.

4. Knowing what you know now, if you were new to government finance what would you do differently when you started your career?

I would have been more involved in professional associations like CSMFO. Also, I would not have volunteered to come in on a Saturday with the Assistant Public Works director to remodel offices in City Hall (and while it all worked out, it was a little too risky).

5. How do you motivate staff and yourself?

By showing them in words and actions that I care about them, that I will do what I say I will do, and will advocate continually to provide them the resources and support they need to leverage their strengths or find new opportunities. I’ve had to also learn to purposefully let my guard down and let a little of my personal “silly” side out and have some fun in different and unexpected ways.

6. How do you keep up to date with upcoming regulations?

Follow closely the professional associations like League of California Cities, volunteer on committees, and read Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee. But never forget to rely on your peers around you.

7. What has been the most challenging time in your finance career and how did you overcome it?

These last 6 months have risen to the top of my and almost everyone’s most challenging times. Like most challenges, you navigate through it by being more strategic in your actions, by keeping the long-game in mind, by leaning into your team more, and keeping your personal network and healthy life habits in place no matter how busy you get.

8. What is something about you that no one would ever guess or expect? Such as I played in a minor league baseball team, I play three instruments….

I fall really well. A few years ago, I got into Mountain Bike riding and discovered this hidden talent.

9. What advice do you have for a CSMFO member on getting more involved with the organization?

Join a committee, any committee. They are an amazing way to grow a new skill, enhance your team skills, while building up an incredible and sharing professional network of friends.