McCallum releases resignation letter as community leaders bid her farewell

Judi McCallum, the longtime El Dorado County employee who served as the assistant to the District 5 Board of Supervisors for 26 years, has shared her official resignation letter with South Tahoe Now.

On March 20, McCallum reached out with a personal letter to friends and the employees of the County as she began her first day of retirement. Here is her resignation letter:

March 27, 2017

El Dorado County Human Resources and Board of Supervisors
330 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667

RE: Formal Resignation

All:

It has been a true honor to serve with you at the County of El Dorado.

Throughout my 26 years as the District V Assistant, at the Board of Supervisors, I have experienced many changes in elected leadership, administration, and department heads; as well as, reorganizations, budgets cuts, reductions in force, union negotiations, employee passages, births, and marriages; and, have celebrated, collaborated and commiserated with our county family.

With gratitude, I resign my position as the District V Assistant as of March 20th, 2017, and take with me all of the kindness and compassion you've shown me throughout the years.

I will think back on my time at El Dorado County with great fondness.

Blessings, Judi McCallum

"I like to claim responsibility for bringing Judi McCallum to Tahoe as I was her first employer at the Lake," said long-time local Greta Hambsch, former owner Accommodation Station. "Through the years, we have remained close friends. Judi brings her special brand of energy and professionalism to all she touches. Her service to the Lake as aide to four District 5 County Supervisors is truly remarkable. As an advocate for our community, she will be missed. I look forward to seeing where her career path next takes her, and hope it will be close. She has my thanks and good wishes."

The Chico State grad stayed with Hambsch and Accommodation Station for over three years. "She lit up the entire office. They were good years," added Greta.

Former Supervisor John Upton hired Judi and brought her on board as his assistant in March, 1991 as he started his eight years on the Board. "She has been a fantastic assistant, not just for me but for four different Supervisors with four different personalities," said Upton.

Judi served under Upton during his two terms in office, then during Dave Solaro's six years as Supervisor, followed by Norma Santiago's nine years. She wrapped her career as the Assistant to the Supervisor last week after two years with Sue Novasel.

"When you look down that hallway, no other office has had the same assistant for this long," said Upton. "Sometimes they change mid-term. Very rare for someone to be of such value as Judi because of her knowledge of the people."

"She is a 'connector' and was incredibly valuable because of that," added Upton. "She had to adapt to new circumstances such as when Area 5 expanded to include Pollock Pines. Serving the public has been important to her. She is honest, too!"

Upton has continued to work with McCallum since he left office with his participation on South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

"She been a tremendous public servant," said Upton. "Never a shortage of interests or energy."