PacCom officially has a permanent director
Published 7:09 am Tuesday, November 12, 2024
- Caitlyn Ochoa
SOUTH BEND — The title of interim director for Cait Ochoa at the Pacific County 911 Dispatch Center (PacCom) has officially changed. After being impressed with her work ethic, the agency’s oversight board voted on Nov. 8 to make her the permanent director.
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PacCom had been without a permanent director since Ed Heffernen retired on June 30, and the PacCom Administrative Board opened the position for applicants. The board previously offered the position to David Houseberg, a corporal at the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office. He bowed out at the last minute, sending the board scrambling to fill the spot temporarily.
Ochoa has been with the agency for nearly nine years and has worked in every role, including as a dispatcher and the agency’s secretary. She missed the final cut of three during the first round of interviews, which ended with Houseberg being selected.
Ochoa has since headed the agency as interim director and was told by board members they wanted to see what she could do. She has sought to build bridges with law enforcement and emergency service agencies since then, making it a point to get their feedback.
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“Ms. Ochoa has really stepped up and done a wonderful job as PacCom’s interim director,” county commissioner David Tobin said. “She has great, creative ideas and has proven to be a strong decision maker. I am confident that she will continue to do a fantastic job leading this important organization in the service of our citizens. I am in full support of this decision.”
The board and agencies are not the only ones impressed with Ochoa. Her colleagues are ecstatic that she was selected.
“Since joining PacCom as a dispatcher in April 2016, Cait has exceeded expectations,” said Janis Vanderpool, a senior dispatcher. “She consistently took on higher level tasks and could be counted on by her peers and supervisors to do what it takes to get the job done.”
“I am confident that our office is in good hands under her leadership, and I can’t wait to see where she will take us,” Vanderpool added.
The Pacific County General Administration and county commission are also impressed with Ochoa. She has completed several large tasks in her four months as interim director, including the PacCom 2025 preliminary budget.
“I am happy to say that she has been doing a great job to this point,” said Paul Plakinger, the county’s chief administrative officer, who was also on the hiring committee. “She has been present and responsive. She has reached out to the stakeholders and been really impressive so far in the work that she has done.”
“She had a great budget presentation in the budget workshop with the [county commissioners]. She has been really prepared. I have just been happy with the work she has done in the interim period and felt that she deserved a shot based on the quality of the work that she has performed to this point. I have had really good feedback from the various cities,” Plakinger said.
Ochoa has remained modest about the appointment and is ready to lead the agency in a positive direction, serving the citizens of Pacific County.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the PacCom director,” Ochoa said. This is not just a career for me; it is a passion for serving the people of Pacific County. I am committed to making a positive impact in our community and am excited about the journey ahead.”
“Together with my team, I believe we can achieve significant milestones by working together to enhance the well-being and safety of Pacific County,” she added.