🌟Leadership Spotlight 🌟
Shining a spotlight on Claire Cunningham, Director of the San Mateo County Human Services Agency. Claire has dedicated an impressive 16 years to the County. Her journey began with a deep-rooted interest in systems, particularly governmental ones, which led her to apply for a vacancy in the County Attorney's Office. Claire's passion for public service was clear from the start, and after completing law school and a stint at a San Francisco law firm to pay off student loans, she embarked on her true calling: serving the community through government work.
Claire's daily motivation stems from an intrinsic calling to public service, a drive that has only intensified over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, highlighted her desire to be closer to the front lines of service delivery. Her tenure as the in-house general counsel for the County Office of Education further cemented this desire, teaching her the value of operational insight and the importance of hands-on involvement in leadership roles.
One of Claire’s proudest achievements is her work on school safety, specifically her role as a founder of the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities where she developed the legal framework and MOUs that underpin the Coalition’s work. This initiative embodies her passion for tackling challenging, multifaceted issues through collaboration and innovation.
Claire's leadership philosophy centers around three key principles: people, purpose, and process. She prioritizes hiring and developing compassionate, initiative-driven staff, fostering a supportive and thriving work environment. She also emphasizes the importance of employees staying connected to the core purpose of their work, especially in a demanding field like human services. Lastly, her systems-oriented mindset drives her to continually evaluate and improve processes, ensuring that both staff and clients benefit from increased efficiency.
Outside of work, Claire is a dedicated single parent to two amazing children. Her personal life is filled with reading murder mystery novels, engaging in outdoor activities with her kids like horseback riding and falconry, and enjoying quiet moments with friends and family. Despite her professional achievements, she remains grounded and focused on maintaining a balanced life.
Reflecting on her journey, Claire acknowledges the importance of self-compassion and resilience. She advises aspiring leaders to learn from the examples around them and to embrace the opportunities for growth within the county. For Claire, the most significant County value is the emphasis on partnerships and community, which she sees as the County's greatest strength.
Claire’s message to the world, shaped by her experiences and dedication, is one of connection and collaboration. She believes that by working together, there is no limit to what can be achieved.
#WorkWithPurpose #smcgov