After announcing her retirement in September, Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Santa Clarita field deputy was recognized by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday after over a decade of working side-by-side with the community and residents.

“This is going to be a hard one,” said Barger, who represents Santa Clarita as part of the fifth district. “I asked if I could change her mind. She said no.”

During her speech, Barger recognized that Rosalind Wayman was an advocate for her community even before working in an official capacity for the fifth district.

Before becoming the Santa Clarita field deputy for the district, Wayman served the City of Los Angeles for 14 years and became the first general manager for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.

“Her career in public service then brought her to the LA County’s fifth district in 2007, where we have been honored to have her as our senior field deputy ever since,” said Barger.

Having grown up in the Santa Clarita Valley, Wayman has seen the valley grow and flourish while still keeping the same spirit of the community alive, according to Barger.

Related: Supervisor Barger Names Top 5th District Staff Positions

“She really understands the needs and wants of the Santa Clarita residents, keeping her eyes open for better ways to better serve constituents,” added Barger. “She always had a knack for lending a listening ear to everyone’s concerns and then finding creative and community-oriented solutions.”

As she concludes her county career, Wayman is set to finish off her tutelage with a project close to her heart.

Wayman is currently helping with the planning process to get an emergency evacuation center for large animals at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

“Her love of animals has really stayed with her throughout her entire life,” said Barger. “Rosalind grew up with horses and competed in jumper events and took polo lessons.”

In recent years, Wayman participated in the book-reading events at the Castaic Animal Care Center — a program that allows young people to improve their reading skills by reading to shelter dogs.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with LA County and I appreciate everything you’ve done for us,” said Wayman. “Everything we do and all the successes we have are because of the partnership we have with departments and making things work.”

Wayman plans to retire effective Oct. 31, handing the reins off to Stephanie English, Barger’s current justice deputy.

English has had experience partnering with Santa Clarita residents in the past, working as a community services liaison for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

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