Brenda Dye worked for SLO County for 38 years and Laurie Salo celebrates 28 years of service 

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Two San Luis Obispo County staff members were recognized at the Tuesday, Dec. 5, board meeting for their retirement from the county after serving for over two decades.

After 38 years of service, Brenda Dye officially retired from the county. Beginning her career as an intermediate typist clerk she rose and ended her career as the assessment manager. The resolution presented at the board meeting commended Dye for embodying the highest standards of dedication and professionalism in public service, particularly in fiscal and office administration, management, and exceptional service delivery.

Dye was described by her colleagues as a leader who prioritized training, encouragement, mentoring, and advocacy for each member of her staff. Her leadership style was characterized by a consistent and caring approach, founded on the belief that every employee possesses the capacity to be knowledgeable, respectful, and helpful when serving the public.

Dye’s positive impact extends beyond her immediate department, as she is recognized for fostering cooperation among various county departments, promoting efficiency, and approaching challenges with a spirit of mutual respect to “get the job done.”

“She will be sorely missed,” said SLO County Assessor Tom Bordonaro. “She will never be replaced. And because of her unique ability to get the job done in a fair way and equitable way.” 

After hearing kind words from her colleagues, Dye kept it short and sweet, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Supervisor Debbie Arnold said, “I want to wish you again a wonderful retirement.”

Laurie Salo was recognized for her 28 years of working for the county. Salo began her tenure with the county in 1994 as a senior typist clerk and became an environmental health specialist in 1995. She worked her way to becoming a supervising environmental health specialist in 2007 where she remained for the next 16 years.

In her role with the county, Salo conducted inspections spanning food, pools, body art, water well construction, and disaster preparedness. She authored policies aligning the county with FDA standards for assessing food facility risks and spearheaded the transition of consumer protection inspections to an online platform for public accessibility.

Her contributions extended to vital health programs, with Salo enhancing the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention initiative and earning the title of Registered Environmental Health Specialist of the Year for the State of California in 2020. Post-award, Salo was a key member of the COVID-19 response team, supervising contact investigators during the pandemic.

Beyond her professional achievements, Salo was a decorated college softball player, having been inducted into the UC Davis Athletics Hall of Fame and her hometown Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame. She is an avid fisherwoman, sharing her passion by bringing in sizable catches for her coworkers.

In recognition of Salo’s service and positive impact, the Board of Supervisors expressed appreciation and commended her, wishing her a retirement filled with health, happiness, pickleball, fishing, gardening, and travel.

“I am grateful to have been a part of that and work with a bunch of amazing, caring people,” said Salo regarding her time working on the COVID-19 response team.

The next San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m.