Introduction to Pacific Grove
PG has been Cynthia and Mark Garfield’s home since 2002, although work realities have required them to be week-day commuters for a time. They have been full-time residents since retiring in 2015. Cynthia’s and Mark’s experiences in other communities (including La Jolla, Madison, Tucson, Austin and San Francisco) made it clear what they wanted in a permanent home and that is why they chose Pacific Grove as the best possible place to live.
Educational and Professional Background
Cynthia holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona and a MSSW in Social Work Administration from the University of Wisconsin. These degrees have supported a career path that includes both business and public service. As a manager, she has experience in reducing costs, instituting best practices and improving quality. As an executive and director she knows the importance of clear goals and effective planning to achieve successful outcomes.
As a meeting facilitator and mediator, she has proven her ability to bring people together to find common ground and achieve effective solutions. In all her work – whether developing strategic plans or evaluating program outcomes – she is committed to clear thinking, transparent processes and collaborative outcomes. Her professional work and education have enabled her to deal effectively with diverse interests, concerns and priorities.
Cynthia has served on the faculty at the University of Texas, teaching Management and Strategy courses. She also taught a course in Business Communications at CSUMB and was the Director of Academics at Heald College in Salinas.
Volunteerism and Community Involvement
Pacific Grove has been a welcoming community for the Garfields. In addition to enjoying golf, hiking, book club and music events, the Garfields have been able to participate in a variety of activities. Cynthia’s community interests and commitments include:
· President of the Pacific Grove Public Library Foundation
· Board Member for Point Lobos Foundation
· Seasonal Guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
· PG Public Works Volunteer for Perkins Park
· Member, Friends of the Library
· Member, Friends of Hopkins Marine Station
· Member of the Natural History Museum
· Member, Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce
Why City Council?
Pacific Grove is a city where many people make a difference by contributing their work, time and talents and it is through her volunteer work that Cynthia has seen the importance of effective city government. While advocating for the Library, she has seen the critical role that City Council plays in setting policy and direction for PG government. During her 14 years in PG she has gained perspective on a number of divisive, sensitive issues, some of which are settled and some of which continue. All of these issues can best be solved with the kind of collaborative work, clear goals and consistent follow-through that Cynthia has championed in her professional and volunteer work. Cynthia’s experience, education and personal skills prepare her to make a difference in city government.
PG has been Cynthia and Mark Garfield’s home since 2002, although work realities have required them to be week-day commuters for a time. They have been full-time residents since retiring in 2015. Cynthia’s and Mark’s experiences in other communities (including La Jolla, Madison, Tucson, Austin and San Francisco) made it clear what they wanted in a permanent home and that is why they chose Pacific Grove as the best possible place to live.
Educational and Professional Background
Cynthia holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona and a MSSW in Social Work Administration from the University of Wisconsin. These degrees have supported a career path that includes both business and public service. As a manager, she has experience in reducing costs, instituting best practices and improving quality. As an executive and director she knows the importance of clear goals and effective planning to achieve successful outcomes.
As a meeting facilitator and mediator, she has proven her ability to bring people together to find common ground and achieve effective solutions. In all her work – whether developing strategic plans or evaluating program outcomes – she is committed to clear thinking, transparent processes and collaborative outcomes. Her professional work and education have enabled her to deal effectively with diverse interests, concerns and priorities.
Cynthia has served on the faculty at the University of Texas, teaching Management and Strategy courses. She also taught a course in Business Communications at CSUMB and was the Director of Academics at Heald College in Salinas.
Volunteerism and Community Involvement
Pacific Grove has been a welcoming community for the Garfields. In addition to enjoying golf, hiking, book club and music events, the Garfields have been able to participate in a variety of activities. Cynthia’s community interests and commitments include:
· President of the Pacific Grove Public Library Foundation
· Board Member for Point Lobos Foundation
· Seasonal Guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
· PG Public Works Volunteer for Perkins Park
· Member, Friends of the Library
· Member, Friends of Hopkins Marine Station
· Member of the Natural History Museum
· Member, Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce
Why City Council?
Pacific Grove is a city where many people make a difference by contributing their work, time and talents and it is through her volunteer work that Cynthia has seen the importance of effective city government. While advocating for the Library, she has seen the critical role that City Council plays in setting policy and direction for PG government. During her 14 years in PG she has gained perspective on a number of divisive, sensitive issues, some of which are settled and some of which continue. All of these issues can best be solved with the kind of collaborative work, clear goals and consistent follow-through that Cynthia has championed in her professional and volunteer work. Cynthia’s experience, education and personal skills prepare her to make a difference in city government.
