Meet Jackie Guevarra
Executive Director, Quality and Productivity Commission
Why did you choose to work for LA County?
The County was not my first choice. I fully expected to end up working for the Internal Revenue Service. For five years while in college, I worked on the Volunteer Income Tax Program, which prepared income taxes for the elderly and low-income people. For two of those years, I was the Co-Director and coordinated the training and preparation of volunteers for the tax season. We worked closely with the IRS. During the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, we were able to continue the program and received an award from the IRS Commissioner. I intended to be an IRS Agent after graduation. However, while taking my Audit class during my Senior year, I volunteered to work registration for the Institute of Internal Auditor’s Annual Conference. The contact was Chuck Porter, Principal Accountant-Auditor, with the Department of Auditor-Controller. At the end of the Conference, he asked me to apply with the County…and the rest is history.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Ask questions, volunteer for special projects, network, and pay it forward. Keep learning, develop an expertise, and be ready for the next opportunity.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful in your career?
I start with the usual reasons (e.g., giving 100% to everything I do, working well with others, developing an expertise, networking, strong communication skills, etc.), but what truly helped me succeed was having inspirational and supportive supervisors and mentors. Their guidance and insight have been invaluable. Whenever I need feedback, they are only a call, text or email away.
What are your success habits?
Continue learning and growing, professionally and personally
Accept challenges as opportunities to create/expand your knowledge and expertise
Don’t be afraid of change—sometimes change is good
Keep an open mind—consider both sides before making a decision
Give credit where credit is due—remember to acknowledge your staff and those who help you get your work done.
Whose career inspires you and why?
I start with the usual reasons (e.g., giving 100% to everything I do, working well with others, developing an expertise, networking, strong communication skills, etc.), but what truly helped me succeed was having inspirational and supportive supervisors and mentors. Their guidance and insight have been invaluable. Whenever I need feedback, they are only a call, text or email away.
What personality trait should every leader have?
A leader possesses many traits including compassion (at the end of the day, we are all human), integrity (people will follow those they trust and who inspire them), accountability (takes responsibility for their and the team’s performance), and optimism (a positive attitude sets the tone and team morale).
What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?
Professionally, leaving CSUN for the County was a very tough choice. I have been a grateful County employee for nearly 25 years!
How do you push through your worst times?
Stay positive in good times and bad. Work through the hard times as opportunities for growth and development. Create a strong support system (friends, family, colleagues, mentors). Have faith in your abilities to get the job done—and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk/vent to others—find an outlet to unburden your troubles and challenges.
What mistakes have you made along the way? If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Mistakes are a fact of life and they happen every day—all with varying consequences. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and reset. Once, I did not speak up in support of a colleague, a mistake I regret to this day.
In light of the rise in AAPI hate crimes that are occurring in our community, what are some actions our community can do as a response?
Encourage the AAPI community to report acts of hate. In partnership with LA County’s Human Relations Commission and the DMH, 211 LA hosts a hotline for individuals who have been victims or witnesses to acts of bullying or incidents motivated by hate or discrimination to connect with services. Report a hate incident at: ww.211la.org/la-vs-hate.
What is the best advice you can give LACAAEA and its membership?
Join, be active, participate, network.
Jackie began her County career in 1997. She joined the Department of Auditor-Controller’s Audit Division as an Accountant-Auditor. By 2000, she was planning and leading audits of County departments and programs as a Principal Accountant-Auditor. Her primary clients were the Department of Health Services and Treasurer and Tax Collector. Jackie also served as part of the Special Projects Division (Red Team) and worked on various projects with the Chief Executive Office. After almost fourteen years with the Audit Division, she joined the Accounting Division. She was primarily responsible for coordinating the compilation of the County’s audited financial statements (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and supervised the Financial Analysis/Property Tax, Special Funds/Warrants, and Budget/Publications Sections. She also coordinated the countywide Fiscal Forum training and lead the Accounting Division’s Mentor/Mentee program.
In 2018, she joined the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors as the Executive Director of the Quality and Productivity Commission (QPC). The Commission was formed to promote innovation, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of County services. She manages the day-to-day operations of the Commission, works with seventeen Commissioners on various programs/events (e.g., Leadership Conference, Productivity and Quality Awards, Department Visits), and manages the Productivity Investment Fund.
Jackie has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from CSUN. Jackie is also a Certified Public Accountant.
