CLUB AWARDS
Meet the Best
These are your Employees of the Year, Club Members!
A new program that began at the Club annual luncheon in January celebrates, honors and thanks treasured Club Members … and they’re nominated by fellow Club Members like you.
Meet your 2025 Employees Club of California Employees of the Year. Congratulations to all the very worthy recipients!
Employee of the Year Award
City of Los Angeles
Larna Jordan
Management Analyst
Public Works/Street Lighting
- 17 years of City service
- 9 years of Club Membership
“Larna Jordan is outstanding because she’s very knowledgeable and always works outside of her job description,” a nominator wrote in the application. “She is a very understanding Supervisor.”
Larna began her City service at Airports 17 years ago. She was promoted to Sr. Administrative Clerk in Street Lighting more than 10 years ago.
“Larna has been the greatest supervisor I have ever worked with,” a nominator wrote. “She always challenges me in a great way … to always prepare [me] for all promotions. Not only does she prepare you, she supports you in every aspect. She encourages me to be a better worker and leader.
“We created a family in our department.”
LADWP
Monique Ortiz
Sr. Administrative Clerk
Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power
- 27 years of City service
- 12 years of Club Membership
“Having worked in a male-dominated field, Monique has been promoted twice since arriving at LADWP,” a nominator wrote. “Monique still gets calls and emails from her past [departments] at the LADWP for assistance, even though she is not at that department. She is still willing to help, while still fulfilling her own duties.”
“Monique has taken her past leadership skills to a new level … and made a better working environment by leading by example – motivating and inspiring not just by being a team leader, but doing what’s best for the team.”
“Monique has made a positive impact by volunteering to supervise, having a positive attitude, inspiring others to do the same, mentoring and coaching, embodying the organization’s mission and ethics. She kills with kindness and professionalism with whomever she interacts. She’s a great listener.”
State of California
Porsha Rodgers
Office Service Supervisor
California Dept. of Social Services
- 7 years of State service
- 5 years of Club Membership
“Porsha is a fantastic person, Supervisor, leader,” wrote a nominator. “She has compassion and understanding. [She’s a] great problem solver, and stern when necessary.
“Whenever I have an issue, I can always go to her with any situation. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will find out and get back to me.”
Porsha began her service to the State of California in 2017, and has been with the Dept. of Social Services since 2022.
“When I started, I was taught to do things a certain way,” a nominator wrote. “When Porsha arrived, she showed me very simple ways to do the same thing.”
Retired
Cynthia Billingslea
Customer Service Representative, Retired
Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power
- 30 years of City service
- 25 years of Club Membership
Since her retirement, Cynthia founded the Hey Girlfriend Network, is a nonprofit that provides grassroots assistance to those in need, including but not limited to low-income families, women, underprivileged youths, homeless individuals and human trafficking victims.
Her network “stands as a testament to fostering community empowerment and catalyzing impactful change,” a nominator wrote. “In addition, she has several community events throughout the year for men and women to engage in community, networking, and the promotion of small businesses.”
Cynthia began her civil service career with the LAPD in 1991 as a Property Officer. She retired from the LADWP in 2022.
“Her guiding principle, ‘be the positive change you want to see in others,’ not only inspires but is a call to action for people to actively instigate positivity and transformation within their spheres …. She is firm on the sentiment that if everyone did just one thing to make their local community a better place, it could truly change the world.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ruth Perry
Personnel Officer, Retired
Los Angeles City Employees
Retirement System (LACERS)
- 27 years of City service
- 31 years of Club Membership
Past President, Retired Los Angeles
City Employees, Inc. (RLACEI) – 2019-2024
“Ruth’s impact [on the City of Los Angeles] is monumental,” said Club CEO Robert Larios in introducing Ruth Perry at the Club annual luncheon in January. “Serving as the first Latina and female President of RLACEI, she broke barriers and set a powerful example of inclusion and leadership. Her presidency marked a new chapter for the organization and its commitment to diversity.”
Before her retirement, Ruth had a remarkable career with the City of Los Angeles. Starting as a Clerk Typist in 1991, she was promoted to Sr. Personnel Analyst II and ultimately Personnel Officer for LACERS, retiring in 2018. Her work laid a foundation for fairness, professionalism and excellence.
“Throughout her tenure with RLACEI, Ruth has shown a tireless dedication to serving Retired City employees,” Robert continued. “She championed Retiree benefits, facilitated crucial partnerships, and worked to reform federal laws like the Windfall Elimination Provisions and Government Pensions Offset. She also prioritized fostering community, ensuring retirees felt engaged, informed, and supported at all times.
“Ruth’s legacy is one of strength, advocacy and inspiration.”
President’s Award
Petros Khachatrian
Director of Information Technology
Employees Club of California
The annual President’s Award – one of the Club’s most meaningful and distinguished honors, celebrates a Club employee. The awardee is nominated entirely by Club staff peers.
“Petros, your leadership does more than produce results,” Club CEO Robert Larios said in honoring Petros. “It builds trust, drives collaboration, and fosters an environment where everyone is encouraged to excel. With a remarkable ability to connect with the hearts and minds of the people you work with, you’ve shown an unmatched level of empathy and understanding. Your innovation and pioneering vision have propelled us forward, but it’s your care and encouragement that have inspired us all to grow and thrive.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for this organization. You’ve set a benchmark with your compassion, innovation and dedication that will continue to guide us for years to come.”
