Photo: Mandy takes a photo overlooking Los Angeles from the Getty Museum.
Yuba Water Agency's clerk of the board/administrative analyst, Mandy Nix, is responsible for moderating all of the agency's public board meetings, which involves ensuring that Yuba Water is compliant with all laws and regulations related to the Brown Act, drafting meeting materials and taking minutes and more. Scroll to learn more about Mandy, her background and what she enjoys in her free time.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
My daily responsibilities primarily focus on board meeting deadlines and ensuring compliance with the Brown Act. This includes editing and drafting staff reports, tracking agenda items, publishing agendas, preparing board resolutions and drafting meeting minutes. Additionally, I manage Form 700 filings (statements of economic interest for elected officials and public employees), respond to and research public records act requests and provide administrative support to our executive team.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
My career journey started in wellness and the private sector, where I developed a love of having a positive impact in people’s lives. Transitioning to the public sector seemed like the next logical step and it allowed me to use my experience and skills to support the community on a larger scale, first at Yuba County and now here at Yuba Water. Serving the community I’ve known since childhood brings me an immense sense of pride and purpose. Witnessing the tangible impact Yuba Water has on the future generations of Yuba County residents is truly fulfilling and knowing that my contributions make a difference in the lives of others makes the work rewarding.
Photo: Mandy snaps a selfie in front of the world-famous Stonehenge.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
Prior to my career in the public sector, I was the office manager of a chiropractic practice, which ignited my passion for wellness and holistic healing and has remained a cornerstone of my personal life.
That career path took me to work for Yuba County where I had various roles, including admin technician in the Health and Human Services Department, executive assistant to the county administrator and admin analyst for Public Works prior to joining Yuba Water.
Additionally, I am a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and teach yoga part-time. My educational background includes associate degrees in general education and accounting from Yuba College and a bachelor of science degree in management from the University of Phoenix.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
I was born and raised in Browns Valley and went to Browns Valley Elementary School, Foothill Intermediate School and graduated from Marysville High School, so I am deeply connected to my hometown. I find it incredibly inspiring to witness the impact that Yuba Water has on our community. Our grant program, in particular, brings me immense joy. Knowing that this year, almost every fourth-grade class in Yuba County was able to embark on a Salmon Expedition field trip through our grants fills me with pride. These experiences are forming core memories for the students, instilling in them a sense of belonging and pride in their Yuba County roots.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don’t know.
For almost two decades, I’ve been practicing yoga. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to pursue my 200-hour yoga teacher training certification, initially with no intention of teaching. However, as part of the certification process I had to teach a one-hour yoga class and that experience really inspired me to continue teaching. I now teach yoga part-time and have plans to teach more once I retire from my day job.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
My close friend, Leanne Marshall, is a fashion designer and the season 5 winner of the reality competition show Project Runway. Before she hit it big, I used to help her sell her designs at local events in the Sacramento region. I’ve also had the unique opportunity to work backstage at some of her fashion shows in New York City, which included steaming and ironing clothes, helping models get ready and other behind-the-scenes duties.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Exploring new places, sampling different cuisines, hiking scenic trails, immersing myself in museum exhibits, attending live concerts and cherishing moments with loved ones are all activities that bring me joy. Among them, traveling holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting five countries and am planning to add Spain and France to the list this fall.