Photo: Krystal and her daughter, Zelda, visit Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland.
Yuba Water Agency's administrative assistant, Krystal Shaw, is part of the team that plays a huge part in ensuring our day-to-day operations run efficiently and smoothly. This includes organizing meetings, managing schedules, handling phone calls and more. Scroll to learn more about Krystal, her background and what she enjoys in her free time.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
I was born in Yuba City and grew up in Yuba County until I was 5 and then moved Tracy, which is where I graduated high school. After that, I attended and graduated from Blake Austin Beauty Academy in Vacaville. Shortly after graduating, I moved back to Yuba County to be closer to my grandmother and family, working in the banking, administrative and clerical fields for more than 10 years before coming to Yuba Water.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I previously worked for Tri Counties Bank in Marysville right after my daughter was born and fell in love with the people of Yuba County. After gaining more experience, I eventually moved to U.S. Bank in Lincoln as a universal banker. Then COVID-19 hit, which made me think more about what I wanted to do as a career, knowing that I always wanted to start my own business. So, I took a leap of faith and started my own cleaning company. The business was doing great, but I really missed interacting with people, so I took on another job working for Local Property Management as their front desk coordinator and accounts payable specialist. I gained a lot of skills and experience from them, but eventually moved on from there to focus on helping my sick grandma. I found that I am a great caretaker/helper, so my current career path is perfect for me.
Photo: Krystal spends a chilly morning fishing at New Bullards Bar Reservoir.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
My typical day involves managing schedules, handling communications, organizing meetings and supporting the agency and all the different teams with various administrative tasks. I also help with managing travel arrangements, processing paperwork and maintaining office supplies.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
It's absolutely the people I work with. I learn so much every day. Our teams are so incredibly smart and care so much about ensuring that the community and environment stay safe and that they thrive. I love how much we give back to the community.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don't know.
I absolutely LOVE me some Jesus. A lot of people ask me how or why I am so positive at work and that’s why. He always brings me joy in my heart no matter what I might be going through.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am mostly a homebody and love spending time with my daughter, Zelda Rose, and our two adorable cats, Angel and Thumper. I also enjoy watching a good show, so right now I am watching Fire Country. I enjoy going to visit family, whether that’s a small barbeque at my aunt and uncle's (he makes the best Tri-Tip) or having my brother and nephews come up for the weekend. I also love a good trip to nature of any kind, whether that’s a trip to the ocean or the lake to fish!