Photo: Fallon visits Bishop's Pumpkin Farm with her husband, Tim, and son, Tristan.
Yuba Water Agency's assistant to the general manager, Fallon Cox, characterizes her position as being the eyes and ears for the agency's general manager, Willie Whittlesey. This includes managing his email inbox and calendar, attending meetings with him and taking notes to assist with project tracking and more. Fallon also works on special projects to assist Yuba Water's directors team, including managing and streamlining the Community Impact Grant and Loan Program, acting as the secretary for the Yuba Applied Research Center, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, and other unique projects as they arise. Scroll to learn more about Fallon, 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 average day involves an initial review of Willie’s calendar. Things can change quickly for him, so I need to make sure I’m in tune with the agenda for the day. I also review his emails and flag items that he needs to act on or needs to read. I will also respond to emails that I am able to, which frees up more time for Willie to take care of the hot items. He is constantly on the go and there are many who need to meet with him in order to accomplish their own project goals, so I prioritize these requests as they come in to find the best time for him and others to meet.
As the day progresses, I focus on my other responsibilities that come with managing Yuba Water's grant and loan program, such as communicating with grantees, drafting grant agreements, developing processes and procedures, coordinating and leading meetings, and most recently, managing a grant tracking web-based tool project.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
My duties are pretty consistent throughout the year with the exception of special projects that come my way. My new appointment as the Secretary of the Yuba Applied Research Center is an example of shifting duties.
Photo: Fallon, Tim and Tristan take a trip to Trinidad, CA.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
I have more than 19 years of professional administrative and technical experience with the State of California, working in various roles including managing the Office of Budgets and the Business Intelligence team and working as a transportation planner at Caltrans District 3.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I first learned about Yuba Water from a friend. I started doing my own research and found out how truly awesome the agency is. The fact that we make a measurable impact in the community that my family lives in is huge in my eyes. I was excited at the prospect of playing a bigger role in uplifting our community, so when the opportunity presented itself, I took a leap of faith and I’m happy I did.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
I love what we do and what we stand for. Elevated quality of life for our community? Yes, please! The culture at Yuba Water is amazing. Management truly cares and constantly strives to keep collaboration and innovation at the forefront. We are supported in our careers and have the ability to seek new paths as they present themselves. I also enjoy the amazing, intelligent people I work with. The team spirit is real and I feel that we encourage one another to always strive to do better.
Tell us an unusual story or experience you’ve had while working for Yuba Water Agency.
I can’t think of anything unusual per say, but a recent memorable experience worth sharing was being able to join a group of fourth graders for a Salmon Expedition on the Yuba River. It was such a cool and educational experience! This is another awesome thing that was made a reality by Yuba Water through a grant to the South Yuba River Citizens League to facilitate this River Education Program for up to 700 Yuba County fourth-grade students.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
I was a psychiatric technician for four years. That was the most meaningful job I’ve ever had. Being able to help those who struggle on a daily basis was hard, but rewarding.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don’t know.
Cooking is my love language. I really enjoy cooking a delicious meal to share with friends and family.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy cooking for people, hitting the gym, gardening and spending time with my family and animals.