SANTA MONICA—The results are in for the 2016 “Woman of the Year.” Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) announced that Elaine Polachek, a long-time administrator with the city of Santa Monica, will be honored with the award and represent the 50th Assembly District. Polachek will share the main stage with 77 other women from around the state of California selected by their Assembly representatives in a ceremony held on the Assembly Floor of the Sate Capitol on Monday, March 14.
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Woman of the Year event hosted at the State Capitol. The event began in 1987 to celebrate women and the contributions they have made to the state of California. The event is sponsored and organized by the Legislative Women’s Caucus.
Assemblymember Bloom said, “Ms. Polachek demonstrates the intelligence, integrity, and resolve that we all look for in a public servant. But more than that, as a woman in the city leadership, she has been a trailblazer in what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession. She is an inspiration for women of all ages as our society continues to break down barriers and inequalities.”
“I’m deeply touched by Assemblymember Bloom’s invitation to represent the 50th District as Woman of the Year,” said Elaine Polachek. “It’s been an honor to serve the community of Santa Monica for 27 years and receiving this acknowledgment with the other distinguished women being recognized, is a hallmark in my career.”
Polachek previously served as the Deputy Manager, Director of Community Maintenance, and Open Space Manager with the city of Santa Monica. She also played a key role in the redevelopment of the Santa Monica Pier from 1984 to 1995 while she was the Operations Manager for the Pier Restoration Corporation.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California-Los Angeles and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
She currently resides in West Hollywood and serves as the Assistant Manager for the city of Santa Monica. She supervises 11 city departments and leads the city’s economic development plans. Polachek works directly with representing the residents to businesses such as the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Santa Monica Inc. and the Pier Corporation. Her extensive background and experience have allowed her to be successful in this role.
To learn more about the Woman of the Year Event and information about the California Legislative Woman’s Caucus you can visit http://womenscaucus.legislature.ca.gov.
