Cesilia Leon
Atwater
Summary
I am a seasoned public sector executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership in human services specializing in eligibility program administration including CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal. Proven ability to lead large, complex operations, manage program resources, and implement strategic initiatives that improve access, compliance and service delivery. Experienced in workforce development, budget oversight, disaster response planning, and cross-sector partnerships. Proven record for building high-performing teams and driving solution-focused initiatives to meet evolving community needs and program updates.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director - Family Services Branch
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced
04.2022 - Current
- Provide executive oversight for major public assistance programs including CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal
- Led strategic planning and policy implementation to improve operational performance across multiple service areas
- Analyze workload trends and forecast staffing and resource needs to ensure service delivery and compliance targets are met
- Support and advise management staff on personnel-related matters, including performance management and organizational needs
- Assist with recruitment and retention strategies to attract and maintain a qualified workforce
- Represent the County at regional and state level meetings, collaborating with partner agencies and community-based organizations
- Oversee disaster response operating functions related to mass care and shelter operations
- Guided management team in developing and implementing new work models to adapt to evolving program and workforce demands
- Direct support to management staff to ensure program compliance, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives to streamline program access and enhance customer service outcomes
Program Manager
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced
03.2017 - 03.2022
- Managed multiple public assistance programs including CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Foster Care, General Assistance, Aid to adoptions, and Covered California call center operations
- Led cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while meeting performance metrics
- Directed special projects including, securing Health Navigator funding through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
- Implemented and supervised community outreach team providing Medi-Cal navigation and health care access support, enhancing service delivery.
- Established partnerships with educational institutions, including UC Merced and Merced College, to connect eligible students with CalFresh services, increasing program reach.
- Improved program access and engagement through community collaboration and targeted outreach
- Led team of supervisors in creating guide for quality assurance reviews, standardizing processes and improving review consistency.
Staff Services Analyst
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced
02.2016 - 03.2017
- Managed and supported over 15 service contracts, overseeing request for proposals (RFP) process to ensure compliance and effective service delivery
- Managed the annual contract review process
- Provided data analysis and reporting to support program outcomes and decision making
- Assisted with financial process including purchase orders and contract tracking
- Collaborated with program and fiscal team to ensure compliance and effective service delivery
- Supervised team of 4 providing transportation services for minors to visit biological parents and elderly/disabled adults to attend doctor visits, ensuring timely and safe transportation
- Oversaw scheduling and coordination of transportation services
- Maintained inventory of donations, tracking storage capacity and accessibility to optimize resource allocation for community programs
- Coordinated logistics for annual toy drive, including donation collection and distribution.
- Completed mandatory reports to provide compliance with program and funding requirements
Family Services Supervisor
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced
10.2010 - 02.2016
- Played a key leadership role in establishing the Affordable Care Act-mandated call center supporting Covered California and Medi-Cal
- Supervised teams across intake, Medi-Cal case management, CalFresh, and call center operations to enhance service delivery
- Managed staff scheduling to maintain coverage and compliance with call timeliness standards, ensuring responsiveness to client needs
- Led continuous staff training to keep pace with changing policies and system changes
- Ensured high-quality customer service and eligibility determinations across programs
- Conducted monthly quality assurance reviews to uphold service standards and drive continuous improvement
- Developed procedures and workflows for call handling, eligibility processing, and system updates
- Developed corrective action and coaching plans for staff
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Merced College
Merced, CASkills
- Public assistance administration
- Program oversight
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy development
- Change Management
- Workforce planning
- Recruitment strategies
- Resource Allocation
- Contract management
- Performance Metrics
- Process improvement
- Executive leadership
- Leadership coaching
- Disaster planning
- Training development
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Affiliations
Project Steering Committee member for region 4
Timeline
Deputy Director - Family Services Branch
Merced County Human Services Agency
04.2022 - Current
Program Manager
Merced County Human Services Agency
03.2017 - 03.2022
Staff Services Analyst
Merced County Human Services Agency
02.2016 - 03.2017
Family Services Supervisor
Merced County Human Services Agency
10.2010 - 02.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Merced College