No stranger to the city, glad for the opportunity and looking forward to new challenges, Lucy Hakobian wants to carry on the strong traditions already established as she becomes South Pasadena’s newest community services director.
Continuing the effort of what’s already in place, Hakobian promises to go about her business with the same boundless energy she has exerted for 30-plus years working in city government.
“I feel incredibly blessed and thankful for getting the job,” said Hakobian, who replaces retiring Sheila Pautsch, who held the position for 15 years before handing off the torch, recognizing her colleague’s many contributions.
Tirelessly going about her day under Pautsch’s direction, Hakobian, who launched her career as a typist clerk in 1993, has blossomed, taking on a large number of assignments, including titles like community services coordinator and community services supervisor. For 17 years, she oversaw the-the-day-to-day operations of the South Pasadena Senior Center, noting about the place that means so much to so many: “This is a lifeline that is very vital to our community.”
As part of her duties, she had also been a key to the city’s dial-a-ride service, a transit system for seniors and those with disabilities seeking a lift to medical offices and other locales.
Moving to the department’s recreation division as the community services supervisor in 2010, Hakobian managed leisure recreational classes, facility rentals, gazebo reservations, special events, and after school programs and summer camp.
Encouraged by Pautsch, at one point, Hakobian left the city for two years to enhance her career, knowing it would be of great benefit, which it was upon her return. “I told Lucy she would have to move out to move up,” recalls Pautsch. “She continued to grow professionally, but as our city had no deputy director position she had to take a position that would give her that experience.”
Hakobian became the community services manager for the City of San Gabriel “learning and growing as a leader,” said Pautsch, a proud mentor to Hakobian.
Internally, as the City of South Pasadena began reorganizing, and a new deputy director of community services position opened up in the community services department, Hakobian applied, was hired, and ultimately welcomed home, while holding down the position for three and a half years.
She has worked beside Pautsch for the past two years, learning about lease agreements for the city-run golf course, horse stables, batting cages, community garden, museum, tennis and racquet center, along with department grants.
Starting October 1, Hakobian will be working with nine fulltime and 15 to 20 part-time staff, even calling on more during the summer months when the community services department steps up its activity rate, especially with programs involving children.
As the new director, she will oversee the operations of the senior services, recreation, and transit divisions. The department hosts numerous events throughout the year, from an Easter themed Eggstravaganza, to movies in the park, Shakespeare plays, concerts in the park, a Halloween event, and Breakfast with Santa during the holidays, among its many offerings.
The city is also closely tied to some co-sponsored events, working with the school district’s Parti Gras, a major fundraiser held each May on the city-owned golf course, and the Festival of Balloons, South Pasadena’s traditional Fourth of July celebration. In addition, the Community Services Department also oversees the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee, which puts a float in the iconic Rose Parade each January.
Hakobian knows it’s a tall order to complete all that’s on her plate, but she’ll go at it with the same zealous determination and gusto displayed in helping get to where she is today.
“When stepping into a new position, it’s essential to balance respect for existing processes with the drive to make improvements,” she said. “However, at this time, I don’t anticipate making any changes. There’s a lot of work to be done within the Community Services Department and the city and I’m looking forward to it.”
The call she was hoping for came the first week of September from South Pasadena’s Interim City Manager Don Penman, asking if she wanted the coveted job. “I am a public servant at heart,” said Hakobian, looking back on that magical moment. “I embody the trust the residents need and my work ethics reflect my work.”
She will be replacing a community legend in Pautsch, a major mover and shaker in her own right, and someone who is not only a co-worker but a friend who will be saying goodbye to the city on September 30. “With Lucy becoming the new community services director,” said Pautsch, “I can step away and know that things will continue to move forward and that the community is in excellent hands.”
The compliments and adulation are just as strong on the other side, Hakobian, knowing she’s well prepared for her new role, thanks to her predecessor. “Sheila has been an incredible leader,” praised Hakobian. “Her guidance has shaped not just my career, but the entire team’s success. It has been an honor working under her leadership. Her dedication, vision and integrity have been an inspiration to all of us. I want to thank Sheila for believing in me and helping me grow. She has been an amazing director and I hope that her retirement is filled with joy and relaxation.”
