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Congratulations to Jose Vilar, from Community Recreation Department recipient of the "Employee of the Month " for May 2026.
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Please accept this personal recommendation to nominate Jose Vilar for Employee of the
Month for May in recognition of his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to public
safety, and dedicated service to the city.
Jose’s commitment to aquatics, public safety, and public service is deeply rooted and
dates back to his earliest days learning how to swim at the Venetian Pool under the tutelage of
volunteers from the Venetian Aquatic Club. He carried that formative experience forward and
paid it back by serving as a Venetian Aquatic Club aide, where he spent many summers
volunteering his time teaching swim lessons. This work is especially meaningful, as swim
instruction remains the number one preventative measure against drowning. That early
dedication to water safety has defined his career and continues to shape his leadership approach
today.
For more than a decade, Jose has been entrusted not only with the stewardship of one of
our most iconic, historic, and high-traffic facilities, but also with the safety and well-being of
thousands of visitors who pass through the pool each year. This is a significant responsibility, and
he has consistently met it with professionalism, vigilance, and a deep sense of duty. His
leadership has ensured that safety remains the top operational priority, while maintaining a
welcoming and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
Beyond his operational excellence, Jose’s commitment to his team is equally noteworthy.
He fosters a culture of accountability, mentorship, and continuous improvement. He leads by
example, investing in the development of his team and encouraging them to pursue training,
certifications, and professional growth opportunities. His emphasis on education as a driver of
innovation has elevated not only his own performance, but that of the entire aquatics team.
Jose’s dedic...
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