Ethical Leadership When It Matters Most
By Alexandra (Alex) Orologas, ICMA-CM, Chair of the Cal-ICMA Ethics Committee
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving on the Cal-ICMA Ethics Committee is the opportunity to learn about local government professionals whose actions reflect the highest ideals of our profession. The Ethical Hero Award was established by the Committee following the City of Bell scandal, a defining moment that challenged public trust in local government throughout California. The award recognizes examples of ethical conduct, professional courage, and public service that reinforce the values at the core of the council-manager profession. Nearly two decades later, those principles remain as important as ever.
This year, the Committee was proud to recognize Westminster City Manager Christine Cordon with the Cal-ICMA Ethical Hero Award at the 2026 Cal Cities City Managers Conference. The award honors individuals whose actions demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical public service, particularly during challenging circumstances. Christine's career embodies those qualities. Christine's path to city management reflects a longstanding dedication to public service. Over the course of her career, she served in administrative, communications, and City Clerk roles before becoming City Manager. Those experiences helped shape an approach grounded in transparency, accountability, and service. As Westminster's first Vietnamese-American City Manager, Christine has led efforts to strengthen organizational culture, improve transparency, and establish the City's first Strategic Plan. Her work has helped advance important priorities while positioning the organization for long-term success.
Throughout her tenure, Christine has also been called upon to navigate a series of complex governance and organizational challenges. Like many city managers, she has worked to reinforce the council-manager form of government, clarify roles and responsibilities, and maintain appropriate boundaries between policymaking and administration. These efforts are essential to effective local governance and maintaining public trust. The Ethics Committee was particularly impressed by the professionalism and consistency she demonstrated while carrying out that work. Governance challenges rarely occur behind closed doors. Challenges like these often unfold in public settings, under significant scrutiny, and with competing expectations from stakeholders throughout the community.
In Westminster, those challenges brought considerable public attention and criticism. Christine remained focused on her responsibilities, continued to serve the organization, and approached difficult situations with professionalism and integrity. Her commitment earned the respect of many throughout the city. One moment that speaks volumes about Christine's impact occurred when residents, employees, labor representatives, business leaders, and community stakeholders came forward publicly to express their support of her leadership. Trust of that nature is built over time and reflects character, consistency, and a willingness to put the interests of the organization and community first.
Christine also demonstrated sound judgment in matters involving the stewardship of public resources, helping protect significant City assets while maintaining public confidence in the decision-making process. Throughout a period of sustained scrutiny, she remained steady, thoughtful, and committed to the responsibilities entrusted to her. For those of us working in local government, ethics is rarely about a single decision or a dramatic moment. More often, it is reflected in the day-to-day choices we make, the relationships we build, and our willingness to remain grounded in our professional responsibilities during challenging times. Christine's lived experience reflects those qualities. Through periods of significant public attention and organizational complexity, she remained focused on serving Westminster, supporting her organization, and upholding the principles of good governance.
On behalf of the Cal-ICMA Ethics Committee, I congratulate Christine Cordon on being selected as this year's Ethical Hero Award recipient. Her example serves as a meaningful reminder of the professionalism, courage, and integrity that strengthen local government and the communities we serve.
Presentation of the 2026 Ethical Hero Award