PROFILES: CITY OF SLO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, DARYL GRIGSBY (PART 1/2)

Daryl Grigsby

Photo by: Brian Minami

Written by: Stephanie Hunting

This month’s "Meet the Member" article is taking a bit of a different turn – we’re introducing you to the City of San Luis Obispo’s newest Public Works Director, Daryl Grigsby. Daryl’s story is an illustration as to how hard work, a willingness to learn, and a passion for people can lead to a fulfilling career and life.

Daryl’s journey started in 1978 in San Diego, where he worked for a non-profit that specialized in providing jobs for developmentally disabled adults. While at the nonprofit, he worked with a man who always seemed full of life and energy. When Darryl asked his associate his secret, the response changed Daryl’s life. Darryl’s co-worker said he was a cyclist, and cycling into work each morning started his day off right. With his co-worker’s encouragement, Daryl started riding to work as well, taking it slow and building his endurance. Eventually, he began making the 17-mile trek to work on his bike every morning and catching the bus home.

Daryl’s passion for his work at the non-profit was personally satisfying, but the pay was lacking – especially because he was newly married with a little one on the way. Through a neighbor, Daryl heard about a job opening as an administrative analyst working for the City of San Diego. Out of the staggering 2,000 applicants, he was one of five selected interviewees. He ultimately gained the position through his work with the non-profit. From this role, Daryl began his upward trajectory though the City’s government. This was just the beginning of a path of civil and public works service that included stops in Seattle and Pomona before his eventual move to the Central Coast.

Daryl currently lives in Shell Beach with his wife, Leslie, who works as a hospice social worker, whom he says “provides perspective.” In regards to his new location/work environment, “I can’t complain about anything,” he says. Daryl plays drums in his neighborhood band and even has a djembe – a type of hand-played West African drum. A lover of “straight-ahead jazz” (which he is quick to define against “smooth jazz”), he is also gaining proficiency with the upright bass.

When he’s not preoccupied with public works directives, Daryl loves to read (he’s got quite the review history on goodreads.com) and has even published several of his own books. He has an M.A. in Theology and Pastoral Studies, and he continues to study theology while also reaching out to children through mentorship and tutoring programs. His focus often revolves around children who face obstacles with their education. Daryl also founded the San Diego African-American Authors and Writers Association, which meets and organizes activities such as children’s poetry contests. Established in the 1980s, this group is still active three decades later.

Daryl was recently designated as a Public Works Leadership Fellow by the American Public Works Association (APWA). As one of only 246 fellows, Daryl will mentor public works professionals enrolled in APWA’s Leadership Excellence program.

Quality of life and sustainability are fundamental contributors to peoples’ sense of fulfillment and value, Daryl says. It’s important to be a part of organizations as a means of achieving personal growth and making connections with others, or learning from peers and networking.

“The most enjoyable thing about management is dealing with people,” Daryl says. He typically finds the people with whom he works and does business more memorable than his actual projects, and he makes it a point to meet with each of his employees for at least 20 minutes to get to know them and their stories. To Daryl, people’s back stories are among their most fascinating attributes. Individuals’ personal depth and multiple layers allow them to “move beyond their names and titles,” he says. If you get a chance, take a minute to introduce yourself to Daryl and share your story (and learn more about his). You’ll be glad you did, and you might just find yourself with a new friend.