Almaden Resident

Community

Pyle's newest community relations aide has strong roots to the Almaden Valley

By Linda Taaffe

Stephanie Holm didn't have to travel far from home to secure her dream job. The Leland High School graduate was looking for a career in government in a tight knit community where she could use her criminology, law and society degree. Holm joined Councilwoman Nancy Pyle's office July 17 as community relations/policy aide.

Things couldn't be going better, Holm says.

"I feel like I really connect with people," says Holm, who spent her teen years in Almaden Valley attending both Pioneer and Leland high schools. "Most people are happy when I tell them I went to Leland or Pioneer. They'll say, 'Oh, my son went there,' or 'My daughter went there.' It's been a good way to bond with people."

When residents call Pyle's office, Holm says, not only does she know the location of their neighborhood, but many times, she played there or has friends who live there.

"Stephanie has brought a bold, new perspective and a wealth of experience to the position," Pyle says.

As Pyle's aide, Holm will focus on policy areas, including public safety and code enforcement, as well as involvement on committee and commission assignments on behalf of Pyle, including juvenile justice; civil service and the Emergency Preparedness Council.

Former community relations coordinator Daniella Polar left her position Aug. 4 to attend law school at the University of Michigan.