The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has bestowed the honor of Woman of the Year in the Fourth Supervisorial District upon Desert Hot Springs Mayor Pro Tem Jan Pye, as announced by the County of Riverside.
In a ceremony recognizing International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez paid tribute to Pye's contributions. Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas, along with various city officials and community members, were present to support Pye as she received this recognition, according to a press release by the County of Riverside.
"I’m not supposed to be crying," said Pye, as quoted in the release. "When I got the call to receive this honor, I walked up and down my house and it reminded me of my grandmother and how she used to dance in Baptist congregations, and so did I! I thank my colleagues on the Council, Gary Gardner, Roger Nunez, our Honorable Mayor Scott Matas, Frank Luckino and all of the staff, and a fellow board member of Regional Access Project, Tori St. Johns. And I thank you, as my silent mentor, that you acknowledge me by what you do, walking your talk."
Pye was initially appointed to the Desert Hot Springs City Council in 1999. She played a significant role in averting bankruptcy for the city and restoring its financial stability. According to the release, Pye holds a bachelor’s degree in business development and a master’s degree in financial management.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is responsible for governing the county. Their duties include enacting ordinances, approving budgets, and appointing county officers and board members as stated by the County of Riverside.