b'By Trina KleistN evada County Executive Officer AlisonLehman: Roberta Bobbie Swanson was executive Lehman, 46, says she cannot imagine thatdirector of CASA, Court-Appointed Special her gender had anything to do with herAdvocates. Swanson mentored Lehman while appointment in mid-2016 to the top positionLehman still worked in Yolo County, helping in county government. Lehman to start a CASA program there. Which, all by itself, speaks volumes about howI met Bobbie Swanson, and I knew, This is far women have come in the 100 years sincehome, Lehman recalls. From the beginning, I winning the right to vote. knew this was a forward-thinking community that I never felt like I hit a glass ceiling here invalued a community approach to tackling local Nevada County, Lehman says. I recognizeproblems. The Lehmans enjoy the outdoors, too, thats due to the leadership and hard work ofso when a job in Nevada County opened up in many women before me, as well as a supportive2001 to manage a federal grant for long-term care, environment. Ive had a million opportunities! Alison Lehman applied. She eventually went on to other positions in county leadership, including Those opportunities included mentoring byHealth and Human Services Program Manager.others who saw her potential and encouraged herLehman inherited her love of public service to stretch herself. She also credits her husband,from her parents, both of whom worked in the Grass Valley Charter School science teacherpublic sector. As a girl, Lehman tagged along at Larry Lehman, who helps keep the Lehmanher mothers special district meetings. Now, you household running. might see Lehmans two boys at public events Nevada County boasts a long history of womentheir mom is attending. If Lehman learned the leaders in all sectors. Especially in the last 50 years,importance of community from her mom, it was strong women have made their mark locallyher fathera senior government officialwho in business, education, politics and nonprofittaught her not to take things personally. Together, organizations, in addition to government. Onethey lived examples of leaning into tough issues woman in particular made an impression onand being a part of the solution, Lehman recalls. 12Business 2020'