Imperial, California - Tuesday, during the regularly scheduled Imperial County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board presented two exceptional individuals with the County of Imperial Medal of Merit in honor of their years of service in civic and community leadership.

The first medals were awarded yesterday to two pillars of the community, former El Centro City Councilwoman Sedalia Sanders and former Brawley City Councilman Don Campbell.  Both were recognized for their outstanding dedication and tireless commitment to service in the communities of El Centro and Brawley.

“Mrs. Sanders has distinguished herself through her dedication and commitment to community service,” said Chairman Ryan Kelley.  “She has been an advocate for the City of El Centro for more than 29 years, helping to expand the city to its current, thriving state.”

“Mr. Campbell is a wonderful example of a public servant through his 12 years of service on the Brawley City Council and his guidance and leadership with Brawley’s Pop Warner League, serving as a longtime advocate for youth.”

Mrs. Sanders, a native of El Centro, served on the El Centro City Council from 1984 to 1999 and 2003 to December 3, 2015.  During her tenure on the council, Mrs. Sanders held many leadership positions in state-wide and national associations, including president of the League of California Cities, where she contributed to developing the African-American and Latino Caucuses, served on the board of directors of the National League of Cities, was appointed to Vice Chair of the Rural Development Council, and served on the Fair Board, among many other committees, boards, and associations.  From 2001 to 2003, she also served on the El Centro Elementary School District Board of Trustees.  Demonstrating more than 29 years of loyalty to and advocating for El Centro.  She and her husband Albert are the proud parents of two sons and the grandparents of five grandsons.

Mr. Campbell, born in Calexico, grew up in El Centro, and raised his family in Brawley, served on the Brawley City Council from 2003 until December 1, 2015.  Mr. Campbell has also served on local and state-wide associations, such as vice president of the League of California Cities, a member of the Southern California Association of Governments, member of the Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission, and President of the Brawley Pop Warner, among numerous other boards, committees and commissions.  He and his wife Bertha are the proud parents of four children and ten grandchildren.

The County of Imperial Medal of Merit is an award created by the Board in order to commemorate outstanding commitment and dedication to community and civic service, goodwill and/or acts of heroism by Imperial County residents.