A Community Leader
Ricardo Camacho leads by example, fostering the next generation of industry leaders through dedication, reliability and professionalism. This innovative leader has a safety-first mindset and was a clear choice for the Top 25 Under 40.
“In a field that demands both technical skill and public trust, Ricardo has emerged as a standout example of what modern leadership looks like,” said Mark Tabares, section supervisor for County of San Luis Obispo’s Public Works Department.
Camacho serves as the public works lead worker for the County of San Luis Obispo’s Public Works Department in California, where recognition of his professionalism and technical skill catapulted him through the ranks from his initial role as a field worker.
“The accomplishment I’m most proud of isn’t a single project—it’s helping build a culture of safety, accountability and pride within the road crew I work with,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team that evolved into a multi–award-winning operation, not because of shortcuts or luck, but because we committed to doing things the right way every day.”
He has dedicated himself to further learning to ensure he is current on industry best practices and regularly pursues continued education opportunities and professional certifications to support his career growth. His commitment to learning goes beyond his own personal benefit as he encourages collaboration and forward-thinking among his team members.
“Roads and bridges are built by people, and when you invest in your people—through mentorship, training and leading by example—the quality of the work follows,” Camacho said. “Being part of that transformation is what I’m most proud of.”
Throughout his career, Camacho has been dedicated to improving safety and efficiency, and his outsized influence ripples through several county departments.
“Beyond his technical abilities, Ricardo is known for his integrity, safety-first mindset, and willingness to lead by example,” Tabares said. “He approaches every project with accountability and pride, continuously looking for ways to improve outcomes while supporting those around him. His work reflects a deep respect for both the community he serves and the profession he represents.”
Camacho has earned respect in the industry for his reliability and initiative, often taking on complex tasks with a solutions-oriented approach and mentoring new employees, consistently going above and beyond his duties to support the agency as a whole.
“Beyond his technical abilities, Ricardo is known for his integrity, safety-first mindset, and willingness to lead by example,” Tabares said. “He approaches every project with accountability and pride, continuously looking for ways to improve outcomes while supporting those around him. His work reflects a deep respect for both the community he serves and the profession he represents.”
His tendency to exceed expectations on high-impact projects has resulted in multiple award recognitions, namely for his involvement with the Broderson Avenue Vegetation
Management project.
He showcased a commitment to leading his team through the environmentally sensitive project, ensuring compliance, efficiency and a high standard of excellence were carried out through each step.
“Ricardo’s achievements span an impressive range of award-winning projects throughout the County of San Luis Obispo, California, reflecting both the breadth of his experience and the consistency of his excellence,” Tabares said. “His work has been recognized for setting high standards in safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship, with projects that demonstrate thoughtful planning, technical precision, and lasting community benefit.”
He sees the industry’s biggest challenge as the aging workforce combined with growing infrastructure demands, which he believes can be addressed through modernizing industry processes and standards.
“We’re facing an aging workforce at the same time infrastructure demands are increasing. If we don’t actively recruit, mentor, and retain younger professionals, we risk losing decades of institutional knowledge,” he said. “The opportunity lies in combining that experience with new technology, improved safety practices, and modern training methods.”
Camacho recommends that young professionals remain committed to continuously learning the industry, and to display leadership through strong work ethic and supporting your teammates.
“My advice is simple: show up, stay curious, and never stop learning. Take pride in the work, even when it’s tough or unnoticed,” he said. “Ask questions, listen to the experienced people around you, and don’t be afraid to take responsibility early. Most importantly, understand that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about setting the standard, looking out for your team, and putting safety first every single day.”