Staff Bios

PAMELA A. O'NEIL - Chief of Staff

Pamela became Supervisor Cox's Chief of Staff shortly after the Supervisor took office in 1995. From 1985 through 1994 she had served as the senior policy advisor for the First District Supervisor and afterward, briefly served as the criminal justice and health and social services staff officer for the County's Chief Administrative Officer. Before joining the County, Pamela directed nonprofit multicultural human service agencies in the South Bay from 1977 through 1984; at the same time she was a consultant and professional trainer focusing on public policy issues that included health, social service, juvenile delinquency/criminal justice, community organization, and parent education. Prior to that, she held the position of Foster Care Recruitment and Training Director for Kentucky's Department for Human Resources, and of Executive Director of the Lexington Crime Commission's Drop-in Center (a youth service agency). While with the Commission, she trained police recruits in the use of intervention techniques with street gangs and supervised federal prisoners on work release. Pam's vast work experience also includes national, statewide and local political campaigns, and social work and teaching high school in a minority urban core community. Pamela has held leadership positions on dozens of state and local boards, commissions, and committees with agencies that include the United Way; the March of Dimes, the Girl Scout Council, San Diego State University and community schools. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville, Kentucky and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, as well as teaching credentials.

LUIS MONTEAGUDO - Director of Communications

Luis joined Supervisor Cox’s staff in March 2007. He brings vast experience in both the communications and public relations fields. Luis was a newspaper reporter for 18 years, working most recently at the San Diego Union-Tribune and its Spanish-language newspaper, Enlace. He also worked at USA Today, the Long Beach Press-Telegram and the San Bernardino Sun. Before joining Supervisor Cox’s staff, he was a Media and Public Relations Specialist for the County of San Diego. Luis was raised in New York and has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Queens College. He speaks and writes Spanish. His main duties for Supervisor Cox include media relations, written communications and maintaining the Supervisor’s web site. In addition, he is the Supervisor’s representative for veterans and military issues. For nearly 20 years, Luis has volunteered his time with young people, helping to organize an annual multicultural journalism workshop that gives out scholarships to deserving students.

MICHAEL DE LA ROSA - Policy Advisor

Michael first joined the Supervisor's staff as a student intern in 2000. He made the transition to Community Representative in 2001 and later assisted the Supervisor on a variety of critical issues, including housing, general services and capital projects. Michael now serves as the Supervisor’s senior land use advisor with a concentration on parks, trails, public works projects, environmental and land-use matters and border and transportation infrastructure. Michael is a South San Diego County native who currently lives in Chula Vista. Michael received his B.A. in Public Administration from San Diego State University.

DANNY MELGOZA - Policy Advisor

Danny joined Supervisor Cox’s office in May 2007, working on a wide array of issues including economic development, environmental sustainability, air quality, water pollution, housing and community development before taking on his current role as Supervisor Cox’s Health and Human Services policy advisor. Before joining the Supervisor’s office, Danny worked as a Special Assistant to the Superintendent of Seattle City Light – one of the largest municipally-owned power utilities in the United States. He performed this role as a member of the National Urban Fellows, a graduate program that combines academic coursework with an executive mentorship. Prior to the National Urban Fellows, Danny spent seven years in the private sector working in sales, marketing and management. Danny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rockhurst Jesuit University in Kansas City, Missouri and a Master of Public Administration from the City University of New York – Baruch College. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Danny now resides in Chula Vista. Danny is one of several of Supervisor Cox’s staff members who are bilingual in Spanish.

GREG MURPHY - Policy Advisor

Greg Murphy graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, where he was also the student body Vice President. He served as an intern for Supervisor Cox in 2007. After graduating from the University, he spent the next two years as a manager at the UCSD Alumni Association where he successfully launched one of UCSD’s largest alumni engagement initiatives. Greg was recruited back to Supervisor Cox’s office in March 2010 and now serves as the Supervisor’s Legislative Aide. His areas of responsibility include environmental issues, libraries, housing and community development and the Port of San Diego. A fifth-generation Californian, he has lived in San Diego since 2003. Greg has volunteered in East Africa and Latin America, helping to build schools and promote healthy living.

CHERYL CRUZ - Office Manager / Scheduler

Cheryl has been with the Supervisor’s staff since 1995. Prior to joining Supervisor Cox's staff, she served as the Office Manager/Scheduler for a member of the United States Congress in Washington, DC. Cheryl worked as Executive Secretary for seventeen years for the First District Supervisor and Mayor of Imperial Beach. Originally from Massachusetts, Cheryl attended local schools and graduated from the San Diego College of Business.

MARY LOU ESTRADA - Administrative Assistant

Mary Lou joined Supervisor Cox in 2003 as Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining the Supervisor’s office, Mary Lou worked as a Field Representative for the Independent Grocers and Convenience Stores (IGCS). Her prior work experience includes fifteen years serving as Office Manager/Scheduler in the District Office of a United States Congressman and working for the First District Supervisor. She has also worked as an Executive Assistant to a member of the San Diego City Council. A Chula Vista native, Mary Lou graduated from Chula Vista High School and Kelsey Jenny Business College. Mary Lou is one of several of Supervisor Cox’s staff members who are bilingual in Spanish.