Profiles in Leadership

CSAC is only as strong as our members. Every two weeks CSAC spotlights a member of the County Family who has shown time and time again to be a strong leader in our Association. We would like to thank everyone who is consistently stepping up to enhance the quality of life for California residents.

Napa County Chief Executive Officer Minh Tran

April 15, 2021

Minh Tran has been working for California Counties for more than two decades: first as a Senior Deputy Counsel in Riverside County for 10 years before moving north to Napa County, where he has served as an Assistant County Counsel, County Counsel and now Chief Executive Officer since 2017. He has constantly displayed strong leadership during numerous natural disasters that have struck the County, including devastating wildfires and now the year-long pandemic. Minh also serves as an officer for the California Association of County Executives (CACE), and has worked closely with CSAC to advocate for Counties on a number of key issues, especially during the pandemic. Thank you, Minh, for your service to California Counties.

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia

April 1, 2021

This week’s Profile in Leadership spotlights Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, who is in his sixth term on the Board. This makes him one of the longest current running supervisors in our 58 Counties. Supervisor Gioia served as a CSAC Officer from 2012-15, including holding the position of President in 2014. He has also been an active member of the CSAC Executive Committee and Board of Directors, providing a strong voice on numerous social and environmental issues. Supervisor Gioia is a leader in CSAC’s continuing education program. He was one of the Institute’s founding architects, having served as the Chair of the CSAC Institute’s original Governing Council, and currently is Vice Chair on the California Counties Foundation. Supervisor Gioia has continuously displayed incredible commitment to county leadership and policy development, focusing on serving our communities in the most responsive manner. Thank you, Supervisor Gioia, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford

March 18, 2021

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights San Bernardino County Supervisor Rutherford, who is currently in her third term on the Board. Supervisor Rutherford has been a strong contributor to CSAC over years, Not only is she the San Bernardino County representative on the CSAC Board of Directors, but she has also played key leadership roles on the Association’s Policy Committees. Supervisor Rutherford has displayed in-depth knowledge of numerous key county issues by serving as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee in 2020, and the Government Finance and Administration Policy Committee this year. Both committees have had critical issues before them, ranging from COVID-19 response to redistricting. Thank you, Supervisor Rutherford, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian

March 4, 2021

This week’s Profile in Leadership spotlights Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian, who has just started her second term on the Board. Supervisor Shuklian has been involved in CSAC from the start, completing our comprehensive New Supervisors Institute and continuing her professional development by receiving a supervisor credential from the CSAC William “Bill” Chiat Institute for Excellence in County Government. She also played a leading role in bringing the Institute to Tulare County, providing continuing education opportunities for county staff. Supervisor Shuklian represents Tulare County on the CSAC Board of Directors; she also sits on the California Counties Foundation Board of Directors and has represented all California Counties as a CSAC representative on the Institute for Local Government Board. Thank you, Supervisor Shuklian, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

Yuba County Supervisor Gary Bradford

February 18, 2021

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Yuba County Supervisor Gary Bradford, who has just started his second four-year term on the Board. Since he was first elected, Supervisor Bradford has immersed himself in state and federal issues that impact California Counties. He is strong representative for Yuba County – and rural counties at the state level – and currently serves on the CSAC Board of Directors. He has been an advocate on numerous issues that impact our counties, ranging from the coronavirus pandemic and homelessness to wildfires and the economy. Supervisor Bradford continues to be involved in the CSAC Institute, not only as a course attendee but also by passing on insight to first-term supervisors. Thank you, Supervisor Bradford, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

Tehama County Public Health Officer Richard Wickenheiser

February 4, 2021

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Dr. Richard Wickenheiser, who is retiring after serving as Tehama County’s Public Health Officer for 35 years. Dr. Wickenheiser first joined Tehama County in 1983 in the role of deputy health officer; two years later, he was appointed public health officer. Nearly four decades after first serving the residents of Tehama, he found himself helping lead the county through the greatest public-health crisis in more than a century. His work during the pandemic has also been on a statewide level; he has served as a key resource for CSAC on our Rural County Working Group on COVID-19 to fight for local communities and reality check the state’s approach. Even after retirement, he will assist in the transition, ensuring that Tehama County public health is in good hands. Thank you, Dr. Wickenheiser, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

San Diego County Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer

January 21, 2021

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights San Diego County Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer, who is a strong leader for California’s Counties at the local and state level. Since her appointment as Chief Administrative Officer in 2012, Helen has transformed San Diego County into one of the most efficient and innovative counties in the country. Overall, she has served as an executive leader in her County for nearly 25 years. At the state level, Helen has been a strong contributor to CSAC, providing insight and expertise on a wide variety of policy issues. She has also served on the California Counties Foundation Board of Directors for many years, and was instrumental in establishing the first satellite campus of the CSAC Institute in her County. Helen is a Past President of the California Association of County Executives (CACE), and is the most recent recipient of their Distinguished Leadership Award. Thank you, Helen, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths

January 7, 2021

Today we spotlight Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths, who is starting his third term on the Board. Supervisor Griffiths has been very active in CSAC, serving on the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, as well as as Chair of the Association’s Health and Human Services Policy Committee, where he has helped set critical policy and direction during the pandemic. Supervisor Griffiths has not only been a strong supporter of rural counties, but also an advocate on issues that touch all our communities, such as foster care, at-risk youth, support for veterans and affordable housing. Thank you, Supervisor Griffiths, for your leadership in our Association

County Welfare Directors Association Executive Director Frank Mecca

December 17, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Frank Mecca, who is retiring as Executive Director of the County Welfare Directors Association of California. In a world where abused children and those least fortunate often struggle to have a voice, Frank brought power, deftness and a demand to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, while equipping counties with the tools and resources to deliver. He leaves a lasting legacy. Frank has served as CWDA Executive Director since 1991; during that time, he has helped shape critical state policy on a wide variety of human-service issues. Frank has been a strong partner of CSAC throughout the years, working beside us on numerous crucial issues and constantly fighting to protect and reform the state’s safety net. As an expert in a wide variety of areas — from poverty and child welfare to other complex California budget and policy issues — Frank has been called upon to advise state leaders on crucial state initiatives through posts on Governor Gavin Newsom’s Council of Regional Homelessness Advisors and the State Child Welfare Council. Thank you, Frank, for your decades of leadership on behalf of California Counties and the communities we serve. We wish you the best in retirement.

Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer Carmel Angelo

November 25, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer Carmel Angelo. Carmel began her extensive county government career in 1991 with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. For the past 13 years she has worked for Mendocino County, serving as Chief Executive Officer since 2010. Carmel has worked closely with CSAC on myriad of issues over the years, including disaster preparedness and response, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, behavioral health and juvenile hall utilization. She also served as the 2020 President for the California Association of County Executives (CACE), as well as advisor to the CSAC Executive Committee. Carmel has been a strong advocate for counties, earning her numerous accolades including a 2019 CSAC Circle of Service Award, a 2018 RCRC President’s Award, and a 2017 CACE Distinguished Service Award. Thank you, Carmel, for your ongoing leadership on behalf of California Counties.

Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

November 12, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights CSAC President & Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. Currently in her second term on the Orange County Board, Supervisor Bartlett has consistently represented all 58 Counties in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. during her three years as a CSAC Officer. But it has been this past year during her presidency that Supervisor Bartlett had made her indelible mark on our Association, leading CSAC through one of the most difficult years in our history. As CSAC President, Supervisor Bartlett has represented California’s Counties at scores of virtual meetings with the state, working hard to protect county’s interests and local control during the COVID-19 pandemic. She ensured the Association remained strong – and together – during these tumultuous times. As we enter Supervisor Bartlett’s last week as CSAC President, we say thank you for your incredible leadership in our Association.

Colusa County Supervisor Denise Carter

October 29, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Colusa County Supervisor Denise Carter. Appointed to the Colusa Board in 2008, Supervisor Carter is currently serving her third four-year term in office. During that time, she has represented California Counties at both the state and federal level. She has represented Colusa County on the CSAC Board of Directors for a number of years and currently serves as Chair of the Association’s Housing, Land Use and Transportation Policy Committee. Supervisor Carter also represents California as a member of NACO’s Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee. She is a strong advocate on a number of vital rural issues including agriculture, groundwater, flood protection, transportation and the environment. Thank you, Supervisor Carter, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas

October 15, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas. Currently in his second term on the Yolo Board, Supervisor Villegas has been a leader in CSAC’s work on housing and homelessness. He has served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Housing, Land Use and Transportation Policy Committee, helping lead Association policy and testifying on numerous key legislative issues. Supervisor Villegas also served as Co-Chair of the joint CSAC/League of California Cities Homelessness Task Force that identified best practices at the local level that can be replicated in other jurisdictions. This culminated in a joint 2019 CSAC/League homelessness policy workshop that drew more than 400 local officials. Supervisor Villegas has also represented California Counties as a member of the NACo Board of Directors and as Vice Chair of our national association’s Human Services and Education Steering Committee. Thank you, Supervisor Villegas, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long

October 1, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long. Recently elected to her second term on the Ventura Board, Supervisor Long has been a leader in CSAC on issues ranging from criminal justice to wildfire response. A very active member of the CSAC Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Supervisor Long also served for two years as Chair of the Association’s Administration of Justice Policy Committee. In that capacity, she helped guide CSAC policy on issues and legislation related to public safety and criminal justice. Supervisor Long has also worked closely with CSAC on state policy involving myriad wildfire issues, including emergency management and insurance. Thank you, Supervisor Long, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Mono County Supervisor John Peters

September 17, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Mono County Supervisor John Peters. Recently elected to his second term on the Mono Board, Supervisor Peters has been very active in both CSAC and NACo the past few years, particularly in the areas of health and human services. Not only has he been highly engaged on the CSAC Board of Directors, but Supervisor Peters has also co-chaired key CSAC’s working groups and committees focusing on such complex issues as In-Home Supportive Services and mental health. In 2019, he was honored for his hard work and commitment with a CSAC Circle of Service Award. Supervisor Peters has also represented California Counties on federal issues while serving on the NACo Western Interstate Region Board of Directors and as Vice Chair of NACo’s Human Services and Education Steering Committee. Thank you, Supervisor Peters, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo

September 3, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo. Elected earlier this year to a second term on the Monterey County Board, Supervisor Alejo has had an extensive career in public service, representing his constituents at the city, county and state level. As a member of the CSAC Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he has been a leader on myriad issues, including housing and homelessness, health care, the 2020 Census, and racial equity. Supervisor Alejo last year hosted CSAC’s Regional Meeting on housing affordability and the homelessness crisis – issues of importance in his county. He is also a Past President of the Latino Caucus of California Counties, playing a key role in the caucus’ development and growth over the past few years. Thank you, Supervisor Alejo, for your ongoing leadership in our Association

Kings County Supervisor Craig Pedersen

August 20, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Kings County Supervisor Craig Pedersen. Currently in his second term on the Kings County Board, Supervisor Pedersen has been highly active representing his county – and all California Counties – in Sacramento and Washington, DC. At both levels, he has been a strong advocate for rural issues and the Central Valley, ranging from water and agriculture to economic development. For CSAC, Supervisor Pedersen has been an engaged member of the Association’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. And on the national front, Supervisor Pedersen has been an effective representative for California Counties. He currently serves as Chair of NACo’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee and is a member of the Rural Action Caucus. Supervisor Pedersen has also represented California on NACo’s Western Interstate Region Board of Directors and successfully completed NACo’s rigorous County Leadership Institute. Thank you, Supervisor Pedersen, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Siskiyou County Supervisor Ed Valenzuela

August 6, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Siskiyou County Supervisor and CSAC Second Vice President Ed Valenzuela. Elected earlier this year to a fourth term on the Siskiyou County Board, Supervisor Valenzuela has been a strong voice for rural counties at the state and federal level, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to being elected as a CSAC Officer, Supervisor Valenzuela served as the Association Treasurer for two years, playing an integral role in solidifying CSAC’s financial stability. He has also been an active leader on the CSAC Board of Directors and Executive Committee, providing a rural county viewpoint on issues ranging from wildfire protections/public safety power shutoffs and economic development to broadband and securing trailers to house the homeless. Thank you, Supervisor Valenzuela, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Humboldt County Supervisor Virginia Bass

July 23, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Humboldt County Supervisor and CSAC Immediate Past President Virginia Bass. Currently in her third term on the Humboldt County Board, Supervisor Bass has been a strong voice for all counties at the state and national level. She has served as an Association Officer for the past four years, playing a leading role on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. A strong advocate for the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government, Supervisor Bass showed her commitment to good government leadership by investing the time to receive her supervisor’s credential. Supervisor Bass has represented California’s 58 Counties during key discussions in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. on a wide variety of issues, ranging from transportation and child development to cannabis and housing. She also co-led  successful statewide homelessness summit that brought together county and city officials from throughout California. Thank you, Supervisor Bass, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox

July 9, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights San Diego County Supervisor and CSAC Past President Greg Cox. Currently serving in his sixth term on the San Diego County Board, Supervisor Cox has been an effective leader at the local, state and national level. He is the only individual who has served as President of CSAC, the League of California Cities and, most recently, the National Association of Counties (NACo). For his achievements and commitment to public service, he was honored in 2019 with the prestigious CSAC Past Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award. Supervisor Cox continues to be strong leader within our Association, serving on the Association’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He has also played longtime leadership roles on the Board of Directors for the CSAC Finance Corporation and Institute for Local Government, of which CSAC is a parent organization. Thank you, Supervisor Cox, for your ongoing leadership in CSAC.

Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa

June 25, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Stanislaus County Supervisor and CSAC Past President Vito Chiesa. Recently elected to his fourth term on the Stanislaus County Board, Supervisor Chiesa has been one of CSAC’s strongest and most effective leaders over the past decade. Supervisor Chiesa served as a CSAC Officer for four years, including leading the Association as President in 2015. He’s been a longtime member of the CSAC Board of Directors and also currently serves as Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. Supervisor Chiesa has the ability to develop consensus on difficult issues among county supervisors across the state. He has been a strong advocate on myriad issues, ranging from agriculture to transportation. Thank you, Supervisor Chiesa, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson

June 11, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson. Now in his eighth year as a County Supervisor, he has committed his career to public service. Prior to being elected to the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors, he served in the State Assembly, State Senate and as Secretary of State. CSAC honored then-Secretary of State McPherson in 2006 with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award for his work to ensure counties were reimbursed for the 2005 special election. Little did CSAC leadership know then that he would join our Association’s ranks, serving as a regular contributor to our Executive Committee, Board of Directors and as Policy Committee Vice Chair. During that time, he has been a strong advocate for counties on a number of issues, including  elections, the Census and energy – the latter in which he has been a regional and statewide leader on Community Choice Aggregation. Thank you, Supervisor McPherson, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon

May 28, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon. Now in her fifth term as a County Supervisor, she has been an effective voice in CSAC for suburban and rural counties for more than a dozen years. Supervisor Dillon has served on CSAC’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as being a leader on various Policy Committee, Task Forces and Working Groups. She has testified on behalf of CSAC at the State Capitol on numerous issues over the years, the most recent being regarding wildfire liability laws. Supervisor Dillon’s legal background has helped frame policy and discussion  on issues ranging from agricultural and land use to emergency response and climate change. Thank you, Supervisor Dillon, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Trinity County Supervisor Judy Morris

May 14, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Trinity County Supervisor Judy Morris. During her 12 years as a County Supervisor, she has shown her versatility and knowledge of numerous issues by serving CSAC in a wide variety of important leadership capacities. Beyond representing Trinity County on the CSAC Board of Directors, Supervisor Morris has served as the Association Treasurer, Chair of the Government Finance & Administration Policy Committee, Co-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Forum and Co-Chair of the CSAC Cannabis Working Group. Supervisor Morris has been a strong voice for rural issues, bringing that voice regularly to Sacramento. Thank you, Supervisor Morris, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan

April 30, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan. Recently elected to her third term on her local board, Supervisor Hannigan has been a strong leader on CSAC’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as being been very active on numerous health and human services issues at the local, state and federal levels. Supervisor Hannigan has also shown her commitment to mentoring new county supervisors and senior executives, serving as a Co-Chair of the counties’ Women’s Leadership Forum and playing in an integral role in the CSAC New Supervisors Institute. Thank you, Supervisor Hannigan, for your ongoing leadership in our Association.

Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington

April 16, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington. Ever since Supervisor Washington started serving on the Board of Supervisors, he has been very active in CSAC. As a member of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and most recently serving as Vice Chair of the Government Finance and Operations Policy Committee, Supervisor Washington has been a strong, thought-provoking and pragmatic leader. Thank you, Supervisor Washington, for your ongoing leadership.

Alpine County Supervisor Terry Woodrow

April 2, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Alpine County Supervisor Terry Woodrow, a longtime leader within CSAC. Supervisor Woodrow is currently in her fifth term on the Alpine Board, and has been very involved in CSAC in numerous capacities for well over a decade. She is a strong representative for rural counties on the CSAC Board of Directors and Executive Committee; beyond that, Supervisor Woodrow has served as CSAC Treasurer, Policy Committee Vice Chair and California Counties Foundation Board member. She has also been a leader in the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government – a national professional development model for county leadership since its inception 11 years ago. Thank you, Supervisor Woodrow, for all you do for California Counties.

Nevada County Supervisor Ed Scofield

March 19, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights Nevada County Supervisor Ed Scofield, who is a strong advocate for rural counties within CSAC. Now in his third term, Supervisor Scofield has been increasingly active at the state level; he has served as CSAC’s Treasurer for the past two years, playing a vital role in ensuring the Association’s fiscal health. During that period, he has been a strong contributor to the CSAC Executive Committee, playing a leading role in such issues as the need to address insurance non-renewals. Supervisor Scofield was recently elected to a fourth term in Nevada County, and we look forward to his ongoing strong participation within CSAC. Thank you, Supervisor Scofield, for all you do for California Counties.

San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom

March 5, 2020

This week’s Profiles in Leadership spotlights San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom, who has been a leader in CSAC for the past decade. Supervisor Groom has been a strong contributor to the CSAC Executive Committee and Board of Directors; she also currently serves as a Vice chair of the CSAC Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. Supervisor Groom continues to be an effective advocate for issues that impact California’s 58 Counties ranging from healthcare and the environment to economic development and the well-being of children. Thank you, Supervisor Groom, for all you continue to do on behalf of our Counties.

Amador County Supervisor Richard Forster

February 20, 2020

Our Profiles in Leadership this week spotlights Amador County Supervisor Richard Forster, who has been one of CSAC’s most active members over the past decade. Supervisor Forster served as a CSAC Officer for four years, including as President in 2016. He has also been a longtime member of the CSAC Board of Directors. as well as representing California Counties on the NACo Board of Directors, and rural counties on the CSAC Finance Corporation Board of Directors. Supervisor Forster has always been a strong voice for not only California’s rural counties, but for all 58 of our Counties. Thank you, Supervisor Forster, for all your leadership.

Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty

February 6, 2020

CSAC is only as strong as our membership. And today we spotlight Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty, who has played a vital leadership role in CSAC in a number of capacities. He serves as President of the CSAC Finance Corporation, helping to develop new programs that benefit California Counties and the residents we serve. He has also been a strong contributor to the CSAC Executive Committee, helping develop policies on key issues facing California. Supervisor Moty has been a leader on statewide issues, including with the state on resiliency and protecting communities from disasters. He has also aggressively pushed to address the insurance non-renewal/rate issue. He is also a strong voice on homelessness, focusing on shared responsibility and developing workable policies that provide a much-needed second chance while holding all involved accountable. Thank you, Supervisor Moty, for all your contributions and commitment.