The chief executive officer supervised 31 out of the 39 departments of the county, and worked closely with the remaining eight. The CEO monitored departmental spending and makes annual recommendations on departmental budgets as well as ensuring that the policies and priorities of the Board are adhered to in its various departments. The CEO oversaw five deputy chief executive officers and two assistant chief executive officers. Critics of this structure complained about the added layer of bureaucracy with the CEO's office and the creation of deputy chief executive officers who were responsible for coordinating activities within their "cluster" but were not perceived to add any value. In 2015, the Board voted to revert to the structure prior to 2007.
CAO 1938-2007 and CEO 2015-present
Prior to centralization and after reversion to the previous structure, the CEO provides Countywide coordination and strategic guidance. Departments report directly to the Board of Supervisors and their deputies and are hired and fired directly by the Board, with the CEO providing administrative support in negotiating department head salaries and facilitating communications between departments when necessary. Other tasks specifically given to the CEO include preparation and control of the annual budget in consultation with departments, providing leadership and direction for Board-sponsored initiatives and priorities, analysis and advocacy of state and federal legislation; coordinating Countywide strategic communications and cross-departmental public information, and managing capital projects and debt, asset, leasing and space management. The CEO's office also administers the risk management and insurance programs, and facilitates departments addressing unincorporated area issues and international protocol issues, manages the County's employee relations program and compensation/classification systems, represents the Board in labor negotiations, and monitors cable television companies operating in unincorporated areas. The Chief Information Officer, Homeless Initiative, child care, and Office of Emergency Management are also located in the CEO's office.
Chief Administrative/Executive Officers
General Wayne Allen September 9, 1938 - December 1951
Arthur J. Will December 11, 1951 - December 1, 1957
