First Latina named to county top slot
SALINAS >> Monterey County elected officials on Tuesday set a first by naming a native of the county and the daughter of farmworkers to the highest position in county government.
Sonia De La Rosa was unanimously appointed by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday to replace retiring Chief Administrative Officer Charles McKee, who announced his retirement in April (https://bit.ly/3Pr4jTc). Her first day will be Jan. 9.
Assistant County Administrative Officer Nick Chiulos will serve as the interim CAO until De La Rosa takes her post.
She has worked for 24 years in Fresno County and most recently served as the Deputy County Administrative Officer there. De La Rosa told the board Tuesday that she has always maintained her roots in Monterey County.
“I've missed home,” she said. “This is a birthday present and a Christmas present wrapped into one.”
The 48-year-old De La Rosa noted in her address to supervisors her experience dealing with issues of homelessness, supporting victims of crime and law enforcement. She earned dual bachelor's degrees in criminology and Chicano Latino studies from CSU Fresno in 1998.
Collaboration is an approach to leadership De La Rosa underscored. She helped teach a course earlier this year with two other California county leaders for the William Chiat Institute for Excellence in County Government, the educational arm of the California State Association of Counties. The course was called “Collaboration: A Way Through Crisis.”
While being Latina was celebrated among supervisors as a first and will certainly bring a perspective to a county where more than 60% of the population identify as Hispanic, it was her skills as a leader that the board highlighted.
“I can think of no person better qualified, and she will be a great leader for our county where she grew up,” said Supervisor John Phillips. “It's not about being a woman or her race, rather she was the most qualified person.”
Supervisor Luis Alejo said De La Rosa's selection is an inspiration for all girls in Monterey County. “She's a native daughter who made her way home.”
For Supervisor Chris Lopez, the insight of having grown up in the
county provides for a sound understanding of the issues people face in the county. “It means a lot to me that she is local,” Lopez said. “Welcome home.”
Citing the county's natural resources and human capital and talent pool, Supervisor Wendy Root Askew said she is looking forward to working in partnership with De La Rosa.
“You come from a place of values and career commitment to do the right thing,” Root Askew said. “You have a deep, true understanding of collaboration.”
The selection of De La Rosa capped a nationwide search process by Bob Murray & Associates, a national executive search firm that specializes in placing executives at the nation's various governmental agencies. A large initial prospect pool was narrowed down by stages to a final round who met with board leadership and select County executives.
“Ms. De La Rosa has a track record of strong leadership both inside and outside of government,” said board chairwoman Mary Adams. “You are the right person for the right job at the right time.”
Another top leadership position was also announced Tuesday, with the selection of Juan Hidalgo as the new Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner. Hidalgo lives in Monterey County and is the Agricultural Commissioner for Santa Cruz County.
He will start his position on Feb. 6. Hidalgo replaces Agricultural Commissioner Henry Gonzales who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Supervisors lauded Hidalgo as collaborative, approachable and openminded. He is fluent in Spanish which will serve him well overseeing both the welfare of farmworkers and growers alike.
“I appreciate he can hit the ground running thanks to his experience collaborating with county and state agencies on emerging issues impacting agriculture and understanding the importance of communicating with community members,” said Supervisor Chris Lopez, whose District 3 covers the largest supervisorial area in the county and is home to the vast majority of agricultural operations.
Hidalgo was graduated from UC Davis in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in animal science.