Pettygrove appointed director of Merced County Human Services Agency

A familiar face will become the permanent head of the Merced County Human Services Agency beginning next week.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously affirmed the appointment of Scott Pettygrove as the director of the HSA on Tuesday. He will assume that position Dec. 14.

The Human Services Agency is the umbrella department for various county services and programs, such as Child Welfare Services, Medi-Cal, Veterans’ Services, Area Agency on Aging, All Dads Matter and more. The HSA partners with multiple private and public entities to provide these programs and services. Pettygrove described the HSA’s services as “focused on supporting community members during challenging times.”

Pettygrove, 65, has served as interim director since August. Ana Pagan, who formerly held the position, retired July 31.

Pettygrove worked with the Merced County HSA from 1993 to 2011 before he retired. His decision to return to the agency stems from his desire to serve, he said.

“The Human Services Agency is a very good department,” Pettygrove said. “It has great, strong people, and I hope to provide support to them.”

Pettygrove’s salary will be $157,560 yearly, and his benefits will include monthly allowances for transportation and communication, to name a few.

The supervisors on Tuesday thanked Pettygrove for returning to the agency. “Thanks to Scott for coming back,” said Jerry O’Banion, District 5 supervisor. “I know it’s a tough job.”

Another position in the HSA was permanently filled during Tuesday’s meeting. John Ceccoli was appointed as the county veterans services officer. Ceccoli has served as interim officer since February, Pettygrove said.

Ceccoli is a veteran who served in Afghanistan. He is in the Navy Reserve. Ceccoli previously has been a correctional and parole officer and a family services representative for the HSA.

Ceccoli’s salary will begin at $66,668 annually.

Pettygrove said there was “robust competition” for the veterans services officer position, and “John won by a bullet.”

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Pettygrove appointed director of Merced County Human Services Agency."