Merced County’s top administrator is retiring. His successor may come from nearby
After a decade as Merced County’s top administrator, County Executive Officer James Brown’s leadership may pass to new hands come Tuesday, pending Board of Supervisors approval.
Tuesday’s Merced County Board of Supervisors meeting agenda includes the prospective appointment of a replacement for Brown, who is retiring in early 2022.
The board is scheduled to consider Raul Lomeli Mendez for the position, according to a Friday Merced County news release.
“Appointing a County Executive Officer is one of the most important decisions this board can make,” said Merced County Board of Supervisors Chairman Daron McDaniel in the release.
“We had several qualified applicants, so the choice was not an easy one. We have the utmost confidence in Mr. Mendez’ abilities to continue leading Merced County in a positive direction.
Mendez currently serves as the assistant county executive officer for Stanislaus County. He was the top candidate for Merced County’s new CEO following an extensive recruitment process, the release said.
Brown’s near exit marks almost 32 years of service to the Merced County community.
A Fresno State graduate, Brown first came to Merced County as a budget analyst in 1990, working his way up to chief budget analyst and assistant CEO before being named CEO in December of 2011. His contract was last extended in December of 2016.
“The Board would also like to express its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our current CEO, James L. Brown, who positioned Merced County for success now and well into the future. We wish him well in retirement,” McDaniel said.
If appointed by the board on Tuesday, Mendez will begin his new role as CEO come Feb. 28. Mendez would begin on Jan. 10 under the guidance of Brown until his retirement on Feb. 27.
“This transitionary period will enable a more seamless transfer of knowledge and duties while also providing continuity of County services to the community,” the release said.
Mendez earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Stanislaus State and a master’s in Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
The Merced County CEO candidate’s career in public service has encompassed several roles, according to the release. Mendez began his career in 1996 with the City of San Jose in the city manager’s office and later the department of housing. In 2001, he was hired by Stanislaus County as a senior management consultant with the CEO’s Office.
Mendez in 2013 left Stanislaus County after accepting the position of city manager in the City of Hughson, where he focused on maintaining a strong fiscal position for the city, improving water and road infrastructure and advancing collaborative relationships with key community and governmental partners, the release said.
He returned to Stanislaus County as an assistant CEO in 2020.
If approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Mendez will become Merced County’s seventh CEO.
This story was originally published December 3, 2021 at 5:26 PM.
