New Merced County CEO plans to drive up customer service
Mark Hendrickson, who has served as interim chief executive officer since May 19, was named to the permanent position on Tuesday.
“You know, this is a unique opportunity in so many different ways, and this is, without question, the privilege of my life,” Hendrickson said during the July 8 meeting.
Supervisors unanimously approved the appointment..
Hendrickson has worked for the county for 19 years, including as the director for Community and Economic Development, and the director of Governmental Affairs.
Hendrickson is also a U.S. Air Force veteran, who promised to bring a military mindset to the organization.
“So, my goal for our team will be quite simple: we will be the highest performing county in the state of California, period,” Hendrickson said. “That’s the goal. We are going to innovate, we are going to optimize and we’re always going to be mindful of why we’re here. And we will drive up customer service.”
Hendrickson received a three-year contract and will be paid $283,549 annually, less than the $290,098 paid to Raul Lomeli Mendez, who resigned in March after about three years as CEO.
A public commenter, who did not give his name, took issue with Hendrickson’s base salary.
“There’s current negotiations with Merced County public safety unions, a stalemate over compensation, as it’s been for years,” the man said. “However, you have zero hesitation to give raises to management level positions, even those that make four times the median Merced County annual household income.”
Supervisor Scott Silveira explained the reasons for the increase.
“So, we did give raises to our employees, and we still are in active negotiation with a few of our labor groups,” he said. “But that difference between the old salary and the new salary is the raise that quite a few of our employees already that signed deals are started here in July. So, that’s the reason for the increase.”
