WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - As part of its commitment to support the Board of Supervisors in strengthening the community and advocating on behalf of residents, the Yolo County Administrator's Office has announced a series of strategic appointments. These appointments will enhance services and operations in the areas of Climate Action and Sustainability, Communications, Emergency Services, Personnel Administration, Policy Development, Procurement, Contracts, and Budgeting.

Lucas Frerichs, Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the pivotal role of the County Administrator's Office in driving positive change and equitable development across the county. "These strategic appointments and promotions exemplify our collective commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive community where every resident can thrive," remarked Frerichs.

"We are very fortunate to have strong support from the Board of Supervisors to appoint five highly talented leaders to positions that will further enhance public service and advance quality of life issues county-wide," added Chief Administrative Officer Gerardo Pinedo.

The County Administrator’s Office undertakes a comprehensive approach to county management, overseeing the implementation of policies established by the Board of Supervisors, with a primary focus on enhancing the quality of life for all Yolo County residents. Kristen Wraithwall’s promotion to Sustainability Manager, co-located between the County Administrator’s Office and the Department of Community Services, creates a unique opportunity for the county to highlight and implement various Climate Action and Sustainability measures to protect the environment. The position had previously been designated as Coordinator and was exclusively housed in a department. This promotion and the reorganization further underscore the county's dedication to embedding sustainability principles into decision-making processes and operational strategies county-wide. Wraithwall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard University and a Masters of Environmental Management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. 

In a strategic initiative intended to improve services and regulatory compliance, Yana Pavlova is stepping into the role of County Service Areas Manager. Tasked with supervising the efficient and cost-effective delivery of services to unincorporated communities, Pavlova's appointment highlights the county's dedication to ensuring equitable access to essential services and adherence to regulations. Pavlova holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor from UC Davis School of Law. Prior to joining the county, Pavlova practiced law for 5 years with a focus on commercial litigation and contract disputes.

Yen Nguyen's appointment as Associate Management Analyst for County-wide Policies aligns with the county's vision of efficient and effective governance and community-driven policy development. Nguyen's role in supporting the County Administrator’s Office will focus on policy areas such as health and human services, as well as broader initiatives to increase the county’s pursuit of federal grant funding for key community programs. Nguyen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies from the University of California, Davis; and she is being promoted from her prior role of Administrative Services Analyst with the Health and Human Services Agency.

Sandra Rodriguez's promotion to Administrative Services Manager reflects the County’s commitment toward efficient, high quality, and cost-effective services. In this important management role, Rodriguez supports the County Administrator as the primary liaison to staff from the Board of Supervisors. She is responsible for leading the County’s newly implemented strategic recruitment process; and she is the County Administrator’s lead on all matters pertaining to personnel management, procurement, and contracts within the County Administrator’s Office. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. She previously served on the staff of two Yolo County Supervisors: The Honorable Jim Provenza and The Honorable Mariko Yamada.

Laura Galindo's appointment to the Office of Emergency Services (OES) significantly enhances the county's readiness and effectiveness in managing incidents. Drawing on her skills in planning and public communications, Galindo guarantees the timely and accurate distribution of information, enhancing the community’s response and resilience in emergency scenarios. In addition to providing crucial support to OES, Galindo will also assist the County Administrator’s Office with enhancing countywide communications. Galindo holds a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Enterprise Management from the University of Pheonix, and she joins the county after 8 years on the communications team of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a federally recognized tribe bordering Yolo County.

The County Administrator’s Office emphasizes the significance of these appointments in advancing the county's mission of making a difference by enhancing the quality of life for all residents. These appointments reflect Yolo County’s values of high quality, efficient, and cost-effective customer service through a diverse workforce reflective of longstanding community values.