Yolo County is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Arnold as Director of Communications and Chief Public Information Officer, effective Monday, June 15. Photo courtesy of Yolo County

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – Yolo County is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Arnold as director of communications and chief public information officer, effective June 15. In this role, Arnold will lead countywide communications, public information, media relations, digital engagement and emergency communications for the county administrator’s office.

“We are pleased to welcome Will Arnold to the Yolo County team,” said Sheila Allen, chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. “Will brings a deep record of public service, strong relationships across Yolo County and extensive experience communicating through complex and high-profile issues. His background in local government, statewide media relations, emergency communications and community outreach will strengthen the County’s ability to inform, engage and serve residents.”

Arnold currently serves as director of communications and outreach for the UC Davis Energy and Efficiency Institute, a leading university institution advancing impactful energy and energy efficiency solutions. Founded as the first university-based center focused on energy efficiency, the Institute supports research, education and engagement on critical energy issues. In his role, Arnold leads strategic communications, outreach, media relations, executive messaging and high-level storytelling for the Institute and its affiliated research centers and programs. His work centers on translating complex research into clear public-facing stories for policymakers, community partners, funders, researchers and the public.

Before joining UC Davis, Arnold served as headquarters media affairs manager for the California Department of Transportation. Caltrans is one of California’s largest state agencies, with more than 22,000 employees and responsibility for building and maintaining California’s state highway system, which consists of more than 50,000 lane miles and reaches every corner of the state. As the main statewide point of contact for media inquiries, Arnold advised executive leadership on public messaging, media response and high-profile communications. His work included crisis and emergency communications, including service as the Caltrans representative at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services during emergencies such as wildfires and flooding events. He also served as speechwriter for the director of Caltrans.

Arnold also served two terms on the Davis City Council, including service as mayor of Davis in 2023. During his eight years in elected office, he helped guide the city through complex policy issues and difficult community moments that required calm, clear and trusted public communication. His public service also included regional work with Yolo County and partner agencies, including service as chair of the Yolo County Housing Authority and Yolo Habitat Conservancy, as well as service on the Yolo County Local Agency Formation Commission and the City/County 2x2.

“This role is critical to stepping up our efforts to engage both internally and with the community we serve,” said Yolo County Administrative Officer Michael Webb. “Clear and effective communication is especially crucial during the difficult budgetary challenges and service impacts we are facing and is invaluable in times of critical incidents. I am very pleased to welcome Will to our team. Will understands Yolo County, he understands public service, and he understands the importance of clear, accurate and timely communication, especially during a crisis. His extensive professional experience, collaborative approach and deep local roots make him an excellent fit for this role and for the county organization.”

Earlier in his career, Arnold served as the Yolo County district representative for State Senator Lois Wolk, where he worked directly with residents, local governments, community organizations and regional leaders on issues affecting communities throughout the county. He is also a former small business owner, campaign manager and communications professional with experience in public outreach, stakeholder engagement and organizational leadership.

A native of Yolo County, Arnold was born in Woodland and raised in Davis. He has lived in Yolo County for most of his life and has extended family throughout the county.

“I could not be more honored to serve the county that raised me in this way,” Arnold said. “Yolo County is home, and I am grateful for the chance to bring my professional experience and my commitment to public service to this role. I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors, county leadership, staff, community partners and residents to help make county communications clear, useful and trusted.”

The director of communications and chief public information officer leads Yolo County’s public information program, supports communication across county departments, serves as a primary county spokesperson, oversees digital and media strategy and plays a lead role in sharing public information during emergencies.