CAO Message: Update on CAO Transition and Recent Board of Supervisors News

A message from Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer:

There are several issues right now that I’m sure are unsettling and are raising questions. Therefore, I’d like to take a moment to address them.

First, many of you have heard that a civil lawsuit naming Supervisor Fletcher as a defendant has been filed in San Diego Superior Court. This matter is being handled in the justice system, which is the appropriate forum. I’ve been in close contact with Chairwoman Vargas and Vice Chair Lawson-Remer and collectively with Supervisor Anderson and Supervisor Desmond. The Board will continue to move forward to meet the needs of all county residents. I have assured them that our team remains focused on operations and will continue to carry out their policies in a professional, ethical, and competent manner. We’ve had challenges in the past, and we’ve always worked through them together as a County team. 

Secondly, I wanted to give you an update on my status as the chief administrative officer. When I announced last year that I’d be retiring, we left the timeline on finding my successor somewhat open-ended. I wanted to make sure the Board of Supervisors had plenty of time to find just the right leader to fulfill their vision for San Diego County. That process is close to concluding, but they’re not quite there yet. 

My official retirement date is Friday. However, you’ll see that on next week’s Board of Supervisors agenda, Chairwoman Vargas has docketed an item to have me continue in my position for a short period of time until the Board announces their selection for my replacement. 

If approved, I’ll stay on as CAO while they finalize their choice and then for a short stretch that ensures a smooth transition, especially during these challenging times. Therefore, you will still see me around for a bit longer, and together we will continue working on great things for San Diego County residents. 

Thank you for your strength, commitment, and dedicated service to our residents. I’m so proud of each of you.