Caroline Smith to Serve as Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of the Health and Human Services Agency

Caroline Smith has been named the County’s interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of the Health and Human Services Agency to replace Dr. Eric McDonald who announced his retirement.

The Health and Human Services Agency oversees numerous programs and has nearly 8,000 employees who directly provide services to more than a third of the region’s residents.

Smith brings a passion for policy and public service combined with broad experience supporting the Health and Human Services Agency in her 18 years with the County. She currently serves as the Director of the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs, working with all County departments and diverse, regional stakeholders to maintain the Board of Supervisors’ Legislative Program, create a vibrant economic development strategy, expand the County’s role in arts and culture, and track and identify grant funding opportunities for County departments.

Previously, Caroline worked in a County Supervisor’s office and in the Office Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs, later joining the Health and Human Services Agency and serving as the Assistant Director of Aging & Independence Services. With her leadership, the department developed impactful programs to support local seniors and their caregivers, including the innovative Aging Roadmap and the Alzheimer’s Response Team Pilot project, training more than 350 first responders to provide crisis intervention and long-term support to families experiencing an Alzheimer’s disease-related crisis.

In her role as the Director of the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs, she continues to support the health of the region, including supporting the implementation of the CARE Act and SB 43 to help those with severe behavioral health disorders.

In addition, Caroline co-led the enterprise-wide team that developed the County’s new mission, values and strategic initiatives, as well as the overall vision of a just, sustainable and resilient future for all with community engagement and equity at its core.

Caroline will join the Health and Human Services Agency May 31, working with Dr. McDonald as they transition positions until the end of June. The recruitment process for a permanent Agency Deputy Chief Administrative Officer will take place once a new Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed.