With CEO Michelle Aguirre set to retire in June, Orange County supervisors say they have an aggressive, national search underway for a new leader of the county’s 18,000 employees.
Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley said the county has hired the HR firm Wendi Brown Creative Partners to oversee the recruitment process for the OC Board of Supervisors. The job posting will be published shortly, her office said.
Foley said she’s specifically looking for someone with a “broad depth of experience” in California county government, as the state has “unique laws and regulations” that will be difficult for someone without extensive in-state knowledge to navigate.
“I’ll be looking for somebody who is highly regarded in terms of integrity, ethnics, ability to govern from an inclusive perspective,” she said.
First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen said she supported a national search, looking for a “dynamic” candidate who has led a board of a similar or larger size. Nguyen said the board has not yet finalized a timeline for hiring, but the process will have to be wrapped up in the next three months.
Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento called the board’s search “expansive,” looking for candidates with “a strong vision and technical skills.”
“I am looking for a candidate who has the courage needed to work with our board in addressing important issues affecting all our residents,” he said in a statement. “Someone who has a fresh vision, experience working with diverse communities, and who brings a creative, practical approach to management.”
The county CEO oversees a $10 billion budget, 23 departments and 18,000 employees who provide services ranging from public health to regional parks, public works to law enforcement.
The board appointed Aguirre interim CEO in September 2024, two months after the retirement of former CEO Frank Kim. Aguirre assumed the role on a permanent basis last June, but expressed a wish to retire after her one-year contract expires. Her annual salary was set at $460,000.
Aguirre’s current term ends on June 26, county spokesperson Molly Nichelson said.
Foley said Aguirre has been “an exceptional CEO” who has helped the county navigate a series of crises, including the 2024 Airport fire, policy changes at the state and federal governments, as well as the audits into contracts involving disgraced former Supervisor Andrew Do.
“We’re going to be at a huge loss when she leaves,” Foley said.
Before her tenure as CEO, Aguirre worked in the county’s administration for more than 35 years, including as chief financial officer, county budget director and director of administration for the Orange County Probation Department.