CAO Walt Ekard's Message Annoucing His Departure

August 8. 2012

Colleagues:

This morning, I informed the Board of Supervisors that I will be stepping aside as Chief Administrative Officer effective December 1 of this year.  As I told the Board and will repeat many times before I leave, leading this organization has been the greatest privilege of my professional life.  The intelligence, creativity, motivation and most importantly, the character of this workforce is unmatched in any other government organization and I have been exceedingly proud to work with such an accomplished team.  The Board has determined to consider later today the appointment of Helen Robbins-Meyer as your new CAO, effective upon my retirement.  Helen is a highly talented executive who has been a full partner with me in leading the operation of County government. I have full confidence she will work with this great team to take our organization to the next level.

I look forward to speaking with many of you in the remaining four months of my tenure to thank you personally for all you have done to make our County the best local government in America.

With warmest regards,

Walt

Walter F. Ekard
Chief Administrative Officer