Redwood City — The County of San Mateo’s top two appointees are getting new titles to better reflect their roles.
County Manager Mike Callagy will now be known as the county executive officer, heading the County Executive’s Office. County Counsel John Nibbelin will be referred to as the county attorney, leading the County Attorney’s Office. The change to county executive officer tracks the title many other California counties use for their senior administrative officers. However, the County of San Mateo will be the first office in the state to use the county attorney title.
The Board of Supervisors adopted the ordinance modifying the titles after it received a second reading on Feb. 22, 2022. Board President Don Horsley said the switch made sense because the new titles are less ambiguous.
“County executive officer and county attorney are more modern titles which more clearly spell out to the public what role they play,” said Horsley, who sponsored the name change ordinance with Supervisor Warren Slocum. “While the change may seem mostly ceremonial, the Board wants residents to better understand how these two positions serve the community.”
The retitling does not modify the duties of either office but it did dovetail with the retirement of former County Counsel John Beiers at the end of March 2022.
The County Executive’s Office is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operations of San Mateo County’s government and carries out the vision and policies set by the Board of Supervisors. Its divisions include budget and performance, intergovernmental affairs, the project development unit, community affairs, news and public information, arts and culture, real property and the clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
The County Attorney’s Office serves as the attorney for and provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Supervisors, County departments and other public offices and agencies.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
408-910-4724 M
Mdurand@smcgov.org
www.smcgov.org