SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After more than a decade at the helm of Santa Barbara County’s administration, Chief Executive Officer Mona Miyasato announced her retirement. Miyasato, who began her tenure in 2013, has overseen the county’s budget process, emergency management, and day‑to‑day operations of dozens of departments.
Key accomplishments during her tenure
During her 13‑year service, Miyasato guided the county through several severe budget cycles. She led the annual budget hearings, working with the Board of Supervisors to balance a budget that faced recurring fiscal shortfalls. Her focus on fiscal responsibility helped the county secure state and federal aid during emergencies, including multiple weather‑related disasters and the COVID‑19 pandemic.
She also acted as the county’s primary liaison for emergency declarations, coordinating responses to wildfires, storms, and public‑health crises. Those actions opened pathways for additional resources from higher levels of government, ensuring that local services could continue operating under strained conditions.
Farewell remarks and next steps
At a farewell ceremony before county staff, Miyasato received two standing ovations. She removed her official county badge and placed it on the podium, symbolizing the end of her public‑sector career. In her remarks, she said, “As I leave, I have great confidence in this county and its organization. There will always be difficult choices and limited resources, but the public’s trust must continually be earned. This organization will do what it has always done—respond, adjust, and renew.”
While stepping down from the CEO role, Miyasato will remain active in the public‑sector arena as a professional coach for executives. She plans to use her experience to mentor leaders navigating the complexities of government management.
Looking ahead for Santa Barbara County
County officials indicated that the administration is in a stronger financial position than in previous years, thanks in part to the budgeting discipline instituted under Miyasato’s leadership. The Board of Supervisors will appoint an interim chief executive while a search for a permanent replacement begins.
The transition comes at a time when Santa Barbara County continues to address ongoing challenges, including housing affordability, wildfire preparedness, and the need for sustainable infrastructure investments. Residents can expect the county’s day‑to‑day services to continue without interruption as the new leadership takes over.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
