‘I think we’re getting the right person.’ New Merced County executive officer chosen
Raul Lomeli Mendez made his first public appearance as Merced County’s next County Executive Officer following a unanimous vote of approval by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
“This sets the course for the county for at least three years,” said Supervisor Lloyd Pareira, who served on the negotiating committee during the hiring process. “This is really a monumental decision that we’re making.”
The official endorsement of Mendez, who currently serves as assistant county executive officer for Stanislaus County, positions him as the Merced County’s seventh CEO.
He succeeds James Brown, who’s served as Merced County CEO since 2011. After more than 30 years serving the county in various roles, including a decade as the community’s top administrator, Brown is slated to retire in early 2022.
“You can’t replicate Jim Brown,” Supervisor Josh Pedrozo said, but noted that, “I think we’re getting the right person” in selecting Mendez to take the helm.
The applause that echoed the Board Chambers after the unanimous vote rang as both an endorsement for Mendez as well as praise for Brown’s 10 years of service as CEO.
“I stand before you privileged and humbled to be the person who’s going to succeed Mr. Brown,” Mendez told the Board after his contract was approved. “I look forward to learning, observing, building on the good work that’s been done.”
Pedrozo, who also served on the negotiating committee, said the hiring process encouraged him that Mendez’s experience will make him an asset in the community.
Mendez’s 25-year career in public service has encompassed several roles, beginning in 1996 with the City of San Jose in the city manager’s office and later the department of housing. In 2001, Mendez was hired by Stanislaus County as a senior management consultant with the CEO’s Office.
In 2013 Mendez exited Stanislaus County after accepting the position of city manager in the City of Hughson, where he prioritized maintaining a strong fiscal position for the city, improving water and road infrastructure and advancing collaborative relationships with key community and governmental partners.
Mendez returned to Stanislaus County as an assistant CEO in 2020.
Mendez will officially begin his new role as Merced County CEO on Feb. 28. He will begin a transition period under the guidance of Brown on Jan. 10 until the former CEO’s Feb. 27. retirement.
The new CEO’s contract extends through Jan. 10, 2025. His starting salary is set at $250,000.
