San Mateo County restructures executive leadership to strengthen services and long-term stability
San Mateo County, California – As part of a larger effort to improve public services, increase coordination, and set the organization up for long-term stability, San Mateo County is changing its executive leadership. County Executive Mike Callagy said that four senior officials would be taking on new duties in the County Executive’s Office. The Board of Supervisors agreed, and the changes will take effect on January 4, 2026.
After a countrywide search, Justin Mates and Adam Ely were chosen to be Assistant County Executives, and Rocio Kiryczun and Nicholas Calderon were chosen to be Deputy County Executives. The modifications add two Assistant County Executives and two Deputy County Executives to the executive team. This gives the county more leadership power to oversee departments, lead complicated projects, and improve succession planning.
“The addition of these skilled leaders strengthens San Mateo County’s executive team at a critical time,” said Board President David Canepa. “With this new structure, the County is poised to navigate the complex challenges and advance community priorities in the years ahead.”
County authorities stressed that the new structure achieves a balance between meeting operational needs and fiscal responsibility. The second Assistant County Executive post was made possible by getting rid of two long-vacant positions. This saved the county $317,381 a year and made the organization more stable.
The leadership change comes at the same time as the retirement of Iliana Rodriguez, the current Assistant County Executive. It supports a transition that focuses on both continuity and new ideas. Callagy says that local governments are taking on more and more duties, such as big capital projects, being ready for emergencies, and getting more people involved in their communities and working together across agencies. He noted that the new leadership team has a lot of expertise, knows a lot about the organization, and is committed to public service.
The executive team will be in charge of a number of major projects under the new organization. These include the children’s master plan, a countywide childcare strategy, better customer service, and attempts to boost economic growth. There will also be more focus on coordinating services in places that aren’t part of a city. A Deputy County Executive will be in charge of the Coast and all unincorporated areas, which will make those towns more visible and get more support.
Read also: California AG Rob Bonta: “Today, we celebrate another victory against the Trump Administration”
Additional efficiencies are planned as part of the reorganization. The Project Development Unit will become part of Public Works, and the Deputy Director post in the unit will be cut. This will save the city about $300,000. County leaders believe the reforms show a commitment to good government and getting San Mateo County ready for problems that may come up in the future.
