Title
a. Confirm the appointment of Kathryn Eckert as Bureau Chief/Director of Behavioral Health for the Monterey County Health Department from the date of approval of appointment by the State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS); and
b. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to execute a letter to State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announcing the appointment of Ms. Eckert as Bureau Chief/Director of Behavioral Health. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Confirm the appointment of Kathryn Eckert as Bureau Chief/Director of Behavioral Health for the Monterey County Health Department from the date of approval of appointment by the State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS); and
b. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to execute a letter to State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announcing the appointment of Ms. Eckert as Bureau Chief/Director of Behavioral Health.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Bureau Chief/Behavioral Health (BH) Director first became vacant in July 2020. On July 28, 2020, your Board took action to confirm the appointment of Lucero Robles, the Deputy Director of Behavioral Health for Access and Substance Use Disorder as the County’s Acting Bureau Chief/Director of Behavioral Health with a term limited to a 12 month period from the date of approval of the appointment by DHCS.
After a competitive recruitment, Kathryn Eckert was selected to fill the vacant position of Bureau Chief/BH Director and will be starting with the County of Monterey on March 29, 2021. Ms. Eckert has worked in local County government for over 15 years and most recently served as Assistant Director and Public Guardian/Conservator for El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency.
As the Bureau Chief/BH Director, Ms. Eckert, under administrative direction of the Director of Health Services, will be responsible for overall management and administrative responsibility of the staff, programs, budget and functional operations of the Behavioral Health Bureau.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed report and concurs with recommendation.
FINANCING:
No additional County funds are associated with this assignment.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes
Prepared by: Julianna De La Paz, Administrative Secretary, 755-4526
Approved by:
_____________________Date:__________
Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board
Cover Letter to DHCS is on file with the Clerk of the Board