Walter F. Ekard
Walter F. Ekard
Chief Administrative Officer
County of San Diego |
Walter F. Ekard is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the County of San Diego. As the chief executive for the fifth largest county in the United States, Mr. Ekard manages a workforce of over 15,000 employees and an annual budget of $5 billion. Mr. Ekard was appointed to this position by the five-member Board of Supervisors on May 4, 1999 and has served in this position longer than any CAO in recent times. He previously served as the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO) and was the Boards' "first and only choice" for the job because of his experience and strong leadership skills.
As the County's CAO, he implements the policies set by the Board and oversees the effective, efficient operation of over 40 departments that provide myriad services to the region - from health and human services and criminal justice programs to land use planning, public works, parks, libraries, animal control and elections. He also directs the allocation of personnel, capital and budgetary resources within the County organization.
Since joining the County as ACAO in 1996, Mr. Ekard has led its dramatic transformation, moving the County from an organization that budgeted year-to-year, relied on outdated information systems and had a backlog of facility maintenance to one that now has a multi-year, structurally-balanced budget; prioritizes efficiency, streamlining and customer service; and has been praised by credit agencies such as Moody's and Standard and Poor's for its fiscal discipline. Working closely with the Board and County executive team, Mr. Ekard has instituted private sector management practices throughout the County, in the form of a General Management System that stresses long-term planning, accountability and teamwork. Under his leadership, the County of San Diego has been recognized by numerous local, state and national organizations for excellence in individual programs as well as for overall management excellence, and is known for combining innovative thinking and new technology with a strong commitment to accountability, fiscal discipline and ethics.
Mr. Ekard brought a unique combination of qualifications and experience to this post. He's worked with legislators - serving as a senior policy advisor to former County Supervisor Paul Fordem (1981-1984), then as Chief of Staff to former Supervisor Brian Bilbray (1985-1987). He also managed the Rancho Santa Fe Association from 1987 to 1996. Working in a capacity much like a city manager, he transformed that organization into a modern, highly-effective and influential agency within the region, developing partnerships with other community organizations, creating long-term strategic plans to secure needed resources and reducing administrative staff, streamlining the budget process and privatizing Association functions, as appropriate.
A native of San Diego County, Mr. Ekard received his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of California and has served on a number of community boards and commissions. He and his wife, Pam, reside in El Cajon with their family.
|
