Monterey County’s Top Executive Charles McKee Announces Retirement; McKee is A leader who guided the County of Monterey through challenging times

April 26, 2022 – Salinas, CA – The County of Monterey and the Board of Supervisors are announcing that, Charles McKee, County Administrative Officer, is retiring to start the next chapter of his life. McKee has served in local government for 31 years. Over the past 19 years with the County of Monterey, McKee has created a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and innovation within the County Administrative Office, the 27 county departments, the larger community and among stakeholders. In 2000, Mr. McKee left the Marin County Counsel’s Office to become County Counsel of Nevada County. McKee, served as Monterey County Counsel from 2003 to 2019, when he was selected by the Board of Supervisors to be the County Administrative Officer. Confirmed to the office on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, McKee was able to make a seamless transition to the County’s top office, as he brought a depth of knowledge of county issues and needs. “McKee is the type of leader that is passionate about team building and thrives on challenges. He is most admired for his thoughtful and easy-going collaborative style, as well as his keen ability to analyze a situation to bring about the best possible outcomes for the people of the county,” said Supervisor Chris Lopez. From a very early age, McKee was intrigued by government, politics and the interplay with the economy. Early in his studies he was focused on the national and international stage, however, after law school, he realized that making a difference in people’s lives is best achieved at the local level. McKee worked and volunteered in a variety of positions to gain perspective on how organizations operate and how people should be treated, stating, “Attitude is a big part of a positive work environment to me. My perspective on management was shaped by both work life and volunteer activities.” “Those who know Charles, know that his style is serious when it is necessary and easy-going at the same time. He places great trust in his team, and he is highly respected because people feel empowered under his leadership to run their operations and ask for guidance when needed, rather than micromanaged,” said Supervisor John Phillips. Supervisor Wendy Root Askew said, “We are saddened to see him leave and I am so grateful for his tireless efforts in developing and promoting leadership throughout the county.” McKee envisioned and managed great change throughout County of Monterey by fostering innovation among department heads and empowering people at every level of government. “Monterey is fortunate to have professionals at every level of County government that are highly qualified, dedicated and passionate community servants,” said McKee. McKee’s dedication and tireless energy resulted in the County’s full court press response to local emergencies, including wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as strong fiscal management of the resources entrusted to the County, so that no layoffs occurred during the pandemic, the budgets were balanced, and agreements successfully negotiated with labor unions. He also led change efforts including stabilizing health insurance funding, the separation of the Resource Management Agency into 2 separate departments and the groundwork for healthcare service alignment with Natividad Hospital and the Health Department. McKee’s legacy leaves a lasting impact on the over 5,000 county employees, and this number doesn’t include the extended County family who were also impacted through his efforts, compassion and leadership. “Charles has been an effective leader during the most challenging of times. His legal background and depth of experience have been a tremendous asset. Without question, he’s a tireless advocate for the people of Salinas and Monterey County, which is why many of us requested he reconsider and extend his service to our county just a little more,” said Supervisor Luis Alejo. “I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team on behalf of our residents, businesses, stakeholders, and employees as we pursue the interests and equity for all in our diverse county. I am convinced that the County of Monterey will continue to be an increasingly strong force in providing professional, vital services and will bring innovative and enterprising approaches to local government,” said McKee. He continued, “It has been my great privilege to work with an exceptionally dedicated and skilled team of executives and managers who lead the most talented group of public servants I have ever worked with in all my years in government. I am exceedingly grateful for all the long hours and hard work County employees put in to ensure every person who needs our services receives them in a compassionate and professional way. These are not accomplishments a CAO makes alone. These are achievements that require a committed team of gifted, tenacious individuals who come together to work relentlessly for a common goal. It is now time for me to seek new adventures and for the next leader of Monterey County to guide the big ship.” The process of recruiting for McKee’s replacement will commence soon and McKee anticipates assisting to the fullest extent requested by the Board. The two Assistant County Administrative Officers, Nicholas Chiulos and, Dewayne Woods, continue to lead the day-to-day functions of the organization while reporting directly to McKee. Chiulos and Woods will also be working with the Board of Supervisors to keep initiatives, programs and departments moving forward as the recruitment process gets underway. “Charles has developed and led a committed team, each of whom plays an integral role in the everyday operation of our County Government,” said Mary Adams, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. Adams continued, “We will miss Charles, but he leaves the County of Monterey in a very strong position for the future, and we sincerely thank him for his vision, leadership and contributions.” While Mr. McKee initially proposed October 2022 for retirement, he agreed with the Board’s request to stay at least until December 31, 2022, unless a successor is appointed sooner. The County will be celebrating the varied contributions of McKee at a retirement event at a date and time to be announced. We will share the details as soon as they have been confirmed, as we would welcome everyone to help us celebrate our highly regarded leader, Charles McKee.