Mona Miyasato retires as Santa Barbara County CEO

Mona Miyasato has retired from her position as the Chief Executive Officer of Santa Barbara County after serving in the role since 2013. During her 13-year tenure, Miyasato managed the county through significant challenges, including economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various natural disasters that required state and federal emergency aid. Her leadership involved overseeing departmental operations, managing budget crises, and implementing new services such as the cannabis program and the Northern Branch Jail.

In her final appearance before the Board of Supervisors, Miyasato expressed confidence in the county organization and emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust. While retiring from her executive post, she intends to remain in the public sector as a leadership coach through the Hudson Institute of Coaching to mentor future public leaders.

Jana Petersen, formerly the county administrator for Boulder County, Colorado, has been selected to succeed Miyasato and is scheduled to officially begin her new role this week.