The Board of Supervisors at its May 4 meeting concurred with the Interim County Executive’s appointment of Chevon Kothari as Director of Health Services, effective May 9.
“Ms. Kothari brings the leadership and professional experience necessary to serve the people of Sacramento County well in this role,” said Bruce Wagstaff, Deputy County Executive for Social Services. “She has served in executive-level positions in both the public and private sectors and has had successful experience working with stakeholders in her community. We look forward to welcoming her to the County.”
Kothari has more than 20 years of leadership experience promoting the health, safety and wellness of vulnerable Californians. Since July 2020, she has worked for the California Department of Social Services as a Chief Deputy Director with responsibility for 3,700 employees.
Prior to her tenure at the state of California, Kothari served as the Department Director and then Agency Director for the Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency. In her capacity as Agency Director she was responsible for the overall management of human services programs, including Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Child Welfare Services, Adult Protective Services, In-Home Supportive Services, Public Authority, Public Conservator/Guardian, Public Assistance Programs, and Employment and Training programs.
Kothari has served on multiple crisis and prevention teams and as a principal consultant managing county and non-profit contracts that involved grant writing, board development, conducting needs assessments and more.
She has also chaired multiple boards and commissions and in 2019 served as the president for the California Welfare Directors Association.
Kothari has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.