The Board of Supervisors at its June 7 meeting concurred with the County Executive’s appointment of Chevon Kothari as Deputy County Executive – Social Services, effective June 19.
“After a nationwide executive search for candidates and extensive community engagement with external stakeholders, Ms. Kothari was identified as the best and most qualified candidate,” said Sacramento County Executive Ann Edwards. “Ms. Kothari has established a reputation for having earned the trust and respect of her peers and the community.”
Kothari has more than 20 years of leadership experience promoting the health, safety and wellness of vulnerable Californians. She joined Sacramento County in May of 2021, when she was hired as the Director of Health Services. Over the past year, she has forged strong community partnerships and has worked collaboratively and proactively with advisory boards, community groups, as well as with a wide variety of County Officials and social services teams.
Prior to her tenure at the County, Kothari worked for the California Department of Social Services as a Chief Deputy Director with responsibility for 3,700 employees. She also 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.
