Santa Barbara County names new CEO
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has named its next county executive officer.
Jana Petersen is set to become the new CEO of Santa Barbara County, pending a contract approval from the Board of Supervisors meeting set for June 9. Once approved, Petersen will assume the role on Aug. 20, according to the May 20 press release.
Petersen will succeed Mona Miyasato, who will retire this summer after nearly 13 years in the position. Miyasato will continue serving as CEO until Petersen assumes her duties.
Petersen currently serves as county administrator for Boulder County in Colorado, a role she has held since January 2020. Petersen has worked in Bounder County since 1996, when she began as the county’s public information officer.
During her tenure as county administrator, Petersen reshaped services to be more accessible and virtual in the aftermath of the Covid‑19 pandemic. She and her team also supported victims of the devastating Marshall Wildfire and wind event while also delivering on several critical infrastructure projects.
“It is an honor to be chosen by the Board of Supervisors. The County of Santa Barbara’s mission of ‘One County, One Future’ energizes my public service spirit. I am passionate about demonstrating the value of local government to the community, and I look forward to continuing to enhance the initiatives and priorities of the Board,” said Petersen.
