[Carla B. Hass, Director of Communications & Outreach]
The Chief Administrative Officer of El Dorado County sits down at a Roundtable with the public to discuss:
> Where the County gets its money • How much is mandated to be spent by the State & where it must go;
> How much is discretionary & what are the options for spending it;
> The process driving the decisions about what gets funded, and what doesn't, & the consequences of those decisions;
> Closing with an Open discussion about topics of community interest.
MONDAY, MARCH 5th
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Emigrant Trail Learning Center
2701 Amber Trail
Pollock Pines, CA
(Pollock Pines Elementary School District Office)
---- Background on Don Ashton and the CAO's Position ----
Role of the Chief Administrative Office
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is appointed by and reports to the Board of Supervisors and is responsible to the Board for the proper and efficient administration of the affairs of the County as prescribed in the County Charter and by formal action of the Board, as well as coordinating the work of all offices and departments, identifying ways to achieve efficiency and economy in all county operations, and recommending and administering the County budget.
On an annual basis the CAO is responsible for reviewing and appraising the performance of all appointed department heads, with the exception of the County Counsel (Board appointee). Voters choose seven elected officials: Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator, Assessor, Auditor-Controller, County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar, District Attorney, Treasurer-Tax Collector and Surveyor.
Together, the Chief Administrative Office team:
> Coordinates the work of all offices and departments, both elective and appointive, and identifies ways to make County government and operations more efficient.
> Formulate and present plans to the Board of Supervisors to implement policies and accomplish goals established by the Board.
> After collaboration with all departments, recommends an annual budget for all departments and agencies in which the Board is responsible or which request county funds, and then administers the budget after its adoption by the Board.
> Provides in-depth analysis and review of all county programs on a regular basis in a manner that allows the Board to make informed policy decisions.
> Provides and implements appropriate internal controls to safeguard county money and property.
> Collaborates with federal, state, regional and local government entities ensuring the best interest of El Dorado County.
> Coordinates the review and publication of a county long-range fiscal plan and the annual statement of goals as adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
----- Donald Ashton Biography -----
Don Ashton was the Director of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. Don has more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, including work in the areas of health care administration, public health, psychiatric health facilities and foster care. He also has extensive experience in finance and human resources, strategic planning, leadership development, organizational development and management of Board appointed commissions. Prior to coming to El Dorado County, Don worked for Los Angeles County, including five years directly serving in the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ office.
Don holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health. When he isn’t working, Don enjoys spending time with his wife and four children (three boys and one girl), and participating in the many recreational activities available in El Dorado County, such as mountain biking, rafting, fishing, and snowboarding. Lake Tahoe holds a special place in Don’s heart since it is where he and his wife were married.
Director, Health and Human Services
County of El Dorado
July 2013 – Present (2 years 10 months)
Responsible for managing health services, public health, mental health, social services, child protective services and community services functions in El Dorado County.
Principal Analyst
El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office
June 2012 – July 2013 (1 year 2 months)
Fiscal Administration Manager
El Dorado County Sheriff
January 2011 – June 2012 (1 year 6 months)
Education:
California State University-Northridge
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Environmental Health
California State University-Northridge
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
