After a nearly 30-year long career with Stanislaus County, three of which in the role of chief executive officer, Stan Risen informed the Board of Supervisors that he plans to retire from his position effective as of August.
Risen’s career with Stanislaus County began in 1987 in the Assessor’s Office. He rose through the ranks of various departments and was made a senior management consultant to the chief executive’s office in 1999. He was an assistant executive officer for the County in 2005 and appointed to chief executive officer by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors in November 2013.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to have worked for Stanislaus County over this past 30 years and I am extremely grateful to all of the wonderful Board members, department leaders, employees, and community members that I have been blessed to know and work alongside,” Risen wrote in his resignation letter to the Board. “It has been an incredible journey and it has been a real honor to wrap up my career with the County serving as your chief executive officer.”
Risen was the guiding figure behind the Focus on Prevention initiative which focuses on improving quality of life by addressing various social issues, like crime, poverty, and homelessness. He was also instrumental in securing a 10-year agreement with local cities for solid waste services, the payoff of general fund debt for the County, spearheading efforts that led to the County receiving the Government Financial Officers Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the development of the County’s long-range financial model.
“Stan is the epitome of an effective leader,” stated Vito Chiesa, Chairman of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. “He has been a leader of great influence with tremendous integrity who keeps the community first in his deliberations. It would be hard to find a better example of a leader and public servant.”
County spokesperson David Jones said the County will be evaluating how to move forward in finding a replacement. Risen stated he will hold off on an exact date in August that he expects to leave and will assist in the transition if needed.
