A veteran administrator is temporarily stepping into the top executive role at Merced County, while the search for a permanent leader continues.
Mark Hendrickson was named Merced County’s interim county executive officer during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
Outgoing CEO Raul Lomeli Mendez made the announcement at the very end of the last board meeting of his tenure, which ends May 18.
“At this time, I would like to pass my leadership baton to Mr. Mark Hendrickson and wish him well as he succeeds me in this position as interim CEO upon my departure,” Lomeli Mendez said.
Hendrickson currently works as Merced County’s assistant CEO. Prior to that, he worked as the county’s community and economic development director. He also previously served three terms on the Atwater Elementary School Board of Trustees.
Lomeli Mendez tendered his resignation in March after being in the county’s top administrative role for about three years.
Since then, the Board of Supervisors has met in closed session to discuss the recruitment of a new CEO.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the county supervisors thanked Lomeli Mendez for his service and wished him well on his future endeavors.
“I’ll miss seeing your big smile and your enthusiasm for bringing us all together as a team,” Supervisor Lloyd Pareira, Jr. said.
“Raul, you stepped into this role in 2022 with a steady hand, a thoughtful approach and a genuine commitment to do the right by the people of Merced County,” Supervisor Daron McDaniel said.
So far, Lomeli Mendez has not publicly shared what he plans to do next.
The executive search firm Peckham & McKenney is currently advertising the Merced County CEO position with an anticipated annual salary of $283,550. Applications are due May 29, according to the posting.
Merced County’s executive officer is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and manages the county’s $1.14 billion budget and 2,000 employees.