The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has appointed Jesús Armas as Community Services Department director.
Armas’ selection comes after a nationwide search for a candidate to succeed George Chapjian, who will retire from the position in January. Armas will assume his new role on Jan. 22.
Armas has leadership experience spanning a 30-year tenure in the public and private sectors. His 20-year service to two Bay Area cities as a city manager was distinguished by strategic leadership, where he fostered a collaborative and mission-driven work environment overseeing a staff of 1,000 ensuring services were delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.
Armas served as city manager for the city of Hayward for 15 years, making him the longest serving city manager in Hayward’s history. While there, he developed and managed an operating budget of $181 million and was successful in developing and managing dozens of initiatives and projects.
Ranging from sustainability work in protecting the shoreline and open space; library and recreation services; and affordable housing and community development for lower and middle-income households.
In Hayward he also spearheaded the development of downtown vacant properties into a vibrant, mixed-use, transit-oriented development with some 1,000 new residential units.
“I am excited and honored to be joining Santa Barbara County,” Armas said. “I am passionate about public service, having served in local government for over three decades.
“Building on this experience, I am eager to continue and enhance the work already underway in addressing such vital and pressing community issues as homelessness and affordable housing and environmental sustainability.
“In addition, I welcome the opportunity to focus on important quality of life services such as county parks, arts, cultural events, and library funding.”
“Jesús Armas’ extensive experience in both the public and private sector will bring invaluable leadership to our county,” said Mona Miyasato, county executive officer.
“His deep and broad knowledge of all facets of local government and his skill at addressing complex and challenging community issues will be a huge asset for county government,” Miyasato said. “He has the knowhow to get things done while effectively engaging with residents, community partners, and other local governments.”
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jesús Armas as our new Community Services director,” said board chair and First District Supervisor Das Williams.
“His proven track record, and commitment to community benefit, positions him well to build upon the outstanding legacy left by Director George Chapjian,” Williams said.
Chapjian has served as the county’s community services director for the past eight years. His service is highlighted by championing efforts to bring Community Choice Energy to the region and establishing the Tri-County Regional Energy Network; increasing access to outdoor parks and recreation opportunities; and bringing unprecedented levels of federal, state and local funding to address the affordable housing crisis and homelessness.
“George has been such a vital component to so many of our county programs that are thriving today,” Miyasato said.
“He has helped connect people to opportunities that range from helping move people from the streets and into housing, to encouraging our youth to get outside and enjoy our parks and recreation,” Miyasato said. “The programs started under his leadership will positively impact our county for years to come.”
The Community Services Department includes divisions for Housing and Community Development; Parks; Office of Arts and Culture; and Sustainability. It oversees several commissions, including the Park Commission, the Commission for Women, and the County Library Advisory Committee.
For more about the Santa Barbara County Community Services Department, visit Community Services | Santa Barbara County, CA – Official website .