The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office welcomed two new employees and recognized the promotion of 12 members of the organization during a ceremony on Friday.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, center, stands with new promotees. (Courtesy photo)
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, center, with new promotees. (Courtesy photo)

“Our office has a proud tradition of Keeping the Peace Since 1850,” Sheriff Bill Brown said. “Whether you are beginning your career with our agency or stepping into a new leadership role, our expectations are clear: treat every person fairly, courteously and professionally — every time.”

The Sheriff’s Office welcomed sheriff’s utility worker Frank “Frankie” Lentini, and financial office professional Leon “Fabian” Arias.

Brown then introduced and promoted 12 members of the agency, including three to the executive leadership team:

• Undersheriff Brad Welch is a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office who has served in custody, patrol, investigations, and command leadership, most recently as chief deputy of Law Enforcement Operations.

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, has graduated from multiple executive leadership programs, and is a past recipient of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor.

Welch brings deep operational experience to the role of second-in-command.

• Chief Deputy Kevin Huddle is a long-serving Sheriff’s Office leader with a career spanning patrol, investigations, field training, and executive command assignments.

A POST Command College graduate with a master’s degree in law enforcement leadership, he will help guide agency-wide law enforcement operations and organizational priorities.

• Custody Chief Deputy Ryan Sullivan completed a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge and began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in custody operations.

He has advanced through supervisory and command ranks, overseeing multiple jail operations and support divisions.

With extensive experience in custody leadership and organizational management, he will lead custody operations and program delivery across Sheriff’s facilities.

“These promotions reflect the caliber of our people and the rigor of the process,” Brown said. “Competition is always tough, and those who emerge successfully have earned the confidence of this organization.”

The following additional promotions were made:

  • John Maxwell — sheriff’s commander
  • Cassandra Marking — custody commander
  • Selim Celmeta — custody commander
  • Daniel Nelson Jr. — sheriff’s lieutenant
  • Justin Haney — custody lieutenant
  • Luis Espinosa — custody lieutenant
  • Jose Velazquez — custody sergeant
  • Jose Alejo — custody sergeant
  • Nanette Tobin — administrative office professional senior

Brown said the guiding principles behind the leadership transitions remain consistent: “public service, accountability and professionalism.”

He encouraged all newly promoted personnel to lead with the values reflected in the word SHERIFF: Service, Honor, Ethics, Respect, Integrity, Fairness, and Faithfulness.

The ceremony concluded with an oath of office for newly promoted sworn members, followed by a reception for family, friends and colleagues.