The Santa Barbara Planning Commission will get its third new appointee in less than a year after Fourth District Commissioner Roy Reed left the panel in May.

Santa Barbara County Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson announced on Thursday that he nominated Tony Guy for the seat. The appointment will go to the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

“Tony has spent his career solving complex problems, creating jobs and helping our community grow,” Nelson said in a statement. “His experience, integrity and commitment to northern Santa Barbara County make him an outstanding choice to serve on the Planning Commission.”

Guy brings years of executive experience in engineering, manufacturing and business operations, and helped establish Adient Aerospace’s manufacturing presence in Santa Maria, according to Nelson’s office.

He also serves on the Santa Maria Public Airport District Board of Directors as its secretary.

“I am honored by Supervisor Nelson’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Guy said. “I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners, county staff and members of the public to help ensure thoughtful planning that protects our quality of life while supporting a strong local economy.”

Guy will replace Reed, who has served on the Planning Commission since 2023. He was also appointed by Nelson and replaced Larry Ferini, who served on the commission for 12 years.

During a resolution honoring Reed’s time on the commission, Nelson recalled selecting Reed and said he was the only person they interviewed for the role.

He called Reed a natural fit to replace Ferini, who served under Nelson’s predecessor on the board.

Reed is a longtime resident of Santa Maria and a rancher with multiple pieces of land. One property is 2,500 acres with diverse agricultural production, and another smaller property is limited to grazing.

Reed also led the board of the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association.

He graduated from Cal Poly with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology/plant pathology. 

On his last day on the commission on May 27, colleagues thanked him and remembered his punctuality, preparedness and sense of humor.

They also acknowledged his willingness to meet with opposing sides on issues brought to the commission and his hard work representing the Fourth District.

“While we have not always agreed on all issues, I really admire your preparation, unbelievable intellect, candor, your wry sense of humor and your impeccable manners,” Commissioner John Parke said, “as well as your constant and determined efforts to do what is right for the people of the county, and especially for your district. I will really miss you, but I wish you the best.”

Reed thanked his fellow commissioners and gave thanks to the county staff, particularly the workers in the Planning and Development Department.

He applauded Planning and Development for their hard work and competency. He also said they were often unfairly criticized despite only interpreting ordinances from the Board of Supervisors or the state.

“It’s been an honor to serve. It’s been a pleasure to serve with my fellow commissioners, and it has been a great honor to conserve and work with the many members of Planning and Development staff,” Reed said. “So, thank you all.”

Reed was the third county planning commissioner to step down from their position within the past year.

Lauren Bridley resigned in September amid frustration with the state’s oversight and demands over housing.

Second District Supervisor Laura Capps nominated Kate Ford, a former member of the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board, as her replacement.

Michael Cooney, who represented the First District, stepped down from the commission in May after 22 years.

Supervisor Roy Lee opted to nominate retired attorney Steve Amerikaner to fill the seat.

With Reed’s departure, Amerikaner is serving as chair of the commission.