After nearly 40 years in public service, 25 of those years in the Inland Empire, Greg Devereaux announced today that he will retire from his role as San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer by the end of the current fiscal year. Mr. Devereaux joined County Government in February 2010 after successful tenures as city manager in Fontana and Ontario.
“I wish to thank the Board of Supervisors, all of the County’s employees and the entire community for the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” Mr. Devereaux said. “It has been a great privilege.”
The Board of Supervisors will discuss the transition and Mr. Devereaux’s replacement as CEO in closed session on Tuesday.
Under the terms of his contract, Mr. Devereaux will continue to work with the County for the next three years advising the Board and his successor on programs and matters affecting the County. He will also retain and expand his involvement in various academic endeavors and provide consultation to various local and regional government agencies.
“I will probably remain as busy as I am now. But I will have more flexibility than I do as CEO to devote needed attention to my family,” said Mr. Devereaux, who turned 65 this past summer.
The Board hired Mr. Devereaux as County Government faced significant organizational and fiscal challenges. He has worked with the Board to redefine how San Bernardino County government operates, creating practices and processes that emphasize accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility.
“I was hoping to work with Greg throughout my chairmanship,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Lovingood. “Greg’s knowledge and ability to work with the Board to address the County’s challenges will be missed. He is well respected in the local government and business communities.”
“Greg Devereaux is a man of integrity and intelligence who has served the people of this county admirably,” said Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford. “His fiscal discipline and eagerness to tear down unproductive bureaucratic silos have allowed the county to return to its core functions as well as lead regional conversations about education, the economy and much more. As a Board member, I will miss his daily presence and as a friend, I wish him and his family the very best.”
“Greg’s contacts in Sacramento and Washington and throughout Southern California and his knowledge of government have served the Board and the County well,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Curt Hagman. “Greg played a key role working with me and other local leaders to return Ontario International Airport to local control. As the newest member of the Board, I had been looking forward to working with Greg as CEO throughout my time on the Board. I am glad he will still be available to us in an advisory role.”
“Greg has been a trusted and knowledgeable advisor through the years and he has worked effectively to help the Board of Supervisors achieve its goals,” said Third District Supervisor James Ramos. “During good times and times of difficulty, we have worked together as a team to move forward in San Bernardino County in service to our residents and future generations.”
“When we hired Greg, we wanted to take the County in a new, positive direction. Greg understood what we meant by that and he worked very hard under sometimes difficult circumstances to help us achieve our vision of an ethical, responsive, compassionate, and effective County organization,” said Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales. “I am committed to ensuring we continue in this positive direction.”
“Since my appointment to Sheriff in 2012, it has been a privilege to work with Greg Devereaux,” said Sheriff John McMahon. “Greg is a strong supporter of public safety and he worked with the Board of Supervisors to increase the Sheriff’s Department’s budget to meet the unique challenges we face daily. This has allowed us to grow as an organization, renovate existing facilities, acquire a much-needed crime lab and aviation facility. During the December 2 terrorist attack, Greg demonstrated outstanding leadership by ensuring the resources we needed were available to deal with the initial response and the aftermath of the tragic event. I appreciate all of Greg’s support and wish him best of luck in his future endeavors.”
At the time he was hired, Mr. Devereaux became the ninth permanent or interim county chief executive in 12 years. His initial contract called for him to serve for five years, but the Board extended that time and next month he will pass seven years in the role, making him the longest serving county chief executive in more than 20 years.
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