Women’s History Month staff spotlight: County Administrative Office

*San Bernardino County celebrates Women’s History Month.*

In honor of Women’s History Month, San Bernardino County is spotlighting women who drive innovation, champion community well-being, and shape programs and services throughout various county departments.

Diana Alexander

Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander has built a 32-year legacy with San Bernardino County and is retiring this week, leaving behind a lasting impact on the countless employees and residents she has served.

What began as a seemingly temporary role with the county evolved into an illustrious career that has touched nearly every corner of county operations.

Alexander majored in biology and initially intended to become a doctor, but life took an unexpected turn when she got married, started a family, and began exploring other career opportunities. In 1993, at a friend’s recommendation, Alexander applied for an eligibility worker position with the county, where she assessed applicants’ and recipients’ eligibility for public assistance programs. Although she initially had limited knowledge of the Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) and its programs, Alexander quickly adapted, viewing it not just as a job but as an opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact.

Inspired by training courses led by the county’s staff development unit Performance, Education & Resource Centers (PERC), she set sights on becoming a training instructor, recognizing her natural inclination for mentorship, education and public speaking. Over the next few years, Alexander advanced through the ranks, becoming an eligibility worker III, a supervisor, and then securing a position as a staff training instructor with PERC. This shift marked the beginning of a 14-year tenure in staff training and development, culminating in Alexander’s appointment as the county’s chief learning officer. In this role, her impact was felt across county departments. Alexander’s ability to connect with people, develop talent, and create meaningful training programs positioned her as a key figure in shaping the county’s workforce.

When Cal State San Bernardino sought to develop a Master of Public Administration (MPA) cohort within the county, she was instrumental in its creation. Recognizing the value of leading by example, Alexander enrolled as one of the program’s first students. Not only did she contribute to shaping the program, but she also completed it with a high pass, alongside fellow county employees who studied, collaborated and supported one another throughout the process.

During this time, Alexander also worked closely with the Board of Supervisors and county executives, assisting in leadership development and strategic planning. Her leadership journey continued when she was encouraged by a mentor, Linda Haugen, a now retired assistant executive officer, to take on a new challenge as assistant director of TAD. Although Alexander was initially hesitant to apply for the role, she embraced the opportunity.

Alexander later transitioned to director of Preschool Services, where she was instrumental in expanding early childhood education programs, launching a high school diploma program for parents, fostering partnerships with educational institutions, and advancing the Countywide Vision’s Cradle to Career roadmap in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and Cal State San Bernardino. Through this initiative, Alexander fostered collaboration across all sectors of the community to support the educational journey of students from early childhood through career readiness. Under her leadership, the department focused on whole-family care, ensuring that children and their families had access to the resources they needed to succeed.

As her career progressed, Alexander stepped into broader leadership roles. In 2018, she became a deputy executive officer overseeing the community services group, which included the County Library, Regional Parks, County Museum, Agriculture/Weights & Measures, the Registrar of Voters, and County Airports. Alexander leveraged her expertise in workforce development to enhance interdepartmental collaboration, bridging gaps across the county departments under her leadership.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexander also played a critical role in public communication and countywide response efforts. As a key figure in the joint information center, which coordinates information across multiple departments to inform the public during emergencies, she worked diligently to ensure the community received accurate and timely updates. Collaborating with faith-based organizations, real estate professionals, and other community groups, Alexander helped develop guidelines and educational videos that kept residents and businesses informed and safe throughout the pandemic. Her ability to adapt and lead during a time of crisis further solidified her reputation as a trusted leader.

In 2020, Alexander was named assistant executive officer and then became welfare director, overseeing a portfolio of more than 20 departments. Additionally, she played a key role in the establishment and advancement of the San Bernardino County Equity Element Group, which works to address systemic inequities within the county. She also became deeply involved in a statewide working group, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, collaborating with social services leaders from California’s 58 counties to improve the state of California’s benefits system and its processes. Alexander’s influence extended beyond county operations, shaping policies that impacted communities statewide.

Throughout her career, mentorship remained at the core of Alexander’s work. She was inspired by a female mentor to become a mentor herself, eventually leading the County Women’s Network as its director, where she facilitated connections between women leaders and mentees across the county, and as a leader in the Management Leadership Academy, a program that provides comprehensive management and leadership training to county employees. Alexander has mentored and provided support to countless county employees, empowering them to advance their careers and reach their full potential.

In addition to her service to the county, she is deeply involved in her church community and serves as its first female head elder. In this role, Alexander works closely with the pastoral staff, contributing to the leadership and guidance of her congregation.

Even as she prepares for retirement, Alexander’s legacy will live on through the programs she developed, the public service leaders she mentored, and residents who have benefited from her dedicated service.

Alexander was recently honored with a Community Champion award for her contributions to others. To view the video, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiUqQ97hKmk.

Diane Rundles

Diane Rundles, a San Bernardino County assistant executive officer, has devoted her career to public service. With an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration, she has years of experience shaping policies and programs that uplift communities and drive meaningful change.

From an early age, Rundles was influenced by two strong women in her family—her grandmother and mother. Her grandmother, a woman ahead of her time, always envisioned a future in leadership for her granddaughter, seeing in her the potential to rise to executive roles. Her mother, a single parent, exemplified strength and determination. Though small in stature, Rundles’ mother had a commanding presence and was known for her determination and balancing life’s adversities with grace. She was the unwavering support system in Rundles’ life, encouraging Rundles to embrace challenges and pursue her goals without hesitation.

Rundles’ professional journey began in 1997 when she joined the Peace Corps, spending three years in Jamaica working on poverty relief and water and sanitation projects in Freeman’s Hall. This experience gave her a firsthand understanding of the critical role government plays in providing essential services.

During her time in the Peace Corps, Rundles was mentored by Janet Hunter, an assistant Peace Corps director who had a profound influence on her leadership style. Hunter was a trailblazer in community development, spearheading initiatives in inner-city Kingston, Jamaica, where she established health clinics and social programs in underserved neighborhoods.

When Hunter had to leave their mission suddenly, she handpicked Rundles to take over her responsibilities, despite Rundles still being a volunteer at the time. This pivotal moment gave Rundles the opportunity to step into a leadership role, overseeing the onboarding and training for other volunteers and developing programs. Hunter’s legacy extended far beyond her tenure—her impact was so profound that when she left Jamaica, the community honored her with a dedicated radio program celebrating her contributions. Inspired by Hunter’s ability to lead with both strength and empathy, Rundles has carried these lessons with her throughout her career.

After returning to the United States, Rundles continued her commitment to public service, contracting with the U.S. Forest Service to develop regional volunteer programs in response to the devastating 2003 Southern California wildfires. Her work in community engagement, grassroots organizing, and supporting fire mitigation efforts reinforced her leadership ability and expertise in program development.

Her career path then led her to county government, beginning in the County of Riverside, where she spent 14 years, progressing to the role of deputy human resources director before transitioning to San Bernardino County five years ago.

She initially joined the county as interim human resources director, later becoming the department’s permanent director, and ultimately ascending to the role of assistant executive officer, a position she has held for the past two years. In this capacity, she oversees several key departments, focusing on Risk Management, Labor Relations, Purchasing, Children and Family Services, The Children’s Network, employee development, Behavioral Health, Community Development and Housing, and the Office of Homeless Services.

One of Rundles’ most impactful initiatives has been playing a key role in addressing homelessness in the region in the last year and a half. This effort has been supported by the extraordinary work of the Community Development and Housing Department, the Office of Homeless Services and the Board of Supervisors’ Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee, which was led by the county Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke, Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, and Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., to strengthen homeless response efforts and expand the affordable housing supply within the county.

She is championing a “no wrong door” approach, to ensure individuals in need can access housing, behavioral health, and social services through multiple county entry points, rather than navigating a bureaucratic system on their own. Additionally, she is leading data-sharing initiatives to improve cross-department collaboration and resource distribution, ensuring services reach those who need them most while adhering to privacy and compliance standards.

Rundles, with the leadership and support of the Children and Family Services Director Jeany Zepeda, and in partnership with Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s office and its policy advisor, Jesse Streeter, is expanding opportunities for the county’s foster youth. Recognizing the importance of providing children in the child welfare system with the same growth and development opportunities as their peers, Rundles has worked with CFS, Human Resources and Workforce Development.

Initiatives are underway for extracurricular activities for foster youth, covering costs for sports team memberships, music and art classes, cultural enrichment activities, apprenticeship and work experience programs and more. Last summer, in partnership with Children’s Network, CFS sent nearly 300 foster youth and resource family members to summer camps across Southern California, removing financial barriers to enrichment opportunities that shape a child’s confidence, skills and aspirations.

Rundles is also a strong advocate for employee development and workforce training. She has partnered with the Performance, Education & Resource Centers (PERC) to expand leadership training, skill-building programs, and professional development initiatives for county employees. Rundles envisions a learning-oriented organization where employees have comprehensive access to career development resources, ultimately strengthening the county’s workforce and leadership pipeline.

Her work goes beyond policies and programs – it is about people. Rundles expressed how honored she is to work alongside many strong, committed and compassionate female leaders in the county who inspire, uplift and teach her what it truly means to show courage and commitment to the county, while also maintaining strong commitments to their families and relationships outside of their significant professional responsibilities.

Martha Guzman-Hurtado

San Bernardino County Chief Communications Officer Martha Guzman-Hurtado’s multifaceted career in communications has been driven by a passion for storytelling, community engagement and public service. Raised in Fontana, Guzman-Hurtado developed an early interest in broadcast journalism during annual family visits to Hermosillo, Sonora, where her aunt was a journalist at the time.

Inspired by her aunt’s dynamic career, Guzman-Hurtado pursued her own dream, studying broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication. Her professor and former KTLA anchor, Terry Anzur, served as a mentor, encouraging and believing in Guzman-Hurtado’s talents, which helped solidify her commitment to journalism.

Guzman-Hurtado’s professional journey began at a news station in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and led her to communities across the country—including Texas, Oregon, California, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona. Over the course of her broadcast career, she worked on improving her storytelling skills because she wanted to tell local stories to drive real impact. After years as a reporter, she eventually became managing editor and anchor at an NBC affiliate in Yuma, Arizona, where she had the opportunity to mentor young journalists who had recently graduated from college.

Inspired by her mother, whose journey from laborer to successful business owner instilled in her a strong sense of resilience and continuous growth, Guzman-Hurtado later transitioned into advertising sales for a television network in Arizona. During this time, she also earned a master’s degree in business administration.

Shifting the focus of her career, Guzman-Hurtado transitioned into public sector communications, beginning as the city of Yuma’s public information coordinator before joining the Fontana Police Department as a public information officer. Returning home to Fontana marked a meaningful, personal and professional milestone for Guzman-Hurtado. An early adopter of social media as a tool for public engagement, she successfully grew the department’s following from just 500 to over 14,000. Guzman-Hurtado’s success in this role led to her appointment as the city of Fontana’s first communications and marketing manager, followed by an opportunity to serve as communications and legislative affairs manager for the city of El Segundo. Ultimately, her journey came full circle, bringing her back to serve the communities of San Bernardino County.

Now serving as the county’s chief communications officer, Guzman-Hurtado brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to public communication. With a deep understanding of the impact of effective communication, she is committed to keeping residents informed—not only during times of crisis, but in everyday life. Her work ensures that the community remains aware of the many services and programs available countywide, empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions and to take pride in San Bernardino County.

For Guzman-Hurtado, her role is more than a profession—it’s a personal investment in the community she calls home. After starting her family in Fontana, she and her husband built their lives in the same community she now serves. Living and working in San Bernardino County has deepened her dedication to its success, not only as a communications leader, but also as a resident and mother.

Liz Smith

Liz Smith, marketing and events manager with the County Administrative Office, has built a 27-year career with San Bernardino County marked by a strong focus on community service.

She began her work in the County Library as a library page, initially taking the job after a friend in library administration sought support. Smith’s responsibilities quickly grew to include budget oversight, book ordering, and staff supervision as a library assistant.

Looking for more direct interaction with the public, she accepted a dual role that included administrative work and frontline service at the newly opened 90,000-square-foot Lewis Library in Fontana. When the branch’s librarian left unexpectedly, Smith took on the role of launching the Summer Reading Program, which is the library’s largest annual event. She also helped establish other community events such as the Kindergarten Readiness Fair.

Smith later joined the Inland Library Services Committee, collaborating with colleagues from San Bernardino and Riverside counties to develop summer reading programs, create materials, and organize training workshops for library staff.

Smith went on to serve as a children’s librarian at the Highland Branch Library, where she recognized a need for consistent programming across county libraries. As chair of the County Library’s Youth Services Committee, Smith worked to improve program quality and ensure consistent experiences at all branches.

When financial restructuring eliminated her position, Smith took a role in facilities maintenance, performing tasks such as fixing lights and installing book drops across all County Library branches—showing her willingness to support the library in any way.

Her skills in organizing community events were also tapped when she coordinated the Crestline Library’s first anniversary. She later became branch manager at the Rialto Library, followed by a position as events coordinator for the department. Smith created a structured event planning process, developed program kits, and helped align promotional materials across branches.

Her work in event coordination expanded to larger county events such as Take Your Child to Work Day, the Curtain of Courage memorial unveiling, and the State of the County. These projects led to her current role as marketing and events manager with the County Administrative Office. Smith acknowledges the professional mentorship of county leaders such as assistant executive officer Diana Alexander as a source of guidance and inspiration throughout her career.

Smith also credits her mother as a major influence in her professional and creative development. Growing up, she watched her mother balance multiple roles—running a side catering business and coordinating weddings through their church. Smith’s mother is also known for her creativity and crafting skills, qualities she believes shaped her own approach to planning thoughtful, hands-on events. She recognizes that lessons learned at home—such as cooking, baking, and working with her hands—combined with both parents’ entrepreneurial and artistic example, helped her develop the resourcefulness and creativity she brings to her work today.

Erica Banks

Erica Banks, executive administrative analyst with the County Administrative Office (CAO), has built a 16-year career with San Bernardino County defined by empowerment, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service.

After completing her formal education in psychology, Banks was determined to get her foot in the door with the county and begin shaping her future. What followed was a steady and impactful progression across multiple departments, each role expanding her skill set and broadening her perspective.

She began her county career as an office assistant III in the County Department of Behavioral Health’s training unit. Later, she was promoted to the Workforce Development Department’s Business Services team, where she was surrounded by strong mentors and gained foundational experience in supporting local businesses. After returning to Behavioral Health as a program specialist, Banks began to see the direct impact of community outreach—a realization that deepened her passion for public service.

Over the years, Banks continued to grow professionally through roles in the Human Services Program Development Division and Children and Family Services. These experiences sharpened her abilities in recruitment/hiring initiatives, contract management and public policy research. As she advanced, she embraced professional development opportunities offered by the county, including mentorship programs and leadership training like the Management and Leadership Academy.

After a brief period working outside the county at the San Bernardino County Superior Court, Banks returned to Behavioral Health, eventually being promoted to a management role. There, she gained invaluable leadership experience and further honed her skills in team coordination and organizational development.

Today, Banks serves in the CAO under the leadership of Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander and contributes to the county’s Equity Element Group. In this role, she supports efforts to address systemic inequities—a mission she sees as the culmination of her years of professional growth and service.

Banks credits much of her strength and development to the women who have influenced her journey. Her mother was her most profound inspiration, and after her mother’s passing, she found guidance and support from mentors including Alexander, former Chief Operating Officer Dena Smith, Alicia Harris (Behavioral Health), Brizza Ramirez (Workforce Development), and Amber Carpenter (Behavioral Health). Each of these leaders modeled authenticity, humility and purpose, helping shape Banks’ leadership style.

She also draws inspiration from public figures like Celia Cruz, whose resilience and legacy continue to empower her.

Banks believes true leadership means “filling up one’s own cup, then supporting others to fill their own cups.” Guided by that philosophy, she actively mentors emerging professionals and encourages new employees—especially young women—to take advantage of every opportunity the county offers.

Additional County Update News – March 27, 2025