LAKEPORT >> Carol Huchingson, Valley Fire Long-Term Recovery Coordinator and Social Services Director, assumed the duties of the Lake County Administrative Officer on Monday. The County Administrative Officer is considered the most senior county employee, and is charged with preparing the County budget for Board approval and supervising the day-to-day business of the County, subject to policies set by the Board of Supervisors.
Huchingson brings years of government experience to the position and leaves behind a distinguished 22-year career as the Lake County Social Services Director. She was also the second longest standing Social Services Director in the state of California. Most recently, Huchingson filled the role of the Recovery Coordinator after the Valley Fire, considered the third most damaging fire in California history.
A Valley Fire survivor herself, Huchingson took on the role of Recovery Coordinator after acting as the Director of the Emergency Operation Center in Lake County. She has been working closely with fire survivors, as well as local, state, and federal officials to navigate through the complicated rules and regulations of federal and state funding sources to ensure the economic solvency and recovery of Lake County.
“It has been an exciting, but difficult challenge to lead Lake County towards recovery and rebuilding after this catastrophic event,” Huchingson said. “There are so many Lake County residents and businesses that have experienced overwhelming losses.”
The complicated recovery net involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Association, PG&E, several state agencies and a number of volunteer organizations required — and still require — coordination and communication. In her role, Huchingson earned praise from many sources.
“Carol has been the rock,” State Senator Mike McQuire observed. “She stepped up in one of the County’s most challenging times and led the response and recovery efforts during the Valley Fire Disaster. Now, she’s helping to lead the efforts to rebuild local communities.”
Under her tenure as the Lake County Social Services Director the department evolved from a small, struggling unit to the long-standing success. She is a founding and on-going member of many boards, including the Lake/Mendocino Area Agency on Aging and the Napa/Lake Workforce Investment Board.
She also created a unique on-the-job training program through the Lake County Department of Social Services, which has secured many permanent, full-time positions in County service for local CalWorks recipients.
Rob Brown, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, worked closely with Huchingson throughout the Valley Fire Recovery. “Carol’s commitment to the betterment of Lake County and its residents is evident in all she does,” he said.
Huchingson was appointed to the position on Feb. 2 by the Board of Supervisors.
