Wine Country Times

In an appointment recently announced by Sonoma County officials, Assistant County Administrator Maria Christina Rivera will succeed Sheryl Bratton as the county administrator. 

Bratton will be stepping down at the end January. Meanwhile, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to confirm Rivera's appointment is at its next meeting on Tuesday.

 “I am humbled and very excited to engage with the county’s partners and with all the departments and agencies in continuing to deliver on the board’s Strategic Plan objectives," Rivera said in a press release from the county. "Serving as the next county administrator for this board will be an honor given how this body has proven its dedication to our community’s well-being by investing in initiatives intended to preserve and/or improve our community’s quality of life.”

Supervisor James Gore, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said he has confidence in Rivera as she steps into the void left by Bratton. Rivera was named to the position on Jan. 3 pending confirmation.

“Christina Rivera brings to the position extensive experience in finance, emergency operations and many of the county’s strategic priorities," Gore said in the press release, "We are so fortunate to have someone with Rivera’s policy experience, knowledge of county operations and commitment to our community to assume this critical leadership role.”

Originally from Santa Rosa, Rivera has served in government for more than 25 years, including five years as assistant county administrator, during which she was responsible for both direct and indirect operations within the County Administrator's Office, supervising 40 staff. Rivera was the county's deputy administrator for four years, overseeing budgets and long-term fiscal forecasts. Aside from serving as emergency operations director, Rivera also represents county management during labor negotiations and has led many policy initiatives.

Rivera will be the first Latina and bilingual county administrator for Sonoma County. She will oversee an annual budget of approximately $2 billion in her new position as chief executive of the county government. Her base salary will be $282,116 per year.

Rivera and her husband live in west Sonoma County, where they raised their two children. She is a member of Redwood Credit Union's Board of Directors.