San Joaquin County supes appoint Sandy Regalo as permanent county administrator

A San Joaquin County interim county administrator who has been serving since March was appointed to the job permanently last week by the Board of Supervisors.  

Supervisors voted 5-0 in closed session last Tuesday to appoint Sandy Regalo to the job.  

Regalo was named interim administrator after the contract termination of Jerome Wilverding, who previously held the position. Supervisors had previously said in March that a behind-doors decision to place Wilverding on leave was “not for cause.” Board Chair Miguel Villapudua was the only supervisor that voted against the action. 

“While Mr. Wilverding has played a vital and important role in San Joaquin County, the decision of this board signals that it is time for a new direction and new leadership,” said Vice Chair Paul Canepa in a statement released by the county. “It is essential that the Board of Supervisors have a close and cooperative relationship with the County Administrator’s office, and I am confident in Ms. Regalo’s ability to work with our Board to ensure that the county is well positioned in the coming weeks as we consider our options for the future of San Joaquin County administration.” 

Edward J. Kiernan, San Joaquin County counsel for the Board of Supervisors, said the contract for Regalo will be brought back to the board at a later time for her formal appointment.  

During Regalo’s past few months serving as the interim, her duties were to implement the financial, budgetary and legislative decisions made by the board and advise the board on fiscal and budgetary matters. 

Supervisor Steven Ding said during the meeting that Regalo has also improved communication between county entities and among the board the last three months.  

“One of the biggest problems we’ve had in my one year, six months and three days or what have you…it has been communication,” Ding said.  “You have drastically changed the face of that.” 

Regalo thanked the board at the meeting and said she appreciated the support from everyone.  

“It is a pleasure working for you and I won’t let you down and I appreciate the confidence,” she said. 

Before her new position, Regalo held the role of assistant county administrator with duties that included oversight of budget, management of American Rescue Plan Program funding, crisis management, emergency planning and contingencies, retirement, and serving as a member of the treasury oversight committee. 

Wilverding’s annual salary was $365,801.80 and Regalo’s was $331,793 as interim county administrator.