Sonoma County’s interim director of the Department of Child Support Services has been selected to take on the role permanently.
Gigi Mertle has served with the department for 13 years, including as its Program Development Manager and co-leader of its Employee Engagement Committee. She takes over for Janeene de Martinez, who retired this year, according to a news release from the county.
“Gigi Mertle is a proven leader who brings both vision and compassion to her work,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. “Her dedication to supporting families and her commitment to equity and innovation will ensure that our Department of Child Support Services continues to make a profound difference for families across Sonoma County.”
A native of Brazil, Mertle has a master’s degree in educational technology from Dominican University of California. She previously worked in the Sonoma County Office of Education.
She has served on numerous state and local committees working on issues like statewide collaboration and service delivery. Mertle has experience managing operations and pushing for technological change.
The Department of Child Support Services works with parents to establish paternity, find non-custodial parents, and manage child support orders. It also ensures children receive medical care and financial support, according to the county.
The department managed over 9,000 cases last year and distributed more than $30 million to support about 13,100 children, according to the county.