To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Appointment of Stephanie Kretz as Director of Child Support Services
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Appoint Stephanie Kretz as Director of Child Support Services, effective September 14, 2026; and
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board, County Administrative Officer, and Director of Human Resources to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the appointment.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3003 - Enhance employee recruitment and retention
DISCUSSION:
On April 28, 2026, the former Director of Child Support Services resigned from County employment, creating a vacancy in the Director position. Since that time, Stacey Costa has served as Interim Director of Child Support Services, providing leadership and continuity to the department while the County conducted a recruitment and selection process for a permanent director.
Following completion of the recruitment and interview process, Stephanie Kretz was identified as the recommended candidate for appointment as Director of Child Support Services.
Kretz currently serves as an attorney within Humboldt County Child Support Services and brings significant knowledge of the department, California's child support program, and the operational and legal requirements associated with providing child support services. During her tenure with the department, Kretz has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to both the employees of Child Support Services and the families served by the department.
Kretz has also played an important role in addressing recent operational challenges facing the department, including changes associated with the State's child support guideline calculator and the resulting need for staff retraining and implementation of updated processes. Her institutional knowledge and established relationships within the department will provide continuity while allowing the department to continue its focus on service delivery, operational efficiency, employee development, and succession planning.
On August 25, 2026, the Board of Supervisors considered the appointment during closed session and approved moving forward with the selection of Ms. Kretz as Director of Child Support Services. Today's action formally makes the appointment in open session, with an effective date of September 14, 2026.
The County Administrative Office believes Kretz possesses the experience, leadership abilities, program knowledge, and commitment to public service necessary to successfully lead Child Support Services and recommends her appointment.
The County Administrative Office would also like to recognize Stacey Costa for her service as Interim Director during this transition. Ms. Costa's leadership has provided stability and continuity for the department and its employees while the county worked to fill this important leadership position.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Child Support Services Fund 1380
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The salary and benefits for the Director of Child Support Services at a step A is $264,463. Funding for the Director of Child Support Services position is included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for Child Support Services. The appointment will therefore not result in the addition of a new position or an unbudgeted funding obligation.
The salary and benefits associated with the appointment will be funded within the existing Child Support Services budget and applicable state and federal child support program funding.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
Approval of the recommended action will fill the existing Director of Child Support Services vacancy and conclude the Interim Director assignment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the appointment of Stephanie Kretz as Director of Child Support Services. This alternative is not recommended, as it would require Child Support Services to continue operating under interim leadership while the County determines how to proceed with filling the permanent Director position.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A