Fresno County Hires New CAO

Tulare County Administrative Officer Jean Rousseau is leaving before the end of the month to assume the same position in Fresno. Rousseau was appointed Tuesday in a 4 to 1 vote by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. He is scheduled to take over on Oct. 26 at an annual salary of $220,000.

Rousseau has served as Tulare’s Administrative Officer since 2007 and worked as chief deputy county administrative officer of finance from 2004 to 2006. For a period of 15 years previously, Rousseau was employed by the Fresno County’s Auditor‐Controller/Treasurer‐Tax Collector’s office. He has also worked as a staff accountant in private practice for Sampson & Sampson CPAs.

“I know I have big shoes to fill,” Rousseau said, referencing the impending departure of Fresno County Administrative Officer John Navarrette. “I have a lot of respect for Mr. Navarrette as do his counterparts throughout the state, and I look forward to coming on board and making a difference.”

Navarrette is retiring on Oct. 23 after an impressive 31-year run with the city.

Read more about Fresno County’s new CAO here.