El Centro, California - Today, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors announced the appointment of Tony Rouhotas, Jr. as the new County Executive Officer.  Mr. Rouhotas will begin serving in the new position on January 2, 2018.

“In the interviews and due to his exemplary record with the County, Mr. Rouhotas exhibited that he is more than prepared to lead the County in an innovative, collaborative and effective manner,” said Supervisor Michael Kelley, Chairman of the Board.  “He possesses experience in preparing and managing budgets, collaborating with other county departments, community organizations, and various government agencies, knowledge of County and State procedures and compliance standards and overseeing and motivating personnel.  The whole board is very confident in Mr. Rouhotas.  It was a unanimous choice.”

Mr. Rouhotas has been a dedicated county employee since 1992 when he was hired as a Reserve Firefighter for the Imperial County Fire Department.  Mr. Rouhotas has served in several positions with the Department since, working his way up the ranks, including Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Deputy Fire Chief/Training Officer, and Assistant Fire Chief.  Mr. Rouhotas served in his most recent position as the Imperial County Fire Chief/Office of Emergency Services Coordinator since 2008.

As the County Executive Officer, Mr. Rouhotas will manage, direct and coordinate 26 departments comprised of more than 2,400 staff members who work to provide a variety of services including social services, health care, public works, public safety and other general government services to the residents of Imperial County.

When asked about his new position, Mr. Rouhotas stated, “I have been fortunate to serve my community for the past 25 years and I look forward to continue this in my new role. I have had the opportunity to work with great people in my career thus far and know that this will continue through the hard working personnel of the County, local cities and partnering agencies. I would like to thank my family (wife Valeri, sons Tony and JC), friends and coworkers for their support in this new venture”. 

Mr. Rouhotas, an Imperial County native, graduated from Brawley Union High School, received his bachelor’s degree in Business from Walden University and Master’s in Emergency Management from Columbia Southern University.