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Adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation honoring Gerald “Jerry” Huber, Director of Health and Social Services, upon his retirement with nearly 40 years of public service, including ten years with Solano County (Chair Mashburn)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office recommends that the Board adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation honoring Gerald “Jerry” Huber, Director of Health and Social Services, upon his retirement with nearly 40 years of public service, including ten years with Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Gerald “Jerry” Huber’s nearly 40-year career has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to public service and enhancing the quality of human services. Mr. Huber has been involved with health and human services programs at county, state, and federal levels of government, including in the States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, and California. Over his career, Mr. Huber has received many lifetime achievement awards for accomplishments in the non-profit sector and crafted welfare reform programs that have shaped national policy.
Mr. Huber began his public service career in the State of Minnesota where he began as a Human Services Supervisor managing human services delivery, including child and adult services, mental health, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities.
In 1995, Mr. Huber accepted his first position as a director of a health and human services agency when he was appointed as the Director of Health and Human Services for the growing suburb of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis / Saint Paul, in the State of Minnesota, where he administered public health and human services programs, including public health nursing, protective services to adults and children, developmental disability services, child support, and public assistance programs.
In 1998, Mr. Huber, accepted the Human Services Director / Deputy County Administrator position in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, where he helped reform the Medicaid program for people with disabilities and those aging. While serving in this position, Mr. Huber was honored by the federal Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Department of Health and Social Services, for his outstanding contribution and commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the State of Wisconsin.
Before joining Solano County, Mr. Huber also served in New York as Deputy Commissioner for the Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, where he was responsible for major reforms in the financing and delivery of health and social services to residents of New York who had various developmental disabilities.
In 2014, Mr. Huber was appointed as the Director of Health and Social Services (H&SS) for Solano County and assumed the H&SS leadership role on November 10, 2014, for the County’s largest and most comprehensive public service agency. In his ten years as Director of the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Huber has led the department through a pandemic and through multiple significant changes in health and social services program delivery to our community while supporting and championing the department’s many programs. Mr. Huber has fostered a culture of excellence and inspired a vision for the future of health and social services for the residents of Solano County. He has promoted the integration of services to optimize clients’ experiences with the department. Mr. Huber has demonstrated genuine concern and empathy both for the community he has served and for the employees who have worked with him, and at the same time, he has demonstrated significant expertise, integrity, humility, leadership, and adherence to the department's mission.
During this last year at Solano County, Mr. Huber oversaw a $460 million budget and over 1,400 allocated employees working in five major program service areas in four offices throughout Solano County. His experience in social service agencies has helped H&SS navigate the financial complexities related to medical billing, privacy and security practices, while providing strategic direction and support across the department. Mr. Huber has served on numerous state, national, regional, and local committees and boards, which has assisted Solano County in providing the best customer service to its residents.
In 2024, Mr. Huber was recognized by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Human Services with the quote: “For your vision, leadership, and lasting contributions that have empowered others to live up to their full potential.” Mr. Huber often states that his lasting legacy is that of future leaders in health and human services, whom he has had the privilege to mentor and develop in their careers.
Mr. Huber has demonstrated tremendous dedication to serving the most vulnerable community members, bringing a wealth of expertise and commitment to his work. Mr. Huber’s last day of service with Solano County will be November 16, 2024. The County of Solano expresses gratitude to Mr. Huber for his professionalism and experience, his leadership at the local, state, and national levels, and his dedication to his staff, clients, and the community.
Mr. Huber holds two graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Health, and a graduate degree from Walden University, a Master of Public Administration. His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences, is from North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs of preparing this agenda item are nominal and are included in the County’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs of purchasing and preparing the resolution and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no additional impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt and present this resolution and plaque of appreciation; however, this is not recommended as it is an opportunity to recognize Gerald Huber’s outstanding contributions to Solano County upon his retirement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION