Board of Supervisors to Consider Appointment of Community Development Commission Director

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will consider appointing Geoffrey M. Ross to be the next Executive Director of the Community Development Commission at its September 17 regular meeting. Ross, who serves as the agency’s Assistant Executive Director, took the reins on an interim basis after former Executive Director Margaret Van Vliet announced plans for her departure.

“Being able to hire the best candidate from within the agency is a point of pride for my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors,” said Board Chair David Rabbitt. “Mr. Ross brings to the position more than two decades of experience in housing and homelessness issues. He has already accomplished incredible work during his time with the Commission and we are confident in his leadership, knowledge and abilities.”

Mr. Ross has an extensive background working with local, state, and federal housing programs. Prior to joining the CDC, he worked with the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency for 11 years, most recently as the Assistant Director of Development and Federal Programs overseeing housing projects throughout the Sacramento area. He has also worked in government relations for the California Legislature, as well as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in community planning and development. He began his career in public service as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. Ross graduated with top honors from both the University of Southern California with a Masters of Planning and from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, minoring in Public Policy.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to continue and expand my work in service to the residents of Sonoma County,” said Mr. Ross. “I’m passionate about collaborating and partnering with community members to improve the well-being for every person here. Our agency has a dynamic team of dedicated staff and I am proud to work with each of them to develop and implement programs that help people and neighborhoods thrive.”

Mr. Ross and his wife have been married for over twenty years and he is the proud father of two boys, ages 10 and 13. In his free time, he can be found cheering for them on the sidelines of soccer fields throughout California.

If the Board of Supervisors votes to approve Mr. Ross for the position, he will begin immediately. The salary range for the position is $151,274 - $183,896 annually.