The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday bid farewell to County Executive Officer Raul Lomeli Mendez, and named Mark Hendrickson as the person who will temporarily fill the CEO position.
Hendrickson currently serves as one of two assistant executive officers for the county’s top administrative office, along with Marci Barrera. He has worked for Merced County for nearly 20 years, including as the director of Community and Economic Development and director of Governmental Affairs.
Board Chair Josh Pedrozo announced the new role for Hendrickson after supervisors emerged from a closed session on Tuesday morning. Pedrozo said the vote to appoint Hendrickson was unanimous. The interim CEO will start on May 19.
Lomeli Mendez tendered his resignation back in March, and his last day will be May 18. Tuesday marked his last meeting with the Board of Supervisors.
“I think Merced County has a very bright future,” he told the board “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the recent history.”
Mendez has served in this role since 2022, leading the day-to-day operations of the County and overseeing the County’s $1.14 billion budget and some 2,000 employees.
“You are a man with a big heart,” Supervisor Lloyd Pareira told the CEO. “I’ll miss seeing your big smile and your enthusiasm for bringing us all together as a team.”
Supervisor Daron McDaniel added, “Raul … from Day 1 you led with professionalism, integrity and a deep understanding of public service. We hope you leave knowing you made a difference.”
Lomeli Mendez tendered his resignation without saying what he plans to do next in his career.
The executive search firm Peckham & McKenney is reportedly advertising the Merced County CEO position with an estimated annual salary of $283,550. Applications are said to be due May 29.
Volunteers of the Year
County supervisors also celebrated their Volunteers of the Year on Tuesday.
• Dist. 1: Esperanza Pulido
Pulido of Livingston is a volunteer radio host on 1390 am who is involved in many community efforts. She is well known for organizing clothing and furniture drives for families in need.
• Dist. 2: Lisa Coffey
Coffey is described as the heart behind the service at the D Street Shelter. She holds a key leadership role involved with planning, purchasing, preparing and delivering meals with remarkable dedication.
• Dist. 3: Dora Garcia
As the president of Atwater Youth Baseball, Garcia is known for her exceptional leadership, not only while organizing games and practices, but for building a culture rooted in teamwork, sportsmanship and personal growth.
• Dist. 4: Delhi Parents Committee
The Delhi Parents Committee is described as a pillar of community empowerment and educational advocacy in Delhi for the past 18 years. Members help parents become active leaders and changemakers in their community.
• Dist. 5: Morning Star
This major packing company for ag products was honored for its extraordinary generosity in the wake of a devastating fire inside a mobile home community in Santa Nella. The company donated a large-scale generator to restore power to the area, as well as provided hotel rooms for displaced residents.