BY MIKE NORTH
Merced County
The Merced County Board of Supervisors has appointed Mark J. Hendrickson to serve as Interim County Executive Officer, effective May 19.
Hendrickson will succeed Raul Lomeli Mendez, who has served as the County Executive Officer since January 2022. Mendez announced his departure earlier this year, and an executive recruitment search through Peckham & McKenney is currently underway for the position.
Hendrickson’s career spans 33 years, including nearly 19 years of progressive responsibility and leadership with Merced County.
In his current role as Assistant County Executive Officer, he provides executive-level oversight of several County departments, ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities, policies and direction of the Board of Supervisors.
He previously served as the County’s Director of Government Affairs and Director of Community of Economic Development for nearly 15 years.
“The Board of Supervisors has a great deal of trust in Mr. Hendrickson’s leadership to ensure continuity of business operations,” said Chairman Joshua Pedrozo of the Merced County Board of Supervisors. “He is the right person to lead the County team during this period of transition.”
Hendrickson said he’s honored to serve in this new capacity. “I have been blessed to work for Merced County for many years and look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors and the entire County team over the next few months.”
“Mark and I have worked closely together for the past several years, and I know firsthand that he has a deep-rooted passion to serve the community,” said Raul Lomeli Mendez, County Executive Officer. “I’m proud to pass the leadership baton to Mr. Hendrickson and expect our Department Head leadership team, and the organization as a whole, to rally around him.”
Hendrickson is a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus. He is also certified in the Strategic Management of Public Organizations by the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley and a recognized California County Credentialed Senior Executive.
