INDEPENDENCE — Inyo County has officially secured its next top administrator following a Board of Supervisors vote today approving an employment contract for Ms. Christine Bouchard, as Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News – The Community's News reported.
The board previously extended a conditional offer of employment to Bouchard on October 13, setting the stage for her to take over executive administration duties for the county starting November 12. The hiring concludes a comprehensive, extensive nationwide search effort to identify a permanent County Administrative Officer that had been underway since late 2025.
Bouchard steps into the top staff role with substantial leadership experience across local government agencies in California. She worked for the past three years as the Assistant County Administrative Officer for neighbouring Mono County. In that administrative capacity, she worked directly to evaluate, formulate, and develop formal recommendations regarding improvements to county operations, programs, and public services throughout Mono County.
Her public sector work before serving in the Eastern Sierra includes managing administrative services for both the Santa Cruz Port District and the County of Santa Cruz. Additionally, Bouchard worked as a Senior Administrative Analyst for General Services in Amador County.
Along with her multi-decade career in municipal and county governance, Bouchard is a veteran of the United States Navy. Following her military service, she pursued and completed her higher education with a focus on Business Management and Employment Law. In total, Bouchard brings more than 27 years of combined experience spanning military service, public sector administration, and county government operations to her new leadership role in Inyo County.
Board Chair Trina Orrill expressed strong support for the hiring on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, pointing to Bouchard’s broad background in financial management, budgeting expertise, personnel operations, real property matters, project oversight, and team leadership. Orrill noted that the county board looks forward to working alongside Bouchard as Inyo County enters this next administrative chapter.
In statement details shared regarding her appointment, Bouchard noted her eagerness to begin working directly alongside the Inyo County staff, describing the existing workforce as the core structure of the entire municipal organization. She highlighted her goal of building positive, lasting relationships with the county team while applying her professional training and background toward maintaining high operational standards.
Bouchard emphasized that public health, community safety, and general well-being will remain central priorities during her tenure as County Administrative Officer. She also stated that maintaining public trust and respect relies heavily on practicing strict fiscal responsibility and maintaining open organizational transparency as she begins her duties serving the residents of Inyo County.
Members of the public seeking further details regarding the executive appointment or personnel recruitment process may reach Assistant Personnel Director Keri Oney by telephone at (760) 878-0294.
