Inyo County Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths has announced his departure from local governance after accepting an appointment as interim chief executive officer for the California State Association of Counties. As Inyo County | Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News - The Community's News reported, the leadership change takes effect on Monday, November 9, which requires Griffiths to submit his official resignation from the Inyo County Board of Supervisors effective Sunday, November 8.
Griffiths leaves his county position with two years remaining in his current term. Because of the mid-term vacancy, the Governor of California is expected to appoint a replacement who will serve in the Second District seat until the office comes up for regular election.
Reflecting on his departure, Griffiths told Inyo County | Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News - The Community's News that stepping down was a difficult choice after spending 14 years serving the residents of Inyo County. He noted that he felt honored to participate in historic achievements for the region while working to ensure that the everyday needs of local constituents were addressed. He added that he will always cherish the personal memories, professional partnerships, and community relationships he built throughout his tenure in local government.
The organization Griffiths will now lead, known as CSAC, operates as a high-profile advocacy and administrative body representing all 58 counties across California. The association works to empower local leadership, advocate for smart public policies, and secure state and federal funding. Its work covers key governance topics including administration of justice, agriculture, environmental protection, natural resources, government finance, health and human services, housing, land use, transportation, and the annual state budget.
Griffiths brings extensive experience within the state association to his new assignment. He currently serves as the immediate past president of the organization, having served as president in 2025 following two years as an executive officer. In total, Griffiths has represented Inyo County on the association's board of directors for 14 years. His broader public service record in the Eastern Sierra includes representing the Second District on the Board of Supervisors since 2013, as well as prior service on the Bishop City Council and the local First 5 Commission.
Welcoming Griffiths to the interim executive position, CSAC President Susan Ellenberg told Inyo County | Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News - The Community's News that the association is pleased to officially bring him on board. Ellenberg highlighted his steady leadership style, extensive knowledge of county operations, and established working relationships across California's diverse jurisdictions. She emphasized his long-standing commitment to local communities and noted that as interim chief executive officer, Griffiths will manage daily operations, advance organizational priorities, advocate before state and federal officials, and communicate the essential value of county government services.
Addressing his new duties, Griffiths told Inyo County | Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News - The Community's News that he feels humbled to serve an association that has given him so much support over the years. Expressing gratitude to the board, professional staff, and statewide partners for their confidence, he stated that counties remain the primary providers of everyday public services across California. Griffiths outlined a simple focus for his interim tenure: supporting the dedicated association staff, listening carefully to member counties, and maintaining steady momentum on critical county initiatives.
Media inquiries regarding the announcement are being directed to Niesha Fritz at Lucas Public Affairs. Meanwhile, the executive committee of the statewide association plans to initiate a formal search process for a permanent chief executive officer in the coming months as Griffiths takes over immediate administrative oversight.
