CAO Dan Ashton

County CAO Don Ashton Stepping Down Next Year

Carla B. Hass and others

PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA, June 14, 2022 — Chief Administrative Officer, Don Ashton, notified the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today of his intention to step down and resign from his position as the CAO in March 2023, and suggested the Board begin a recruitment for the position this month to provide ample time to select the next CAO.

“El Dorado County has been very fortunate to have Don at the helm for the last six and a half years, securing a healthy budget that puts us in a good position as we approach uncertain fiscal times, and navigating the County through unprecedented times related to the COVID pandemic and the Caldor Fire.” said Board Chair, Lori Parlin. “And in true fashion regarding his forward- and big-picture thinking, Don has graciously provided the Board with more than six months’ notice so that we can be best situated to carry on in his absence,” she added.

Ashton began his career with El Dorado County as the Chief Fiscal Officer for the Sheriff’s Office in January 2011. He was director of the Health and Human Services Agency for three years before being appointed as CAO in May 2016.

During his time as CAO, Ashton shepherded the development and updates to the County’s Strategic Plan and budget policies resulting in record amounts in contingency and reserves to address infrastructure challenges and the fiscal uncertainties facing the County while also providing a more competitive compensation structure for County employees.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence provided by each of the board members I’ve had the privilege to work for, as well as the support and leadership provided by all Department Heads and staff in the CAO’s office. This job has been the most challenging and rewarding of my professional career given its complexities and requirements, and I haven’t made the decision to leave lightly,” Ashton said.

“I recognize there is still a lot of work to be done and am fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition as the Board selects its next CAO,” Ashton said. “But my wife and I have raised our children and launched them into adulthood and are excited to begin our next chapter and see what opportunities await us.”


Experience

via Linked-In

  • El Dorado County May 2016 – Present · 6 yrs 2 mos

  • County of El Dorado logo
    Director

    County of El Dorado Jul 2013 – Present · 9 yrs

      • Responsible for managing health services, public health, mental health, social services, child protective services and community services functions in El Dorado County.

El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office Jun 2012 – Jul 2013 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Chief Fiscal Officer
El Dorado County Sheriff Jan 2011 – Jun 2012 · 1 yr 6 mos
  • Deputy Executive Officer

    Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Aug 2006 – Dec 2010 · 4 yrs 5 mos Greater Los Angeles Area

      • Responsible for overseeing overseeing all adminstrative functions such as budget, human resources and contracts for the Executive Office and the Board of Supervisors. In addition, oversaw the preparation of Board agendas and functions of a variety of Board appointed Commissions.
  • Los Angeles County Internal Services Department logo
    Fiscal Administration Manager

    Los Angeles County Internal Services Department Jan 2006 – Aug 2006 · 8 mos Greater Los Angeles Area

  • Assistant Director, Human Resources

    Los Angeles County Department of Health Services