To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator, Human Resources
Staff Name and Phone Number: Christina Rivera, 707-565-2048; Janell Crane, 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Department Head Personal Services Agreement - Director, Department of Emergency Management
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the County Administrator to execute a Personal Services Agreement with Jeffrey DuVall as the Director, Department of Emergency Management for a three-year term, beginning August 15, 2023, at the “E” step in the position’s salary range, including other County benefits and compensation as provided in Salary Resolution 95-0926.
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Executive Summary:
The salary and benefits provided to County department and agency heads must be considered by the Board of Supervisors at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Further, an oral summary of the recommended action to be taken on the salary and benefits must be presented at the meeting where the final Board action is taken. (California Government code §54953, 54956)
After a successful nationwide recruitment and extensive selection process, it is recommended the County Administrator appoint Jeffrey DuVall as the new Director of the Department of Emergency Management, and the Board authorize the County Administrator to execute the Personal Services Agreement effective August 15, 2023, for a three-year term through August 15, 2026. The Director reports to the County Administrator, and the agreement places Mr. DuVall at the “E” step of the salary range for the job classification. In addition to the annual salary, other benefits and compensation are provided as prescribed by Salary Resolution 95-0926.
Discussion:
The Director of Emergency Management is responsible for the accomplishment of the department’s mission to lead efforts to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from major emergencies and disasters. The Director manages the County Emergency Operations Center personnel, activations, trainings and exercises, countywide Operational Area emergency management program, and the Emergency Notification System.
The Director reports to the County Administrator, who serves as the County’s Emergency Director during a declared emergency. As the County’s subject matter expert in disaster preparedness and emergency response, the Director frequently delivers presentations and makes recommendations to Board of Supervisors and interacts with representatives from partner agencies and groups with shared interests and objectives.
The Department of Emergency Management serves as the primary coordination point for emergency management activities affecting more than one jurisdiction and the unincorporated areas of the County. The Department leads and coordinates major countywide programs including community disaster preparedness, public education, government staff development, response planning, alert and warning, incident response management, continuity of operations, and short-term recovery.
The Department of Emergency Management also serves as the lead agency on behalf of the Sonoma County Operational Area, which includes cities, special districts, tribal nations, and unincorporated areas of the County. Additionally, the Department of Emergency Management develops and sustains effective relationships with residents, County departments, cities, special districts, state and federal agencies, educational partners, community-based organizations, and other allied stakeholder agencies.
The Director is responsible for ensuring emergency systems, processes, and protocols are in place for the full range of emergencies and disasters that could impact Sonoma County, as well as promoting public awareness and preparedness for emergencies and disasters. During a declared emergency, the Director is responsible for responding to emergency situations and/or activating the County Emergency Operation Center and serving as Incident Commander.
The Department of Emergency Management has a budget of approximately $8.2 million, over half of which is passed through funding for various grant programs. It has a staffing complement of 15 full-time equivalent employees.
An extensive nationwide recruitment was conducted to fill this position. Candidates were invited to interview with a diverse group, consisting of subject matter experts, community stakeholders, and County department heads. At the conclusion of the process, the County Administrator selected Jeffrey DuVall as the next Director.
Mr. DuVall has more than 15 years of leadership experience in emergency management, community engagement, and homeland security. Mr. DuVall began his emergency response career as a fire dispatcher for the City of Anaheim. He grew his experience to a wide array of skills including 9-1-1 dispatch and a variety of roles in emergency and trauma technician work. Prior to coming to Sonoma County, Mr. DuVall was the Emergency Manager for the City of Anaheim.
Since the prior Director’s resignation in February 2023, Mr. DuVall has been serving as the Interim Director and has overseen the development and maintenance of the County’s Continuity of Operations Plan; provided guidance and advice to County departments in developing their department-specific plans and worked with the Sonoma County Operations Area Emergency Council on the Operational Area Emergency Plan. He coordinates services with other organizations and agencies and develops mutual assistance programs where appropriate.
Mr. DuVall has a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with concentration in Public Administration, Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, and has successfully completed trainings in a wide variety of emergency management-related disciplines.
The Personal Services Agreement executes the salary at the “E” Step of the salary range, which is $185,461 annually, with the term of August 15, 2023 to August 15, 2026. It includes all other benefits and compensation as prescribed in the County’s Salary Resolution 95-0926.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the Department of Emergency Management’s budget for approving the recommended action. The salary and benefit costs of the Director are already included within the departmental budget.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Agreement for Personal Services - Director of Emergency Management
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.