Napa Valley Top Administrator Announces Departure

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Yountville’s top administrator announced he is stepping down, setting in motion the next steps to name his replacement.

The Yountville Town Council accepted Town Manager Brad Raulston’s resignation, setting his final day for Aug. 31, 2026, with administrative leave effective immediately.

Raulston, hired in 2023, said he decided to leave in order to care for his wife and allow the town to transition leadership.

“The future of Yountville is bright due to staff’s commitment and the Town Council’s leadership throughout,” Raulston said in an announcement, adding that department heads and staff are positioned to continue the work.

Mayor Margie Mohler praised Raulston’s tenure, citing his service, dedication and lasting impact on the community, and wished him well in his next chapter.

Raulston spent his first year overhauling internal governance, tightening procedures, improving meetings and setting clearer organizational goals while strengthening communication between staff, elected officials and residents, according to an announcement.

In his second year, Raulston advanced the Town Council’s top priority by completing the purchase of the Yountville Commons site and opening it for public use.

His third year focused on long-term planning for the site while building out the town’s leadership team through key hires.

The Town Council has not announced next steps for appointing an interim or permanent town manager.