Marin County Officials Appoint Three Assistant County Executives to Drive Innovation

MARIN COUNTY, CA — In a move officials are calling a way to modernize local government, the County of Marin has appointed three Assistant County Executives.

Officials said the new executive structure is designed to break down long-standing bureaucratic silos and streamline the County’s response to urgent community challenges like homelessness, climate change and affordable housing.

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The restructuring represents a major shift from a leadership model that had remained static for nearly seven decades. Following the 2023 Board of Supervisors’ decision and the appointment of County Executive Derek Johnson in April 2024, the County has spent the past year designing a more integrated and accountable organization. The resulting plan, approved in May 2025, organizes departments into four groups, each led by an ACE reporting directly to Johnson.

"This new structure is about delivering better outcomes for our residents," Johnson said. "It’s about breaking down silos, improving accountability, and delivering results. We cannot address today’s challenges with yesterday’s approach."

The newly appointed leaders bring diverse expertise to their respective groups.

Josh Swedberg, formerly the County’s Budget Director, will lead the County Operations and Resources Group. Swedberg, who joined the County in 2017, is tasked with strengthening fiscal sustainability and improving business processes across departments such as Human Resources, Information Services & Technology, and Elections.

Chris Zapata, who has served as the City Manager for Sausalito since 2021, joins the team as the ACE for the Community and Environmental Group. With 35 years of public service, including leadership roles in Anaheim and San Leandro, Zapata is a recognized Government Champion focused on improving city services and community quality of life.

Dr. Lisa Warhuus will serve in a dual capacity as the Director of Health and Human Services and the ACE for the Health and Human Services Group. Dr. Warhuus previously led Berkeley’s health and housing departments and is noted for her commitment to equity and innovative crisis response models. Recruitment for a fourth ACE to lead the Justice and Welfare Group is currently ongoing.

While the restructuring costs approximately $2.5 million annually, officials said they anticipate significant long-term value through improved service outcomes and reduced project delays.

Despite the change at the top, Johnson emphasizes that daily services will remain uninterrupted.

"County employees will continue their work as usual, with a new structure designed to make it easier for departments to solve problems together," he said.