Local Politics · Mendocino County
Mendocino County Board Appoints New CEO, County Counsel
At its Oct. 20 meeting, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved contracts appointing Sara Pierce as Chief Executive Officer at $275,000 annual salary (estimated total compensation of $481,000) and Michael Rossi as County Counsel at $271,000 per year (estimated total compensation of $460,700), with Rossi beginning Dec. 6. Pierce joined the county in December 2020 and served as Interim CEO since July 2026; her contract expires in October 2029. Rossi brings nearly 30 years of public-service legal experience, including serving as Lead Deputy County Counsel for Santa Clara County since January 2016. During public comment, one resident questioned whether the compensation levels are sustainable and affect county permit fees.