Merced County supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Mark J. Hendrickson as the county executive officer effective July 8, 2025, and approved an employment agreement that sets his annual salary at $283,549.76.

Hendrickson, a long-time county employee who told the board “this is actually not about me. This is, this is about the future of this county,” said he will pursue higher performance, innovation and improved customer service across county departments.

The appointment was item 30 on the board agenda. Supervisor Lloyd Pacheco moved the appointment and Supervisor Zach McDaniel seconded the motion; the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor. During public comment one speaker criticized the salary increase and another offered congratulations.

Hendrickson told the board the county organization he will lead includes about 2,475 employees and said staff will focus on efficiency and service delivery. “We will be the highest performing county in the state of California, period,” he said during remarks after the vote.

A public commenter who identified themself as a resident criticized the pay increase, calling it “an $18,549 raise, which is essentially 7% rounded up,” and urged the board to explain why the new CEO merits a higher base salary than the prior CEO. In response to public concern about compensation, Supervisor Silvera said the difference between the prior and new base salary reflected raises the county had recently approved for other employees and ongoing labor agreements that start in July.

Adam Reed of Atwater, who identified himself during public comment, congratulated Hendrickson and said he has known him “for a long time” and expects him to benefit the county.

Hendrickson outlined broad priorities for his tenure including innovation, improved customer service, fiscal discipline during potentially lean financial periods and collaborative work with department heads. He acknowledged the county faces “difficult decisions” ahead and told supervisors he would work to implement the board’s policies and direction.

The board did not attach additional conditions to the employment agreement during the meeting. The transcript indicates the board deliberated and then moved directly to the vote; no amendment to the employment agreement was proposed on the record.

The board will next meet on July 22, 2025, when any follow-up items related to the CEO transition could appear on a future agenda.