Kern County board appoints Craig Murphy interim planning director

The Kern County Board of Supervisors reported during its July meeting that it unanimously appointed Craig Murphy as interim director of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, effective Aug. 23, 2025, to follow the retirement of current Director Lorelai Oviatt on Aug. 22, 2025.

The appointment was announced as a reportable closed‑session action from item 50 of the agenda; the board’s clerk said the vote was 5‑0. Board members praised Murphy and said they expect continuity in department leadership.

Murphy, who addressed the board after the announcement, said he has worked for the county for about 20 years and has served as assistant director of Planning and Natural Resources for seven years. He thanked Oviatt for her mentorship and described four personal guiding characteristics using the acronym “CCHS” — confidence, competitiveness, humility and self‑awareness.

Supervisor remarks at the dais emphasized the board’s confidence in Murphy’s experience and public‑service commitment. The board said it will schedule an upcoming meeting to honor Oviatt’s years of service before her retirement.

The action was reported by the clerk as arising from closed session. No details on a search for a permanent director were provided at the meeting.