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Board narrows auditor‑controller applicants: four candidates to interview April 1; interim options discussed
Summary
The Board reviewed applications for auditor‑controller to fill a midterm vacancy. The board voted to invite four candidates to interview on April 1 and directed staff to pursue interim coverage options if needed while broader governance questions are studied.
Contra Costa County supervisors reviewed a slate of applicants on March 25 to fill the auditor‑controller vacancy left by Robert Campbell’s announced retirement effective March 30. Under Government Code Section 25304 the board must appoint someone to serve until the next election.
Human Resources reported eight applications and explained the qualifying criteria under state law and the Elections Code. Four applicants met the minimum requirements and remained under consideration after one withdrawal: Peter Crummey (Brentwood, CPA), Nikki Sow (out-of-state resident with qualifying senior fiscal experience), Donna Schmidt (San Francisco, near-CPA status and senior fiscal experience) and Yong (Jade) Bian (Orinda, CPA). The board directed staff to invite all four for interviews on April 1; one candidate will be permitted to appear by video because they live out of state.
Supervisors discussed options for interim leadership between Campbell’s departure and the appointment. County counsel said state law allows the board to appoint an interim auditor-controller and that, absent an appointment, the “number two” official would assume authority; several supervisors recommended appointing an interim if the vacancy extends beyond a few days to avoid split authority.
Separately, supervisors agreed to place discussion of a possible structural change — converting the auditor-controller from an elected to an appointed office — on the April 15 agenda, noting any future change could affect the candidate pool and require voter approval. The board also asked staff to approach a county employee identified in the department as potentially qualified to serve as an interim while the board proceeds with interviews.
The board approved a motion to proceed with interviews for the four qualified candidates and to authorize background checks for any candidates selected for interview. The motion passed 4-0.
