Board approves Najee Zareef as county public works director after public interview
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Summary
After a public interview, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Najee Zareef as San Joaquin County public works director, effective March 23, 2026; Zareef cited 25 years in county public works, professional engineering licensure and experience increasing annual project delivery to about $30 million.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors conducted a public interview on Nov. 4 for Najee Zareef, deputy director of public works engineering, and then voted unanimously to appoint him director effective March 23, 2026.
In his interview Zareef highlighted a 25‑year county career, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and licensure as a civil professional engineer in California. “I have 25 years of experience here with this county and the Department of Public Works,” Zareef told the board, and described leading divisions that delivered capital projects across the county and increased annual project delivery from about $19 million to roughly $30 million.
Board members — including several who referenced his responsiveness in flood and road projects — praised his technical knowledge, community engagement and ability to work with cities and Caltrans. The board moved, seconded and approved the appointment by a 5–0 vote during the meeting.
What’s next: Zareef will work with the county administrator and outgoing director to determine interim coverage before he assumes the director role in March.
