On Tuesday, the Kings County Board of Supervisors confirmed the appointment of Kyria Martinez as County Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO manages the day-to-day operations of county government, working at the direction of the Board of Supervisors. In this role, Martinez will oversee and coordinate the operations of 23 departments and a workforce of approximately 1,658 employees.
“Ms. Martinez is a consummate professional and a natural leader with a deep knowledge and understanding of local government,” said Supervisor Richard Valle, Chair of the Kings County Board of Supervisors. “Her background and experience are an asset to the County, and we look forward to continuing to work together to advance the Board’s priorities on behalf of all Kings County residents.”
The CAO leads the County Administration Office and interprets, administers and enforces the broad policies established by the Board of Supervisors. Martinez is also tasked with managing Kings County’s $423.8 million budget and is responsible for developing long-range financial plans and maintaining the financial viability of the County.
Martinez’s public sector career began in Tulare County, where she worked in a number of different departments and roles. Ultimately, Martinez joined Kings County in February 2017, assisting the County Administration Office with the annual budget and the performance of a variety of financial studies as an administrative analyst. Martinez was appointed assistant county administrative officer in September 2020, and acting county administrative officer in April 2023.
Native to the Central Valley, Martinez received her undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Bakersfield.