Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) welcomes Brendan Byrd as its new Executive Director effective April 28, 2025 following an extensive recruitment process led by TS Talent Solutions (TSTS)
With over a decade of experience in engineering and public works, Brendan Byrd brings a wealth of expertise in infrastructure planning, municipal operations and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining HCAOG, Byrd served as the Public Works Director and City Engineer for the City of Fortuna, where he played a key role in identifying, planning and implementing critical infrastructure solutions. His hands-on approach, coupled with his leadership in administration and project management, has earned him a reputation as a strategic and results-driven professional.
The recruitment was led by TSTS Executive Recruiter Christine Martin, with support from Senior Recruitment Coordinator Kylie Sun and Assistant Recruitment Coordinators Sydney Fitch and Julia Gale.
“We needed a leader with the right mix of technical expertise, vision and drive to step into the Executive Director role,” said Debbie Egger, Interim Executive Director of HCAOG. “From crafting a compelling recruitment campaign that showcased the opportunity to generate a strong pool of candidates, TS Talent Solutions took charge. Their deep understanding of local government and recruitment strategy made all the difference in finding the perfect fit for our team.”
The TSTS team designed a comprehensive recruitment brochure outlining HCAOG’s mission, organizational goals and ideal candidate profile. Strategic outreach efforts attracted a highly competitive applicant group, culminating in an extensive screening and interview process before Byrd was offered the position.
“Humboldt County is a region with unique transportation, environmental and infrastructure needs, and we knew the right leader for HCAOG had to have both technical expertise and a collaborative mindset,” said Christine Martin. “Brendan’s background in public works and city administration made him stand out as an exceptional candidate. We’re excited to see the positive impact he will have in this role.”
“I’m honored to step into the role of Executive Director at HCAOG,” said Byrd. “The TSTS team was incredibly supportive throughout the process, providing me with the insights and resources needed to navigate the recruitment journey. I look forward to working with the talented team at HCAOG to advance regional transportation and infrastructure initiatives.”
About TS Talent Solutions
TS Talent Solutions is a California-based executive search and talent development organization focused on the local government sector. A division of Tripepi Smith, TS Talent Solutions leverages the expertise and digital acumen of its parent firm to deliver next-generation recruitment solutions for public agencies. The quest for talent never ends, but progress is made with TS Talent Solutions.