The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, on Oct. 7, announced the unanimous selection of Nicole D. Coburn to become the county’s next executive officer. The decision came after a national recruitment effort drew candidates from across the country.
Nicole D. Coburn
Coburn’s formal appointment is scheduled for the Board’s Oct. 21 meeting. Once approved, she will become only the second woman in county history to hold the position. She succeeds longtime County Executive Officer Carlos J. Palacios, who is retiring in December.
Coburn has served as assistant county executive officer since 2017 and has worked for Santa Cruz County for more than a dozen years. She brings more than two decades of experience in public service, fiscal management and community engagement.
As assistant county executive officer, Coburn oversaw a wide range of responsibilities, including public safety and justice services, countywide communications, legislative affairs and oversight for the county’s $1.3 billion budget. She also played a key role in modernizing county government. Coburn led the creation of Santa Cruz County’s first Strategic and Operational Plans, initiatives designed to create more transparency, accountability and collaboration among departments, and with community partners.
Coburn helped champion programs designed to ensure diversity in the county workforce. She helped launch “A Santa Cruz County Like Me,” an initiative to improve representation in county leadership and staff, and established the Youth Advisory Task Force, which gives young residents a direct voice in local government.
Coburn has also worked to expand access to justice and behavioral health services. She identified new funding sources to sustain vital community programs, including Measure S, which has funded modernization and construction of libraries throughout the county.
“Nicole Coburn has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of the values that define our community,” Board Chair Felipe Hernandez said. “Her collaborative spirit, fiscal expertise, and commitment to equity will serve the county well as we continue to address housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience challenges together.”
“The county will be in very good hands with Nicole at the helm,” Board Vice Chair Monica Martinez said. “She brings a deep commitment to collaboration, equity, and service, and upholds the highest ethical standards. Nicole’s steady leadership, compassion, and dedication to the people of Santa Cruz County will guide the organization toward a strong and successful future.”
Coburn’s selection followed a months-long national search that drew 139 applicants. The process included a two-day evaluation with the full Board of Supervisors, as well as interviews with a technical panel of community stakeholders representing a cross-section of the county.
Both the Board and the panel unanimously recommended Coburn to advance to the final appointment stage. Supervisors cited Coburn’s deep knowledge of local government operations, her record of results-driven leadership, and her ability to build trust among employees, partner agencies and residents as key reasons for her selection.
Coburn, who spent part of her childhood living in Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Foothills, said her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of public service and environmental stewardship — values that have guided her throughout her career.
“Santa Cruz County is a community of resilience, creativity, and compassion,” Coburn said. “I’m deeply honored to continue serving our residents, supporting our workforce, and collaborating with our partners as county executive officer. Together, we will build on our foundation of transparency, accountability, and innovation to make this a place where every resident can thrive and belong.”
Coburn holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UCLA. She is also a Credentialed California County Senior Executive through the California State Association of Counties.
Palacios, who has served as county executive officer since 2017, will remain through Dec. 5 to assist with the transition. Coburn is expected to assume the role immediately following Palacios’ departure.