Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg has been elected to lead the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) through its 131st term. At the CASC’s 131st Annual Meeting, county leaders gathered to address the escalating challenges facing communities across the state. These challenges include threats to core safety-net services, increasing disaster impacts, and the evolving demands placed on local governments. They also elected officers to lead the statewide association throughout 2026.
Ellenberg will represent California’s 58 counties as the CSAC president. Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo will serve as the CSAC first vice president. Colusa County Supervisor Kent Boes will be CSAC second vice president and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths will be CSAC immediate past president.
“I am honored to step into this new role at the helm of this bold and effective organization,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor and 2026 Board President Susan Ellenberg. “As uncertainty grows and challenges multiply, the residents of California can continue to rely on their counties to remain unflinching in their commitment to work on their behalf.”
“California’s counties are on the front lines of nearly every major challenge facing the state — from homelessness and behavioral health needs to climate-driven disasters and strained safety-net programs,” said CSAC Chief Executive Officer Graham Knaus. “This team of officers reflects the diversity and strength of counties statewide, and they are exceptionally prepared to lead us through another disruptive year. Their leadership will help ensure counties remain strong, effective, and united in serving all Californians.”
President Ellenberg previously served as CSAC’s First and Second Vice President and has represented Santa Clara County on its Board of Supervisors since 2019. She was unanimously elected by the CSAC Urban Caucus before being formally selected as President by county supervisors from throughout California on Dec. 4, 2025.
She represents the cities of Campbell and Santa Clara as well as parts of West San Jose, and unincorporated areas of San Jose like Cambrian, Burbank as well as San Jose neighborhoods like Blossom Hill and Almaden Valley.
The CSAC’s 2026 term will coincide with a pivotal statewide election year in which California voters will select a new governor, underscoring the importance of CSAC’s leadership in advocating for county priorities and ensuring counties remain strong partners in serving residents.
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