San Diego, CA, December 30, 2025
San Diego County announced key leadership changes with new directors appointed for Behavioral Health Services, Technology Office, and Registrar of Voters. These appointments intend to improve county services and tackle ongoing challenges in vital areas. Nadia Privara Brahms, Eric Shiotsugu, and Shawn Brom will lead their respective departments starting January 2026. Additionally, the county is preparing for future leadership transitions in multiple departments. These changes align with significant investments aimed at enhancing mental health services and addressing the needs of the community.
San Diego County Appoints New Leaders for Key Departments
San Diego, CA – In a series of leadership changes announced on December 29, 2025, San Diego County appointed new directors for the Behavioral Health Services, Technology Office, and Registrar of Voters departments, effective January 9, 2026. These appointments aim to enhance the county’s services and address ongoing challenges in these critical areas.
Behavioral Health Services
Nadia Privara Brahms will assume the role of Behavioral Health Services Director on January 9, 2026. Having served as the acting director for several months, Privara Brahms has been with the county since 2005 and joined Behavioral Health Services in 2014. She has been instrumental in developing models to identify future capacity needs for treatment services and has secured over $430 million in grant funding, with more than $175 million awarded in the past four years.
Technology Office
Eric Shiotsugu has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer, effective immediately. With over 20 years of experience in both the government and private sectors, Shiotsugu has led technology projects in the Auditor & Controller Department and recently established the county’s AI best practices.
Registrar of Voters
Shawn Brom will become the Registrar of Voters on January 9, 2026. Brom brings more than 25 years of experience in the department, having started his career in 2000 as a precinct planning technician and advancing through various roles, including assistant registrar. He will succeed Cynthia Paes, who plans to retire in February after 23 years of service with the county.
Upcoming Leadership Searches
The county is also in the process of hiring for leadership positions in Human Resources, the Health and Human Services Agency, and County Counsel, with appointments expected in early 2026. These efforts are part of the county’s ongoing transformation to improve efficiency, maximize resources, and boost innovation in serving the diverse community.
Background
These leadership changes come amid significant investments in San Diego County’s behavioral health services. In October 2025, the county launched the Elevate Behavioral Health Workforce Fund, a $75 million initiative aimed at adding 3,000 new behavioral health practitioners to address the growing demand for mental health and substance use disorder services. This program includes zero-interest loans, apprenticeships, peer support training, paid internships, and nurse practitioner programs.
Additionally, in April 2025, the County Board of Supervisors approved plans to contract for 30 additional behavioral health beds at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, nearly doubling South Bay Medi-Cal capacity. The Board also advanced new partial hospitalization programs and additional board-and-care facilities to fill critical gaps in the mental health care system.
These strategic appointments and initiatives reflect the county’s commitment to enhancing services and addressing the evolving needs of its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the new leaders appointed in San Diego County?
Nadia Privara Brahms will become the Behavioral Health Services Director on January 9, 2026. Eric Shiotsugu has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer, effective immediately. Shawn Brom will assume the role of Registrar of Voters on January 9, 2026.
What are the upcoming leadership searches in San Diego County?
The county is in the process of hiring for leadership positions in Human Resources, the Health and Human Services Agency, and County Counsel, with appointments expected in early 2026.
What is the Elevate Behavioral Health Workforce Fund?
Launched in October 2025, the Elevate Behavioral Health Workforce Fund is a $75 million initiative aimed at adding 3,000 new behavioral health practitioners to address the growing demand for mental health and substance use disorder services in San Diego County. The program includes zero-interest loans, apprenticeships, peer support training, paid internships, and nurse practitioner programs.
What recent investments have been made in San Diego County’s behavioral health services?
In April 2025, the County Board of Supervisors approved plans to contract for 30 additional behavioral health beds at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, nearly doubling South Bay Medi-Cal capacity. The Board also advanced new partial hospitalization programs and additional board-and-care facilities to fill critical gaps in the mental health care system.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Behavioral Health Services Director | Nadia Privara Brahms, effective January 9, 2026 |
| New Chief Information Officer | Eric Shiotsugu, effective immediately |
| New Registrar of Voters | Shawn Brom, effective January 9, 2026 |
| Upcoming Leadership Searches | Human Resources, Health and Human Services Agency, County Counsel |
| Elevate Behavioral Health Workforce Fund | $75 million initiative to add 3,000 new practitioners |
| Additional Behavioral Health Beds | 30 new beds at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City |
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