San Diego, CA, December 30, 2025
San Diego County has made leadership changes across multiple departments, effective January 9, enhancing services to the community. Nadia Privara Brahms is appointed Director of Behavioral Health Services, Eric Shiotsugu as Chief Information Officer, and Shawn Brom as Registrar of Voters. Additionally, several key positions are expected to open in 2026. These changes aim to maximize resources and foster innovation within the county.
San Diego County Announces Leadership Changes Across Multiple Departments
San Diego, CA – In a series of recent announcements, San Diego County has appointed new leaders to several key departments, effective January 9, 2026. These appointments aim to enhance the county’s operations and services to the community.
New Appointments
- Nadia Privara Brahms will assume the role of Behavioral Health Services Director. 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.
- Eric Shiotsugu has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer. With over 20 years of experience in both government and private sectors, Shiotsugu has led technology projects in the Auditor & Controller Department and recently established the county’s AI best practices.
- Shawn Brom will become the Registrar of Voters. 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.
Upcoming Vacancies and Hiring Processes
- Human Resources Director: Susan Brazeau has announced her retirement in March after over 23 years with the county. A search for her successor is underway.
- Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Health and Human Services Agency: This position, which oversees a broad range of health and social services, is currently open, with plans to fill it in early 2026.
- County Counsel: The Board of Supervisors is in the process of hiring a new department head to lead the county’s civil law needs.
Context and Background
These leadership changes are part of San Diego County’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, maximize resources, and foster innovation in serving its diverse community. The county expresses gratitude for the dedication of outgoing leaders and looks forward to the contributions of the new appointees in shaping a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the new leaders appointed in San Diego County?
The new leaders appointed are Nadia Privara Brahms as Behavioral Health Services Director, Eric Shiotsugu as Chief Information Officer, and Shawn Brom as Registrar of Voters, all effective January 9, 2026.
What positions are currently open in San Diego County?
Positions currently open include Human Resources Director, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Health and Human Services Agency, and County Counsel. The county is actively seeking candidates for these roles.
Why are these leadership changes happening?
These changes are part of San Diego County’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, maximize resources, and foster innovation in serving its diverse community.
Key Features of the Leadership Changes
| Position | New Leader | Effective Date | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Health Services Director | Nadia Privara Brahms | January 9, 2026 | Appointed after serving as acting director; with the county since 2005; secured over $430 million in grant funding. |
| Chief Information Officer | Eric Shiotsugu | Immediate | Over 20 years of experience; led technology projects in the Auditor & Controller Department; established county’s AI best practices. |
| Registrar of Voters | Shawn Brom | January 9, 2026 | Over 25 years in the department; started as a precinct planning technician; advanced through various roles to assistant registrar. |
| Human Resources Director | Position Open | March 2026 | Susan Brazeau announced retirement after over 23 years; search for successor underway. |
| Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health and Human Services Agency | Position Open | Early 2026 | Oversees a broad range of health and social services; hiring process in progress. |
| County Counsel | Position Open | To Be Announced | Board of Supervisors hiring new department head to lead civil law needs. |
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