RCRC Contact:
Paul A. Smith Senior Vice President
916-765-1433

Yolo Contact:
Carolyn Jhajj, Interim Lead Public Information Officer
(530) 312-5030

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2021

Yolo County Administrator Accepts New Position as President of the Rural County Representatives of California

(Woodland, CA) –Yolo County Administrator Patrick Blacklock has officially accepted a new position as President and CEO of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC). RCRC is a thirty-seven member county strong service organization, of which Yolo County is a member, that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. The RCRC Board of Directors approved the appointment at their February 10, 2021 meeting and Mr. Blacklock will assume his new position with RCRC effective April 5, 2021.

Mr. Blacklock has served in his position as Yolo County Administrator for eleven years. Under his tenure the Yolo County Board of Supervisors created and updated the County’s 2012-2025 strategic plans; developed and implemented a long-term financial plan which saw the County’s credit rating increase from B+ with a negative outlook to A+ with a stable outlook; and completed a comprehensive capital improvement plan which included the restoration of the County’s historic courthouse. Mr. Blacklock was also instrumental in the drafting of the first ever Board of Supervisors Governance Manual, completed in 2015, which is now being emulated in counties throughout California. “Patrick Blacklock is one of the best administrators that I’ve had the opportunity to work with during my career in public service,” said Jim Provenza, Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. “His innovation and hard work have helped us through many difficult times. The lessons we have learned from Mr. Blacklock will benefit us all for years to come and he leaves the county in excellent shape. We are well positioned to address the challenges ahead, with a stable budget and viable strategic plan. Most importantly, our board, administrative staff and work force is composed of capable, dedicated and energetic people that I know will move us forward.” Founded in 1972, RCRC works with its members to advocate on behalf of rural issues at the state and federal levels. RCRC provides the rural county perspective on a myriad of issues during the legislative and regulatory process at both the regional, state and federal level. Issues include land use, water and natural resources, housing, transportation, wildfire protection policies, and health and human services. The core of RCRC’s mission is to improve the ability of small, rural California county government to provide services by reducing the burden of state and federal mandates, and promoting a greater understanding among policy makers about the unique challenges that face California's small population counties.

“We are excited that Patrick Blacklock will be leading RCRC into the next chapter of its long history,” said Supervisor Stacy Corless of Mono County and Chair of RCRC. “Rural California faces many challenges in the coming months and years, and we need strong staff leadership to support RCRC's role as the voice for rural counties. RCRC also has many opportunities to strengthen rural economies and improve quality of life, including endeavors into broadband deployment, affordable housing and sustainable forest practices. Patrick is well-suited to build and maintain an effective team to lead these efforts.”

Mr. Blacklock will continue to serve in his role as the Yolo County Administrator into March 2021. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will begin the process of identifying a successor for the Yolo County Administrator position and working collaboratively with County leadership to ensure a smooth transition.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Yolo County Administrator for the last 11 years,” said Patrick Blacklock, Yolo County Administrator. “It is bittersweet as I have cherished my time as County Administrator and serving the community that my family and I call home even as I’m excited to join RCRC and work on behalf of Yolo and all of RCRC’s member counties. Yolo County has an incredible team and I will miss working with them as they continue to make a difference by enhancing the quality of life in our community.”

For additional information on Yolo County visit the County webpage at www.yolocounty.org or follow Yolo County on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/YoloCounty or Twitter at: https://twitter.com/YoloCountyCA. For information on RCRC visit www.rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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