By Gina Cuclis



This is a follow up to answer the question I asked in a December 2009 post after the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors announced it had hired the County's first woman Administrative Officer, Veronica Ferguson. I had asked, "Will first woman administrative officer improve Sonoma County's communications style?

The Answer Is Yes

I had the opportunity to hear Ferguson speak Wednesday night to the No Name Women's group. No Name Women is an informal networking group, run by Susan Moore, with about 400 members who are Democratic leaning business and professional women. (No website.)

Ferguson was fun to listen to. She has a great sense of humor. She also came across as approachable and friendly. Traits missing from the previous Sonoma County Administrative Officer. Ferguson credited her hiring to "the feminists" on the Board of Supervisors. Naming the three men as well as the two women.

Discussed Challenges

Ferguson discussed the County's services and its challenges in providing those services with the dwindling budget. She also discussed how the County plans to develop a long range plan for restructuring to manage the ongoing decline in revenue. She asked for our input, emphasizing community input would be important to the process. Ferguson also provided statistics on the numbers of women in leadership roles in local government in Sonoma County. Sorry to say, I didn't write them down. But I remember thinking they were impressive.

Positive Reaction from the Grapevine

Over the past few months I've spoken to other county government watchers and county employees. I've heard an overwhelming response that there's been much improvement. While this year's budget process and employee contract negotiations were not easy (understatement), employees seem to feel they were more in the loop than last year. It appears the new CAO is more willing to take the time for people.

Poor Communicators Make Poor Leaders

There's something to be said about the need for management that is good at crunching numbers and improving efficiencies, especially in difficult economic times. But if you're not good at dealing with people, are too arrogant to listen to others, and don't treat your employees or members of the community with respect, you will make too many enemies to be effective.

What is your opinion about the change in Sonoma County leadership? I would especially like to hear from county employees, who I would allow to post anonymously.