Bill Fujioka

William T. Fujioka, former city admin­istrative officer for the City of Los Ange­les, will become chief executive officer of the County of Los Angeles on Monday, July 23.

Fujioka, 54, was se­lected unanimously by the County Board of Supervi­sors to replace David E. Janssen, who retired in January but has continued to serve in the role while the Board searched for his successor.

Supervisors initially made Fujioka’s appoint­ment effective July 30, but voted Tuesday, July 10, to change that to July 23.

Fujioka, who will earn $310,000, was highly praised by all five supervisors following his appointment.

“Bill Fujioka is a man of experience and integrity, who has a strong work ethic and a very independent mind. He is the right man for the job at a time when Los Angeles County faces some very difficult and critical decisions,” said Chairman Zev Yaroslavsky.

Fujioka is not new to the County. He first came to work for the County in 1978 as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and was human resources manager when he left in 1997 to become general manager of the Per­sonnel Department for the City of Los Angeles. In August 1999 he was named Los Angeles’ city administra­tive officer. During his 19 years with the County, he was an examinations analyst, Civil Service appeals analyst, personnel officer, and administrator in the Department of Health Services, including administrator and chief executive officer of High Desert Hos­pital/Antelope Valley Cluster.

“I’m very excited about this job,” said Fujioka. “It’s coming full circle. I appreciate the opportunity. It is an absolute honor.”

Fujioka retired as CAO of Los An­geles in February 2007. He at first was not interested in applying for the County position, but changed his mind when the Board of Supervisors approved a struc­tural change that gave the position more power. Most departments will now report to the Chief Executive Office instead of directly to the Board. Previously it was the board that supervised the departments and made the decisions to hire and fire the department heads.

Yaroslavsky said all the Board members have worked with Fujioka ei­ther at the city or County and “all of us have been impressed.”

Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke said Fujioka has tremendous experience in government, with extensive knowledge of the County. “I am just very, very proud that we were able to get someone of this caliber.”

Supervisor Gloria Molina said Fu­jioka’s background with the County is an asset because he knows the County and its issues. “I think it is a big plus for all of us,” she said, adding that she was happy that all supervisors supported his appointment.

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said Fujioka “understands and appreci­ates the diversity” of the County and will work to serve those diverse needs.

Supervisor Don Knabe called Fu­jioka’s appointment “great news.” “He has a proven track record of excellence, leadership and results,” Knabe said.

Fujioka said his mother, Linda, was very pleased when the board offered him the position. “The first person I had to call was my mother because after leaving city service, she asked me every week, ‘When are you going to get a job?’ and I got this wonderful job.”

Fujioka and his wife, Darlene Kuba, live in Bradbury. He has a 16-year-old son, Jason. His brother, Fred, is a Supe­rior Court judge.