Title
Human Resources Department recommending the Board appoint Kaci Smith to the position of Chief Probation Officer, effective May 30, 2026, at step 2 of the salary range (annual salary of $195,353.64).
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department is recommending the appointment of Kaci Smith to the position of Chief Probation Officer. Ms. Smith competed in an open and competitive recruitment process and currently serves as Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Probation Department. During her interim tenure, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in stabilizing operations and enhancing engagement with law enforcement and court stakeholders.
Ms. Smith has advanced from front-line work in juvenile detention to overseeing division-level operations, staff supervision, program development, budget administration, and interagency coordination. Approval of this item will remove her interim status and transition her into the permanent role. Her benefits and other compensation will be administered per the Salary and Benefits Resolution for Unrepresented Employees.
ALTERNATIVES
If not approved, the Board will be required to consider other eligible candidates or conduct a new recruitment for the position of Chief Probation Officer.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
08/26/2025 Legistar file 25-1512: CPO MOU Ad Hoc
09/30/2025 Legistar file 25-1667: Appointment of Interim Chief Probation Officer
12/09/2025 Legistar file 25-2001: Conceptual approval to amend Title 2 of the ordinance code
01/27/2026 Legistar file 26-0007: CPO MOU adoption and class specification update
05/05/2026 Legistar file 26-0762: Closed Session - Public Employment. Chief Probation Officer
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact as the salary for this position is already included in the department’s FY 2025-26 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Priority: Enhance Employee Retention
Action Item: Attract and retain the best employees by providing competitive compensation, training, and advancement opportunities, and creating a positive and thriving culture.
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources