Ex-SLO County administrative officer has new job after resigning. Where will he work next?
San Luis Obispo County’s former top administrative officer will jump into a new job in Santa Barbara County this month.
Santa Barbara County recently hired Wade Horton as its assistant county executive officer — and his first day on the job is May 15, the county announced in a Monday news release.
In his new role, Horton will guide key departments, such as Public Works and Community Services, through their responsibilities, while “leading priority initiatives requiring interdepartmental collaboration,” the release said.
Horton graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in environmental engineering, then went to work as an engineer. He served as SLO County’s Public Works director before being hired as administrative officer in 2017.
While Horton worked as SLO County administrative officer, he collaborated with Santa Barbara County to strengthen economic development in the region and address the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.
In his new Santa Barbara County post, Horton will replace Jeff Frapwell, who will transition to part-time this summer, according to the release.
Santa Barbara County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato said she’s excited to work with Horton.
“He is a proven leader, collaborator and community builder, with a heart and passion for public service,” Miyasato said in the release. “He has the depth of experience, skill and courage we need to improve and transform county government in a post-pandemic world.”
In the release, Horton noted that he previously worked in the private sector in Santa Barbara County.
“I am both humbled and honored for the opportunity to join CEO Miyasato’s team,” Horton said. “The county of Santa Barbara is an exemplary organization and I’m excited to get to work serving this community.”
Who will replace SLO County administrative officer?
At a special meeting on April 19, the SLO County Board of Supervisors appointed John Nilon to temporarily replace Horton.
Nilon, a Cambria resident and the former Kern County Administrative Officer, will serve SLO County for at least three months in this role.
Horton resigned from his SLO County position before a performance evaluation at a March 21 Board of Supervisors meeting. His last day on the job was Monday.
Horton left SLO County with a a $146,000 severance package. He has declined The Tribune’s requests for an interview.
Horton graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in environmental engineering, then went to work as an engineer in the private sector in Santa Barbara County. He worked as SLO County’s Public Works director before being hired as administrative officer in 2017.
