Meet Our Board
We are committed to help serve our counties and their employeesBoard of Directors
The CSAC Finance Corporation is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors consisting of: three county supervisors, two county administrators, two county or agency department heads, CSAC’s Chief Executive Officer, and three public members.
Oscar Villegas - President - Suburban County Supervisor
County Supervisor, Yolo County
Oscar Villegas has served as Yolo County Supervisor for District 1 since 2014 and was re-elected to his fourth term in March 2024. Representing the majority of West Sacramento and the community of Clarksburg, he remains committed to strategic growth, public health, and the preservation of Yolo County’s agricultural and environmental resources. In recent years, he has focused on ensuring federal recovery funds effectively addressed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing health care delivery, supporting a responsive criminal justice system, and working with city partners to provide housing and critical services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Prior to his tenure as Supervisor, Oscar served on the West Sacramento City Council from 2000 to 2014, a period of significant growth and transformation for the city. His leadership contributed to improvements in housing, retail, infrastructure, recreation, and transportation. He played a key role in the development of Sutter Health Park, home of the Sacramento River Cats and future temporary home of the Oakland A’s. Before his time on the City Council, he was a member and chairman of the West Sacramento Planning Commission, helping shape the city’s general plan and development strategies.
Oscar’s professional career includes service with the State of California in the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and the Board of State and Community Corrections. He received gubernatorial appointments from Governors Davis and Schwarzenegger before being appointed to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors by Governor Brown in 2014. His dedication to public service continues through his leadership on regional and statewide committees, including the Delta Stewardship Council, the National Association of Counties Board of Directors, and the California State Association of Counties’ Housing, Land Use, and Transportation Committee.
Graham Knaus - Vice President - CSAC CEO
Chief Executive Officer, California State Association of Counties
Graham Knaus serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the California Counties Foundation, representing California’s 58 counties and their 296 elected supervisors. Under his leadership, CSAC advocates for county interests at the state and federal levels while providing strategic policy development and leadership training for county officials. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as CSAC’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Member Services, overseeing operations, communications, and strategic planning.
With a career dedicated to county governance, Graham previously spent six years with Placer County as Assistant Director of Health and Human Services and County Budget Director. He also served as a Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst for the County Welfare Directors Association and as a Legislative Advocate for a firm representing California counties. He played a key role in major state realignment efforts, serving as a principal architect of the 2011 State Public Safety Realignment, which shifted $6 billion in services and funding from the state to counties, and as a primary strategic advisor on the 2013 Health Realignment, which implemented the Affordable Care Act at the county level.
In addition to his CSAC leadership, Graham serves as Vice President of the CSAC Finance Corporation Board and is actively involved with national and state organizations, including the National Council of County Association Executives, Easy Smart Pay, the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy, and the Public Policy Institute of California’s Statewide Leadership Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy from UC San Diego and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Ryan Alsop - Treasurer - County Administrator
County Executive Officer, Napa County
Ryan J. Alsop serves as the County Executive Officer for Napa County, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in June 2023. With over two decades of experience in public administration and government affairs, he has a strong track record of leadership in county governance, fiscal management, and strategic planning. Prior to his current role, Alsop was the Chief Administrative Officer for Kern County, one of California’s largest county governments, where he oversaw countywide budget and finance, human resources, economic and workforce development, and public safety initiatives.
Alsop’s career includes extensive experience in both local and state government. He previously served as Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles County, Director of Government and Public Affairs for Long Beach Water, and Director of External Affairs for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has also worked as a private government relations consultant in Washington, D.C., and served on the staffs of U.S. Representative Stephen Horn and California State Senator Ken Maddy. In his leadership roles, Alsop has been instrumental in managing fiscal emergencies, implementing employee compensation reforms, and spearheading regional initiatives focused on economic growth and homelessness solutions, including the development of Kern County’s first 150-bed low-barrier navigation center.
Beyond his role in Napa County, Alsop remains actively engaged in statewide and regional initiatives. He serves as Treasurer for the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Finance Corporation and sits on the Board of Governors for Kern Medical. Additionally, he is Treasurer of the Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative and a member of the leadership council for the B3K Prosperity Initiative. A native of Bakersfield, Alsop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Master of Public Policy from the American University School of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. He lives in Napa County with his wife and youngest son.
Kathryn Barger - Urban County Supervisor
County Supervisor, Los Angeles County
Supervisor Kathryn Barger proudly represents the residents of Los Angeles County’s 5th Supervisorial District, the county’s largest, spanning 2,800 square miles and encompassing 22 cities and 70 unincorporated communities across the Antelope, San Gabriel, San Fernando, Crescenta, and Santa Clarita Valleys. She is committed to providing responsive, effective leadership that enhances public safety, supports economic development, and improves the quality of life for residents.
A dedicated public servant, Barger began her career as a college intern in the office of former Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, rising to become his Chief Deputy in 2001. She served in that capacity until her election to the Board of Supervisors in 2016 and was re-elected for a second term in 2020. Throughout her tenure, she has prioritized public safety, working alongside state and federal leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the County District Attorney to implement policies that enhance community security. She is also a strong advocate for environmental preservation, open space conservation, and expanding parks, trails, and recreational programs. Her leadership extends to supporting foster children, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing mental illness, ensuring they receive the services they need.
Barger serves on numerous regional and national boards, including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Metrolink, the North County Transportation Coalition, the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Authority, the National Association of Counties’ Large Urban County Caucus, the Southern California Association of Governments, the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, the California State Association of Counties, the Local Agency Formation Commission, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Countywide Criminal Justice Coordination Committee, and the California Identification System Remote Access Network. A San Gabriel Valley native from a family with deep roots in public service, she is married to a retired sheriff’s deputy and remains dedicated to responsible fiscal stewardship while delivering essential county services.
Vernon Billy - Public Member
Chief Executive Officer, California School Board Association
Vernon M. Billy serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the California School Boards Association (CSBA), providing leadership for an organization that represents the governing boards of nearly 1,000 school districts and county offices of education across California. In this role, he oversees CSBA’s strategic direction, advocacy efforts, and member services, ensuring the organization effectively supports local education governance.
With three decades of experience in education policy, legislative affairs, and business leadership, Vernon has held key positions, including senior legislative advocate for CSBA, governmental relations director for both San Francisco Unified School District and Los Angeles Unified School District, and partner in several successful policy and advocacy firms. He has worked closely with school boards, superintendents, and district leaders to advance education policy, manage public relations, and develop strategies that support students and communities.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Vernon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations from California State University, Sacramento. His deep expertise in education governance, political strategy, and business operations has guided CSBA’s growth and impact for over a decade.
Edward Hill - County Agency Department Head
Chief Operating Officer, Fresno County
Edward Hill is a dedicated public service leader with extensive experience in county administration, emergency management, and public health. As the Chief Operating Officer for Fresno County, he plays a key role in overseeing county-wide operations, enhancing efficiency, and implementing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of local government services.
Prior to his current role, Edward served as the County Administrative Officer for Kings County, where he led budget development, policy implementation, and intergovernmental relations. He also previously held the position of Director of Public Health for Kings County, overseeing critical health initiatives and emergency response efforts. Earlier in his career, Edward was the Director of Emergency Medical Services for Kern County, where he focused on strengthening the county’s emergency response systems and public safety programs.
With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Edward brings a strong foundation in strategic planning, resource management, and organizational leadership to his work. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to improving public services, fostering resilient communities, and ensuring effective governance across California’s counties.
Matthew Jennings - County Agency Department Head
Treasurer/Tax-Collector, Riverside County
Matthew Jennings has served as Riverside County’s Treasurer-Tax Collector since September 2020. He leads a department of 110 employees and is responsible for the billing and collection of over $4 billion in property taxes annually. He also oversees the County’s $13 billion Treasurer’s Pooled Investment Fund, which maintains the highest AAA rating from Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Jennings has nearly 30 years of service in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office, beginning in 1994. He has held various leadership roles, including Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector and Chief Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector, and currently serves as the ex-officio Treasurer for all school and community college districts in Riverside County, managing over $17 billion in receipts and disbursements.
In addition to his work in Riverside County, Jennings is the President-Elect of California Association of County Treasurer-Tax Collectors (CACTTC), for the 24-25 year and has contributed to developing the California State Controller’s Property Tax Manual. He holds a B.S. in Business Management from Hope International University and a Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University.
Miguel Marquez - Public Member
City Manger, City of Pasadena
Miguel Márquez brings extensive leadership experience in government administration, law, and public policy to his role as City Manager for Pasadena. Before joining the city, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the County of Santa Clara, overseeing all county operations, including public health, public safety, social services, and affordable housing initiatives for nearly two million residents. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the county through critical challenges, including the pandemic response and key social justice initiatives.
Prior to his role in Santa Clara, Miguel served as an Associate Justice on the California Sixth District Court of Appeal, County Counsel for Santa Clara County, and General Counsel for the San Francisco Unified School District. He also held positions as Deputy City Attorney for San Francisco and Deputy County Counsel for San Mateo County. With a background in both public and private sectors, including work as a management consultant and attorney, he brings a comprehensive perspective on governance, strategic planning, and policy implementation.
Miguel holds a law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University. Dedicated to fostering inclusive and forward-thinking communities, he is committed to ensuring Pasadena’s continued success and growth.
Susan Muranishi - County Administrator
County Administrator, Alameda County
Susan S. Muranishi is the County Administrator for Alameda County, California, serving in this role for over 30 years. She leads one of the most diverse counties in the nation, overseeing over 10,000 employees and a $4.1 billion budget. Susan has gained a national reputation for her exceptional fiscal stewardship, which has helped the county thrive even during challenging economic times. Under her leadership, Alameda County has consistently maintained AAA credit ratings from three independent agencies, one of the few counties in California to achieve this distinction.
A UC Berkeley graduate and Alameda County native, Susan has held various positions of increasing responsibility throughout her tenure. As County Administrator, she provides strategic leadership to the Board of Supervisors, department heads, and the public, ensuring the efficient delivery of services and the implementation of forward-thinking policies. She champions a culture of innovation, leveraging technology and public-private partnerships to meet the evolving needs of residents.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Susan is deeply engaged in the community and serves on several non-profit boards. Her leadership and mentorship have been recognized by local, regional, state, and national organizations. Notably, she was inducted into the National Academy of Public Administration in 2022 and has established award-winning programs such as youth leadership, intern initiatives, and the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame, where over 250 women have been inducted under her guidance.
William (Billy) Rutland - Public Member
Founder, The Rutland Group
William G. Rutland Jr. is the founder of The Rutland Group and a well-respected figure in governmental advocacy. His career began in the California Legislature, where he served for 20 years in various roles, including as a consultant on key legislative committees such as Finance and Banking, Criminal Justice, and Elections and Reapportionment. He worked for eight different Assembly members and Senators across both political parties, culminating in his role as Chief Consultant to Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown Jr., who later became Mayor of San Francisco.
After his time in the Legislature, Mr. Rutland joined George R. Steffes, Inc., a multi-state governmental advocacy firm, where he worked for six years alongside George Steffes, a former senior advisor to Governor Ronald Reagan. During this time, Rutland represented high-profile clients, including American Express, Exxon, IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Union Pacific Railroad, among others.
In 1996, Mr. Rutland founded The Rutland Group, continuing his successful advocacy work. The firm has since represented clients before federal agencies, the California Legislature, state regulatory bodies, and local governments throughout the state. Known for his creativity and problem-solving abilities, Mr. Rutland has built a reputation for producing successful outcomes through skilled negotiation and coalition-building. Under his leadership, The Rutland Group remains a prominent and effective advocate for its clients.
Ed Valenzuela - Rural County Supervisor
County Supervisor, Siskiyou County
Ed Valenzuela has been serving as Siskiyou County’s District 2 Supervisor since 2008, currently in his fourth term. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, working to ensure efficient delivery of essential county services and promoting economic development, especially in rural communities. He prioritizes active engagement with constituents to understand their needs, ensuring informed decision-making that benefits Siskiyou County.
Before entering public service, Ed spent 32 years with AT&T, after which he retired and relocated to Mt. Shasta in 1998. His civic journey began in 2000 when he was elected to the Mt. Shasta City Council, serving for eight years. His experience in both the private sector and local government has shaped his effective leadership style as a County Supervisor.
Ed is married to Barbara, and together they have two children, both graduates of Chico State. His family-oriented values and deep ties to the community reflect his enduring commitment to the growth and prosperity of Siskiyou County.