Santa Clara County Executive Pete Kutras announced his retirement, effective Nov. 1. His last work day will be Friday, Oct. 31.
"It has been my honor and privilege to work for the past 35 years with the men and women of this organization who produce miracles every day making a difference in our community and the lives of our residents," Kutras said. "After finishing military service and enrolling in San Jose State University, I had the good fortune to be hired by the county. That was the start of challenges and opportunities that have added a rich and irreplaceable texture to my life. But it is now time to pass the mantle of leadership to others."
The most recent opportunity came when the Santa Clara Coujnty Board of Supervisors appointed Kutras to the top spot as county executive in August of 2003, after he served as interim county executive for four months. He oversees the nearly 15,000 county employees in 29 departments/agencies. Santa Clara County with a population of about 1.8 million is the sixth largest of 58 California counties and the 17th largest of the more than 3,100 counties in the United States.
Kutras' extensive history in public service, most with the Santa Clara County, and his knowledge of the organization and issues were key in the board's decision to appoint him as the county's chief executive officer. Kutras had occupied the number two spot of assistant county executive since July 1999. Prior to that appointment, Kutras held various positions with the county beginning in 1974, including director of labor relations, director of personnel and labor relations, director of employee services agency and deputy county cxecutive.
"As chair of the board, I respect and fully support Pete's decision to retire," Supervisor Pete McHugh said. "I am also grateful for his dedicated service to our county and country. Pete is a person of principle and he will be missed."
Among the challenges that Kutras encountered during his five years at the helm, and the two years that preceded his appointment, has been continuously shrinking resources. Over that time period, each year the county has been confronted with finding ways to address substantial budget deficits that resulted in $1.2 billion in budget solutions to retain services that are vital to vulnerable members of the community. Despite the financial challenges, the county's financial management acumen continues to earn top bond ratings.
"Kutras has been a steady force during financially turbulent times, allowing us to provide critical services to the public in the face of budget deficits," Supervisor Don Gage said.
"My approach has been to think strategically about how to address the myriad of complex issues," Kutras remarked. "My goal has been to support the board in its efforts to continue delivering services to those who need them. "We have reduced departmental budgets, instituted hiring freezes and early retirements, used reserves and one-time funds, implemented fee increases and changed financial policies to keep the doors of clinics open and provide support to folks trying to get on their feet."
Kutras was a valuable team leader, Supervisor Blanca Alvarado said.
"As county executive, his integrity and leadership abilities have been particularly valuable to me," she added.
"I feel really good about the quality of leadership among the board members and the executive management team responsible for managing agencies and departments," Kutras said. "Along with our employees, there is an excellent team in place to carry the organization into the future."
Kutras enjoys the support and respect of peers and colleagues. Throughout his career, he has beenknown for building coalitions and getting disparate groups to work together for common solutions. He has focused on public safety and introducing reforms in the Probation Department following voter approval of Measure A in 2004, which placed probation under the management of the county executive and oversight of the board of supervisors.
During the past few years, Kutras has focused the county organization on disaster preparedness calling for training, drills and readiness to respond to earthquakes and fires, such as the recent ones bordering and entering Santa Clara County, and cold and hot weather emergencies to prevent needless deaths. The organization has also demonstrated leadership and preparedness for public health threats such as pandemics.
"Kutras has shown a tremendous amount of compassion for the people of this community and our employees," Sheriff Laurie Smith said. "He is a leader who recognizes that it isn't just about the money, it is about the people."
"Thirty-five years of institutional memory and having served in so many different roles has made Pete an invaluable leader of our county," Supervisor Liz Kniss said. "Few know what it takes to oversee 15,000 employees, a $4 billion budget and thousands of acres of land, including 643 miles of rural and urban roadways in unincorporated areas and 62 miles of expressway. From fire, to health, to libraries and parks, Santa Clara County is a responsibility that Kutras has handled with skill, expertise and a caring heart."
Kutras previously served as an elected member of the Campbell Union High School District Board of Trustees and has also served as an appointed commissioner on the Moreland School District Personnel Commission. He is a past president of the California Public Employers Labor Relations Association and also served on the board of directors for the organization. Kutras also has been a member of the Personnel Commission for the City of Morgan Hill.
A Morgan Hill resident, Kutras holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, with a concentration in Public Administration, from San Jose State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971 with overseas duty in Vietnam and Ethiopia. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, both for meritorious achievement.
"I'll be a part of this community for a long time," Kutras said. "My wife Geri, my children and grandchildren are all here. This is where my heart is."
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