Trinity County Board of Supervisors Concludes CAO Recruitment Process

This is a press release from Trinity County:

The Trinity County Board of Supervisors has concluded its extensive recruitment process for the position of County Administrative Officer (CAO). Following a nationwide search and comprehensive evaluation of candidates, the Board will consider an amendment to the employment contract of current CAO Trent Tuthill at its March 3, 2026 Board Meeting.

The Board initiated this process in late November 2025, launching a nationwide recruitment effort that accepted applications through January 23, 2026. Throughout this period, the Board has remained genuine in its commitment to the process, ensuring transparency and fairness to both the diverse pool of applicants and the public.

Adhering to best practices and legal requirements previously outlined to the community, the Board reviewed every application received to ensure the strongest possible leadership for the County. The recruitment yielded the following results:

• Application Review: The Board received and individually reviewed 57 applications.
• Selection: Following a “down select” process, the Board offered interviews to five candidates.
• Interviews: Four candidates accepted the invitation to interview, while one candidate declined having just accepted a position elsewhere.
• Deliberations: The Board conducted four interviews and subsequently completed extensive Board deliberations regarding the qualifications and fit of the candidates.

While the recruitment was initially prompted by the announcement that Mr. Tuthill would not be extending his contract past April 2026, the comprehensive search process and subsequent discussions have led to a new agreement.

At the upcoming Board meeting, the Board will consider an employment contract amendment with Trent Tuthill to extend his current employment by two years. The proposed amendment is based upon the following terms:

• An additional three weeks of personal leave.
• A Board commitment of $20,000 per year specifically allocated for Department Head professional development and succession planning leadership development.

The County is committed to continuing the financial stability and focus on public service that has been fostered by Mr. Tuthill, and has determined it is in the best interest of the County to take the time to identify and train a successor to continue this mission.

As required by law and consistent with the Board’s commitment to transparency, the final decision to approve this contract amendment will be made by a formal vote in open session.