Edhat StaffSource: County of Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors appointed Dianne Black to serve as Interim Director of Planning and Development effective March 30, 2018. She currently serves as assistant director of the department. Black began her career with the County in 1984 as an intern for the Resource Management Department. She has served as Assistant Director for the department since 2000.
Black has extensive experience in management and executive leadership roles in the department, including with many complex projects such as Santa Barbara Ranch, and response and recovery with the Jesusita and Tea fires and the Refugio oil spill. Black also serves as an emergency public information officer for the County.
Black will oversee a department of 90 employees and a budget of $20 million.
“Dianne has the talent and experience to lead this complex department as we search for our next director,” said First District Supervisor Das Williams. “She has provided a tremendous amount of leadership and professionalism, and we appreciate her stepping into the director’s role at such a critical time for our county,” he added.
Black’s interim appointment fills the vacancy left by retiring director Glenn Russell, Ph.D. County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato added, “I would like to recognize Glenn for his work and leadership of Planning and Development over the past eight years. Glenn was able to bring to completion significant projects and land use policy items during his tenure, including the Gaviota Coast Plan, Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan, Housing Element, Scenic Highways Designation of the 101, Cannabis Ordinance, Energy and Climate Action Plan and Cultural Resources Thresholds policy. He also encouraged staff development and investing in the next generation of leaders in his department.”
