Longtime Napa County Employee To Lead Planning, Building Department

NAPA COUNTY, CA— The Napa County Board of Supervisors on Thursday announced the appointment of Brian Bordona as the new director of the Napa County Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services.

Bordona is expected to assume the new role Aug. 8 pending final approval of his employment contract at the Aug. 8 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Bordona has 24 years of tenure in county government planning and building experience and has been serving as the interim director of the department since October 2022. His journey within the department began in 1999, where he initially served as a planner and supervising planner, showcasing a profound understanding of land use planning, the agricultural industry and environmental stewardship, county officials said. Over the years, Bordona, now 48 years old, progressed to hold key positions, including deputy planning director and assistant director of the department.

"Becoming the Director of the Napa County Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services is an incredible honor, and I am excited and proud to lead this exceptional team of professionals," Bordona said. "Together, we will navigate through current challenges and shape a future that upholds the agricultural vitality and environmental sustainability of Napa County."

Belia Ramos, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, expressed her and the Board’s confidence in Bordona's capabilities.

"Brian has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in guiding the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services," Ramos said. "His extensive experience and dedication to our county, both professionally and in the community, make him the ideal leader to navigate both current challenges and those on the horizon.”

The Napa County Department of Planning, Building, and Environmental Services oversees the unincorporated areas of Napa County, ensuring wise land use and the creation of safe communities through policies, programs, permitting, environmental review, and zoning enforcement. As the director, Bordona will assume responsibility for all activities and operations within the department, including building inspection, assigned divisions, programs and functional areas.

Bordona succeeds David Morrison, who most recently served as interim CEO after holding the position of director since 2014. When Morrison announced his plans to step away from the position, a recommendation was made to the Board of Supervisors and director of Human Resources to appoint Bordona. This month, Morrison will transition to the role of special projects director in Planning, Building and Environmental Services for 14 months until his planned retirement in September 2024.

Bordona will also serve as zoning administrator for Napa County when he assumes the role of director. His salary should range between $199,000 and $241,000 a year.

Bordona earned a bachelor of science degree in Natural Resources and Land Use Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Additionally, he is actively involved in the community and has served as the Land Use planning day coordinator for Leadership Napa Valley for the last 11 years. He also chairs the City of Napa’s Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Commission, showcasing his commitment to the betterment of Napa County.

Bordona lives in Napa with his wife and two children.