After more than 13 years of looking on as County supervisors saluted others at board meetings, Chief Administrative Officer Walt Ekard found himself the center of praise at Tuesday’s session.
It was his last meeting as the County’s top executive, and the audience gave him a standing ovation as he accepted a proclamation from the Board recognizing his service and declaring it Walt Ekard Day.
“Thanks for the greatest professional privilege I will ever have or ever hope to have,” Ekard said.
The supervisors one-by-one spoke of the high regard they have for his leadership and character.
“It’s a measure of the esteem in which we all hold him. If we were going forward with something Walt didn’t feel comfortable with, then we knew we’d better double, triple check it. And in all likelihood, you weren’t going to proceed,” said Board Chair Ron Roberts. “He would say, ‘Let me work with you to find if there’s a way to do this.’”
Several supervisors noted his courage in challenging plans they made and his willingness to find alternatives.
“He’s been a tremendous CAO,” said Supervisor Bill Horn. “We have not always agreed on everything. But he argues immutably and we work it out to make it happen.”
The supervisors also commended Ekard for his role in transforming a County government in desperate need of improvement to one that now consistently wins awards for its financial stability and innovation.
“We were able to turn that around and as a result we’re in a very good position today,” said Supervisor Pam Slater-Price. ”And we owe a great deal of that to Walt Ekard.”
“You never lost sight of the importance of every community and that we have a responsibility to every citizen, every resident,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob.” And today the way our county government operates stands as a model for other public agencies.”
“The legacy you have left this county, Walt, is second to none: financially sound, beautiful buildings, well-maintained, no deferred maintenance,” Supervisor Greg Cox said. “But I think the most significant legacy you will leave is the fact that your imprint on this county through the team you have put together is going to carry on for years and years and years.
Ekard plans to step aside Nov. 30. The Board appointed the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer to succeed him. Ekard described her as leader of “great ability and greater character.” He also lauded the large workforce he oversees.
“This organization continues to be among the best in the nation because its people are never satisfied. They want to grow,” Ekard said. “And that team includes the army it takes to make all this happen. Sixteen-thousand souls who come together every day with unique talents and a blending of all they know how to do and serve 3 million San Diegans. I have been so proud and so privileged to be their leader and their colleague.”
Before the Board presented its proclamation, he received another from his former boss: U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray. As a County supervisor in the 1980s, Bilbray tapped Ekard to be his chief of staff. He recalled Ekard’s talent was obvious to everyone back then.
“Both those on the left and the right, those who were active and not so active, came up with one name. They said if you get a chance, you grab this kid Walt Ekard right now,” Bilbray said.
He then presented Ekard a proclamation from the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing his accomplishments and service.
“Thanks so much for making a difference,” Bilbray said.
