Chief Financial Officer Joan Bracci will serve as the County’s Assistant Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer following the upcoming departure of Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Caroline Smith for a role in the private sector.
Bracci, who joined the County in 2008, has taken on several key leadership roles over her tenure. Before becoming CFO, she served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer and as Chief Operations Officer for the Finance and General Government Group.
She has also led the Office of Financial Planning and managed the County’s debt portfolio and investor relations. Throughout these roles, she has guided teams of finance and policy professionals to provide analysis and recommendations supporting resource allocation and operational decisions.
“Joan brings an impressive combination of financial expertise, operational insight and a remarkable ability to navigate challenges,” County Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton said. “Her leadership has strengthened this organization and I’m confident she will excel in this expanded role.”
Bracci holds a master’s degree in philosophy from University College London and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and psychology and social behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Her appointment follows Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Caroline Smith’s decision to depart the County after more than 20 years of dedicated service to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.
Smith became the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer in 2024, and throughout her career has contributed her leadership, deep experience and true commitment to public service in many key roles. These include Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Health and Human Services Agency, Director of the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs, Assistant Director of Aging & Independence Services, and positions in the Office of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs and a County Supervisor’s office.
“I will carry with me a tremendous amount of pride for the work I have had the privilege to be a part of for the last two decades,” Smith said. “Both in times of disaster and prosperity, time and again the County of San Diego, through its dedicated employees, has demonstrated the motto that the ‘noblest motive is the public good.’”
Smith’s last day will be April 3.
“While we will miss her leadership and partnership deeply, Caroline shared that this transition will also allow her to spend more time with her family, something she’s truly looking forward to,” Shelton said. “We are grateful for her many contributions to the County.”
