San Benito County’s Interim County Administrative Officer, Henie Ring, was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership.
Ring joins incoming board members that include Hartnell College Superintendent/President Michael Gutierrez, UC Santa Cruz Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Mark Delos Reyes Davis and Salinas City Manager René Mendez.
The new board members were installed at MBEP’s April 28 board meeting. They join a team of regional leaders who are committed to driving positive change in the Monterey Bay region, says a press release from MBEP.
“Our incoming board members bring with them a wealth of experience and energy to further MBEP’s mission of improving the economic health and quality of life in the region,” MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya said. “As MBEP celebrates its 10th year of championing regional leadership, we look forward to working together to lead our organization into the future.”
MBEP is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, MBEP’s mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
Ring was hired in April 2022 as the county’s human resources manager. In May 2023, she was promoted to Deputy County Administrative Officer. A year later, she was appointed Acting/Interim CAO.
“She has extensive experience overseeing all human resources operations for San Benito County, including department reorganizations and negotiating multi-year labor contracts,” says the press release. “She successfully negotiated risk mediation and liability settlements and is very familiar with county operations and the inner workings of the administrative office.”
Current board member Krista Snelling, President and CEO of West Coast Community Bank, was installed as incoming MBEP Board Chair; Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, as Board Vice Chair; Tom Moran, President/CEO of Goodwill Central Coast, as Treasurer; and Benjamin Ow, President of Ow Commercial, as Board Secretary.
“I am honored to serve alongside MBEP’s incredible board and leadership team to continue the important work of fostering regional collaboration and inclusive economic growth across Monterey Bay,” Snelling said. “Together, we will continue advancing innovative solutions that strengthen our communities and create sustainable economic opportunities for all.”
