STOCKTON — San Joaquin County Administrator Jay Wilverding has been placed on leave with the intent to terminate his contract.

The Board of Supervisors Tuesday reported out of closed session that the action was not taking place for cause, but because the majority of the board wants to take the county in a different direction.

Four of the supervisors voted to place Wilverding on leave, pending the next meeting on March 26, with Chairman Miguel Villapudua dissenting.

Sandra Regalo, who serves as the Assistant County Administrator has been named as the acting county administrator, effective immediately.

“While Mr. Wilverding has played a vital and important role in San Joaquin County, the decision of this board signals that it is time for a new direction and new leadership,” commented Vice Chair Paul Canepa.

“It is essential that the Board of Supervisors have a close and cooperative relationship with the County Administrator’s office, and I am confident in Ms. Regalo’s ability to work with our Board to ensure that the county is well positioned in the coming weeks as we consider our options for the future of San Joaquin County administration.”

Wilverding was appointed as Auditor-Controller on March 12, 2013 following a public interview to fill the vacancy left by Adrian Van Houten. He was later elected to that position.

 In March 2021, he was appointed as the County Administrator by the Board of Supervisors.

In total, he has spent 11 years in service to San Joaquin County and its residents.

“Jay Wilverding has been an enormous asset to San Joaquin County, and while I disagree with the Board’s decision today, I understand that there are times when a new direction is desired,.” said Chairman Villapudua. “ I respect my colleagues’ decision to exercise that option at this point.”

“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express our incredible respect for Mr. Wilverding as a person and as a public servant. I am thankful for the time that we have spent together and appreciate all he has done for our County,”

Tuesday’s agenda had a closed session item for the annual review of Wilverding’s position.

The contract of the County Administrator allows for a 30-day notification period. This contract option allows the Board of Supervisors, who oversees the role of County Administrator, the ability to make personnel changes if needed.