Welcome the County's New Directors

Rachael Dillman Parsons, Social Services Director, Effective May 15, 2024

 

Ms. Dillman Parsons began service with the Lake County Department of Social Services in May 2002. Her leadership has been critical to ensuring timely issuance of $3M in monthly public benefits payments. She has also supported and coordinated Sheltering, Local Assistance Center Operations and other response operations for numerous disaster events since 2015.

 

Dillman Parsons also coordinated the 2020 Census workgroup, significantly increasing Lake County’s response, as compared to 2010.  In May 2023, she was elevated to the role of Deputy Director, where she continued to excel, and demonstrate clear and creative leadership.

 

"Ms. Dillman Parsons has shown a remarkable commitment to the people of Lake County, especially our most vulnerable populations, for more than two decades," affirms Bruno Sabatier, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors.  "Our Board is excited to see her take on her new leadership role as Director.  With her deep relationships within the Department and the broader community, we foresee her moving the Department forward and strengthening its Divisions and functions."

 

“I am humbled by the Board’s confidence, and excited to serve as Social Services Director,” adds Dillman Parsons.  “Lake County is my home, and I intend to dedicate the rest of my professional career to our County.  It has been an honor to learn from many excellent Social Services leaders since 2002, and I am committed to furthering our department’s purpose; promoting social and economic self-reliance and protecting those at risk with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and compassion.”

Anthony Arton, Health Services Director, Effective February 29, 2024

Director Arton previously served with distinction as Public Health Director for Coos County, Oregon (10/2020-2/2024). Prior to that, Arton was Public Health Director and Emergency Planner for Missouri's Johnson County. His diverse professional background also includes training in firefighting, management of Hazardous Materials and HIPAA Compliance.

"With a professional and educational background involving emergency services and healthcare, Director Arton is best prepared to forge strong relationships needed to excel as Health Services Director in Lake County," emphasizes Bruno Sabatier, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors. "Lake County's health metrics avail us of many opportunities, and Director Arton brings Public Health experience to enable change in our health outcomes. We look forward to supporting his efforts."

Arton holds Master's and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Central Missouri, and graduated near the top of his class as the prestigious Walter Hicklin Government and Public Service Scholar. Furthering his education on a continual basis is a priority for Arton.

“I look forward to working closely with the Health Services team, community partners and our Public Health Officer, Dr. Doohan, to promote the best possible health outcomes in Lake County,” relates Arton. “Dr. Doohan has done outstanding work to establish strategic relationships locally and at the state level in recent months, and I am confident we will build on those successes. Effective health programs must serve all residents, and maintaining a connection with our richly diverse communities is essential to that work. I am truly excited to be here, and for the opportunity to serve Lake County.”

Raymond Buenaventura, Chief Public Defender, Effective September 19, 2023

Mr. Buenaventura attained his Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and his Juris Doctorate (JD) at Whittier College School of Law. His vast experience in more than 100 jury trials in diverse California communities proves the life-changing effects professional criminal defense can have on individuals facing pivotal life circumstances.

“Our Board is truly excited Mr. Buenaventura has chosen to invest his considerable experience and energies toward supporting a stronger and more just future for Lake County,” emphasizes Jessica Pyska, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors. “We are committed to supporting his important work.”

In this new role, Buenaventura will have the opportunity to apply all he has learned toward establishment of a dynamic County of Lake Public Defender Office. “I am grateful for the Board’s confidence in my leadership at this important juncture,” relates Buenaventura. “This is a great opportunity to build on the considerable strengths of those working hard to ensure every Lake County defendant receives a professional and appropriate defense.”

“It is also a chance to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy and promote the public interest through innovative programs that can truly make a difference,” continues Buenaventura. “I look forward to deepening my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in Lake County’s communities and building an effective and transformative Public Defender Office.”