County of Santa Barbara announces selection of next Social Services director

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – The County of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce that Maria Gardner has been selected as the next Director of the Department of Social Services following an extensive recruitment process. Gardner is expected to begin her new role pending formal approval by the Board of Supervisors on November 10. The Department of Social Services is one of the County’s largest public service agencies and provides essential programs that support children, families, older adults, and vulnerable residents. Its services include CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal eligibility, child welfare, adult protective services, and workforce development, all of which help strengthen stability and well-being across the community. Gardner brings more than 30 years of experience with the County of Santa Barbara’s Department of Social Services. She advanced from a frontline Child Welfare Services Social Worker to Assistant Director and, most recently, served as the Department’s Chief Financial