Stockton, CA - At its Tuesday meeting, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Genevieve G. Valentine as Director of Health Care Services, making permanent the interim leadership role she has held since 2024.
Valentine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, public administration, and cross-sector collaboration. She has served as the County's Behavioral Health Director since 2022, where she has been widely recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to equity, and ability to navigate complex systems of care.
Her background includes clinical work with children, families, and transitional age youth affected by trauma and serious mental illness. She also brings policy and program expertise from her work with the State of Alaska's Office of Children's Services, where she led statewide initiatives on foster care reform, cultural humility, and therapeutic services in high-security youth facilities.
“Genevieve has a passion for service, clinical expertise, and a strong record of collaborative leadership,” said Paul Canepa, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. “The Board is confident that her vision and experience will lead to significant improvements in the delivery and efficiency of our County's health care services. Her work directly aligns with the Board's strategic goals to foster a healthy, thriving community.”
Valentine holds Master's Degrees in both Counseling Psychology and Educational Leadership. She is a trauma-trained and Expressive Arts Certified Therapist. She is also an adjunct professor of Psychology at San Joaquin Delta College.
In her new role, Valentine will focus on improving health outcomes for County residents by reducing duplicative services, streamlining processes, and increasing State and Federal reimbursements. She also emphasized the importance of cross-department collaboration, workforce development, and evidence-based service delivery models.
“I am honored to serve San Joaquin County in this expanded role,” said Director Valentine. “Our mission is to build a healthier community by making our systems more efficient, more connected, and more responsive to the needs of the people we serve. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, community partners, and the Board to achieve these goals.”
The Health Care Services Agency includes Behavioral Health Services, Emergency Medical Services, Public Health Services, the office of the Public Guardian/Conservator, Correctional Health Care, Veterans Services, and the Office of the Medical Examiner. The department encompasses more than 1,800 staff and a budget of nearly $480 million. The Director is responsible for overseeing the agency's operations, budget, programs, and staff, ensuring that services are delivered equitably and effectively across the County.
As the County celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, the Board is proud to continue to make history with Valentine's appointment as the first woman to head the multi-department Health Care Services Agency.
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* An earlier version of the press release announcing Genevieve G. Valentine's appointment as Director of Health Care Services incorrectly stated that she teaches both Psychology and Public Service at San Joaquin Delta College. Ms. Valentine serves as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department only. We regret the error.
