The Board of Supervisors picks the treasurer-tax collector's assistant to fulfill her term upon retirement.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors did not have to look far to find a replacement for Treasurer-Tax Collector Mary Zeeb, who will retire from her position on Dec. 30 after 15 years in the elected position and 38 total years with the county.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the board voted 5-0 in favor of appointing Jake Stroud, the assistant treasurer-tax collector, to fill Zeeb's unexpired term through January 2027. Stroud will take over at 5:01pm, Dec. 30.

By law, whenever an elected treasurer-tax collector steps down before their term is up, the board must make the appointment to fill the term, and they are required to choose someone with specified experience—at least three years of upper management experience in government tax collections—and education.

Stroud has been working almost six years in upper management in the Monterey County tax collector's office as assistant treasurer-tax collector and chief deputy before that, plus another three years as a revenue operations manager. All total he's worked 16 years in public tax collection, he told the supervisors.

"It's truly humbling for me to be here before you on this special day. I'm not only humbled but I'm also confident I'm prepared for this specialized role," Stroud said.

He acknowledged the mentorship provided by Zeeb, and said he was "fully prepared and committed" to maintaining continuity and stability for the office's staff and their customers.

Noting that the office collects more than $1.1 billion in taxes annually, as well as protects a $3.5 billion investment portfolio, Stroud said he would lead with three core values: integrity, efficiency and quality.

Two of Stroud's coworkers, Sacramento Villicana and Jennifer Pittenger, praised Stroud for his leadership, professionalism and integrity.

"He's approachable, dependable, and leads by example every single day," Pittenger said.

Earlier in the meeting, Zeeb was awarded a proclamation and lauded for her leadership and service for more than 38 years with the county. 

Before the vote to appoint Stroud, Supervisor Luis Alejo praised Zeeb for raising up the next generation of leaders within the treasurer-tax collector office.

Stroud has expressed interest in running for the position when it comes up for election in the June 2026 primary. Zeeb told the Weekly that she would be happy to endorse him, should he ask.