Santa Barbara County has selected Maria Gardner as the next director of the Department of Social Services. Gardner is expected to begin her new role on November 10, pending formal approval by the Board of Supervisors. She replaces Daniel Nielson, who announced his retirement earlier this year after 13 years of service as director.
Gardner brings three decades of experience within the county’s Department of Social Services. She advanced through various roles, starting as a frontline Child Welfare Services social worker, then serving as assistant director, and most recently holding the position of chief financial and administrative officer for the department.
In her executive capacities, Gardner has led significant organizational transformations, strengthened partnerships across various sectors, and increased access to essential safety net services. The county stated that she has supported programs serving more than 179,000 residents. Her tenure includes leading the department’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which contributed to a 25 percent reduction in the county’s uninsured rate within two years. Additionally, she helped increase CalFresh participation by 75 percent in five years through service improvements and program innovations that received state recognition. Throughout her career, Gardner has been acknowledged for her fiscal stewardship, ability to solve complex problems, and success in implementing state and federal initiatives designed to improve service delivery and efficiency.
Gardner expressed her honor in being selected for the role, stating, "My professional north star has always been to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve." She added that she looks forward to continuing work to strengthen systems, expand access to services, and advance whole-person care in collaboration with dedicated staff, community organizations, and county leadership.
Bob Nelson, chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, described Maria Gardner as an extraordinary leader whose decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and commitment to residents make her exceptionally well prepared for the role.
The Department of Social Services stands as one of the county’s largest public service agencies, providing essential programs that support children, families, older adults, and vulnerable residents. These services include CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal eligibility, child welfare services, adult protective services, and workforce development.
Nelson also extended gratitude to Daniel Nielson, acknowledging his steady leadership, compassion, and dedication during challenging moments in the county’s recent history. The county noted that Nielson guided the department through major emergencies, including the Montecito Debris Flow and the COVID-19 response, oversaw ARPA recovery work, and mentored emerging leaders in human services. Nelson emphasized that Nielson’s legacy of service, innovation, and unwavering commitment to vulnerable residents has left a lasting impact on the organization and the community it serves.
