County Names New Agricultural Administrator

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Veronica Ferguson announced the appointment of the new agricultural commissioner yesterday. It will be Anthony “Tony” Linegar, whose appointment follows an extensive recruitment process following the in March.

Linegar brings with him extensive California experience from many counties, according to a press release from the County. Board of Supervisors chair Efren Carrillo commented, “Tony is a forward thinking, energetic professional with over 16 years experience in the field of Agriculture and Weights and Measures.”

“He was our top choice due to his professional skills and his professional reputation for working effectively with industry and other governmental agencies."

Linegar is 46 years old and is married to his wife of 19 years, Krista.  They have two children, Maddy and Evan.  Maddy is a freshman in high school and will be attending Healdsburg High, and Evan is in the fifth grade.

His predecessor Neville, 53, was put on administrative leave in January 2011 following an investigation into why she dismissed Amy Cooper, the director of Animal Care and Control, two days before her probationary period expired in July 2010.

Neville later made headlines after she was arrested for driving under the influence in an incident that also initially brought charges of resisting arrest, which were later dropped. She was sentenced to for the DUI charge.

Former Agricultural Commissioner Lisa Correia assumed Neville's duties while the recruitment for a successor took place.

Sonoma County Administrator Veronica Ferguson commented, "Tony brings his wealth of knowledge of Sonoma County’ issues from working in the neighboring and other northern California counties.  Whether it is European Grape Vine Moth, Sudden Oak Death or issues facing the Russian River Watershed, Tony knows the issues and will ready on day one.”

“Given the ongoing challenges local agriculture is facing,” Ferguson said, “Tony will be an incredible resource for the community. We are proud to have Tony join our County family."

“I appreciate the Board’s and Ms. Ferguson’s confidence in me to serve in such a critical position,” Linegar said. “The heart of Sonoma County is agriculture and we must work in partnership with our farmers to ensure its health.”

According to the statement from Jim Leddy, the county's community and government affairs manager, Tony Linegar has a B.S. from Chico State University in Biological Sciences and completed coursework at Saint Mary’s College and Shasta Junior College.  From 1995 to 2001, he was a Standards Specialist in the Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and from 2001 to present he has been employed in Mendocino County. 

Mr. Linegar’s annual salary will be $138,000 and his tenure will start on January 3, 2012.