MADERA – Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney is no stranger to a suit and tie and the non-exciting life of a municipal administrator. He spent two years doing just that as the city manager for the city of Chowchilla when the city was going through a financial crisis. The Madera County Board of Supervisors announces today that they have extended an offer of employment for Madera County Administrative Officer (CAO) to Sheriff Jay Varney.
Board Chairman David Rogers stated, "All members of the Board feel strongly about Sheriff Varney's integrity, leadership, and commitment to making Madera County the best county in which to live, work, and play."
Sheriff Varney has accepted the offer of employment. Formal action by the Board of Supervisors on this appointment will be included on the June 2, 2020 Board agenda in public session. At the time that Sheriff Varney assumes the role of CAO; he will be resigning his elected position as Sheriff/Coroner.
Sheriff Varney has almost 37 years of local government service. He has served in numerous capacities including his current position as Sheriff/Coroner, as well as City Administrator and Police Chief for the City of Chowchilla. He holds a master's of science degree in Criminology from Fresno State, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University. While leaving full-time law enforcement service is bittersweet, facing the new challenges of the CAO position creates a welcomed challenge.
"I am honored and excited to be considered for this opportunity to further the growth of Madera County," stated Varney. Varney said he plans to remain active with the department as a reserve officer.
Madera County Undersheriff Tyson Pogue, may become Madera County’s new sheriff and serve out the remaining two years of Varney’s term of office, or the board may choose to appoint someone else to complete the current term, which expires in 2022.
Pogue is a native of Oakhurst where he lives with his wife and children. Pogue is a 19-year veteran of the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and also a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Madera County’s former CAO, Eric Fleming resigned his position in December 2019 after ten years on the job when an affair with a county employee’s wife was made public. Deputy County Administrative Officer Darin McCandless had been serving as interim CAO since Fleming’s departure.
