MADERA – Madera County’s chief administrator, Jay Varney, announces his retirement, punctuating a decorated career of public service for over four decades. Varney, who also served as Madera County Sheriff from 2014 to 2020, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer five years ago after former CAO Eric Flemming fell in disgrace..

Under Varney’s direction, the County is experiencing significant growth in revenue, housing, and businesses while guiding 25 County departments with an annual operating budget of over half a billion dollars. Among Varney’s many achievements, he led the County in completing several capital projects, including the Madera County Justice Center, Fire Station #3, and a cooperative grant-funded project with the North Fork Mono upgrading Fire Station #11.

He also guided County staff through COVID and the economic downturn triggered by the pandemic. Varney issued this statement, “It’s been an honor to serve the Board of Supervisors and residents of Madera County. I want to thank the Board for entrusting me with this vital role for the past five-plus years.”

Varney also served with the Dallas Police Department and Lansing, Michigan Police Department before becoming Police Chief and City Administrator for the City of Chowchilla. Madera County has opened a nationwide search for Varney’s successor.