Director's Office - HHSA

Caroline Smith is the Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Caroline has nearly two decades of experience with the County of San Diego, leading health and human services policy, program implementation, and legislative advocacy to support the region’s health and safety. She has worked as a senior policy advisor to a County Supervisor, in the Office of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs, and in several executive roles in the Health and Human Services Agency including Assistant Director of Aging & Independence Services.  

Most recently, Caroline led the creation of the new County Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs where as Director she was responsible for working with all County departments and diverse, regional stakeholders to implement the Board of Supervisors’ Legislative Program, create a vibrant economic development strategy, expand the County’s role in arts and culture, administer a Grants Office, and update and implement the County’s Strategic Plan and governance documents. In this role, Caroline served on a statewide taskforce of county executives to implement new behavioral health programs and secured millions of dollars for critical childcare and public health projects. 

As Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for HHSA, Caroline oversees a $3.4 billion organization with nearly 8,000 employees who deliver essential services to make people’s lives healthier, safer, and self-sufficient. This includes:   

• Enrollment in public benefits such as Medi-Cal, CalWORKS , CalFresh, and General Relief 
• Services that help older adults and people living with disabilities stay in their homes 
• Mental health and substance use services 
• Family strengthening and child protection services 
• Affordable housing and rental assistance including Section 8     
• Services to prevent and address homelessness such as outreach and shelters 
• Immunizations, infectious disease testing, preventative health services, and other public health services 

Caroline is a graduate of the University of San Diego (GO TOREROS!), and lives in Solana Beach with her family, including her husband Scott, 9-year-old son Cole and two energetic rescue labrador retrievers: Rocky & Buster.