Fujioka was highly praised by all five supervisors following his appointment.

“Bill Fujioka is a man of experience and integrity, who has a strong work ethic and a very independent mind. He is the right man for the job at a time when Los Angeles County faces some very difficult and critical decisions,” said Chairman Zev Yaroslavsky.

Fujioka was not new to the County. He first came to work for the County in 1978 as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and was human resources manager when he left in 1997 to become general manager of the Personnel Department for the City of Los Angeles. In August 1999 he was named Los Angeles’ city administrative officer. During his 19 years with the County, he was an examinations analyst, Civil Service appeals analyst, personnel officer, and administrator in the Department of Health Services, including administrator and chief executive officer of High Desert Hospital/Antelope Valley Cluster.

“I’m very excited about this job,” said Fujioka. “It’s coming full circle. I appreciate the opportunity. It is an absolute honor.”

Fujioka retired as CAO of Los Angeles in February 2007. He at first was not interested in applying for the County position, but changed his mind when the Board of Supervisors approved a structural change that gave the position more power. Most departments now report to the Chief Executive Office instead of directly to the Board. Previously it was the Board that supervised the departments and made the decisions to hire and fire the department heads.

Yaroslavsky said all the Board members had worked with Fujioka either at the city or County and “all of us have been impressed.”

Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke said Fujioka has tremendous experience in government, with extensive knowledge of the County. “I am just very, very proud that we were able to get someone of this caliber.”

Supervisor Gloria Molina said Fujioka’s background with the County is an asset because he knows the County and its issues. “I think it is a big plus for all of us,” she said, adding that she was happy that all supervisors supported his appointment.

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said Fujioka “understands and appreciates the diversity” of the County and will work to serve those diverse needs. He praised Fujioka’s “excellent interpersonal skills.”

Supervisor Don Knabe called Fujioka’s appointment “great news.” “He has a proven track record of excellence, leadership and results,” Knabe said.

Fujioka said his mother, Linda, was very pleased when the Board offered him the position. “The first person I had to call was my mother because after leaving city service, she asked me every week, ‘When are you going to get a job?’ and I got this wonderful job.”

Fujioka and his wife, Darlene Kuba, live in Bradbury. He has a teenage son, Jason. His brother, Fred, is a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.