Imperial County, CA — The County of Imperial announced that Assistant County Executive Officer Bari Bean has chosen to conclude her service with the County, effective September 30, 2026. The County is grateful for her leadership and the many contributions she has made on behalf of Imperial County residents.
During her tenure, Bean held several leadership roles including Deputy CEO of Natural Resources, state funded Lithium Ombudsman, and a federally funded Regional Innovation Officer position. Collectively she helped lead the County’s Lithium Valley strategy, bringing together County departments, community organizations, tribal governments, educational institutions, industry partners, and state and federal agencies to turn the region’s geothermal energy and critical mineral resources into lasting local opportunity. As a member of the County Executive Office, she worked to carry out the direction of the Board of Supervisors, translating priorities into initiatives and partnerships that advance opportunities for residents.
Bean also helped advance the Lithium Valley Specific Plan and Program Environmental Impact Report, as well as initiatives supporting local jobs such as the County’s Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance and development of the new Imperial County Northend Center in Calipatria, California. She has been integral in legislative affairs where she has helped draft and testify in support of legislation on behalf of the County, including AB 2163 (adopted September 27, 2026), which establishes Strategic Clean Energy and Critical Mineral Development Zones. Bean represented Imperial County across the country, advocating with state and federal leaders for policies and resources that support regional priorities and expand revenue for infrastructure, and she represented the County across several venues including globally to attract investment to Imperial County. Beyond Lithium Valley, she worked across departments on strategic initiatives and coordinated emerging projects such as New River funding, and developing community and education grants to expand opportunities for residents and businesses throughout the County.
“Bari brought determination, creativity, and an extraordinary commitment to Imperial County to every initiative she took on,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Kathleen Lang. “She understood that realizing the promise of our region’s resources takes hard work to connect development with jobs, education, infrastructure, and meaningful benefits for residents. I am grateful for her partnership, her leadership, and the lasting contributions she has made to our County.”
The County thanks Bean for her service and wishes her success in whatever comes next in her career.