Darin Chidsey today was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization representing six counties, 191 cities and nearly 19 million residents.
Chidsey has been with SCAG for 13 years, most recently serving as the agency’s second-in-command in the role of Chief Operating Officer. His interim appointment, approved by SCAG’s Regional Council, follows the recent announcement that Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata has accepted an offer to lead the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).The Regional Council also today authorized an ad hoc committee to initiate a formal search process.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Darin’s experience and qualifications to lead our extraordinary team during this critical period for SCAG and Southern California. His familiarity with SCAG, and the relationships he has established throughout our region, will ensure a seamless transition,” said Alan D. Wapner, SCAG’s President and Mayor pro Tem of Ontario.
As COO, Chidsey has worked closely with the Executive Director and has been responsible for driving SCAG’s vision and strategy, as well as implementing the actions of the agency’s Regional Council. Prior to his appointment as COO in 2016,he served as SCAG’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Public Affairs.
“I’m grateful for the Regional Council’s confidence in appointing me to lead the agency at this time,” said Chidsey. “Thanks to the groundwork laid by Hasan’s leadership, as well as our exceptionally talented and capable staff, the organization is as successful now as it has ever been. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve SCAG as Interim Executive Director, and I look forward to realizing our vision of a brighter future for Southern California.”
Chidsey holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Energy Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executive in State and Local Government program and was a fellow in the Southern California Leadership Network’s California Connections and Leadership Southern California programs.
