Quick Take:
Santa Cruz County has named Sandra Mendez as its new chief probation officer.
The County of Santa Cruz has named Sandra Mendez as its new chief probation officer.
Mendez will join Santa Cruz County after serving as deputy chief probation officer in Madera County, where she oversaw operations, staffing, budgeting, and long-term strategic initiatives for youth correctional facilities and programs.
“Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to public safety while helping individuals build
pathways toward stability and success,” Mendez said in a media release from the County of Santa Cruz. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff and community partners to strengthen outcomes for the people we serve.”
Mendez began her career as a correctional officer, and worked as a parole agent and deputy probation officer before taking on supervisory and executive roles.
She has led the development and implementation of multi-million-dollar programs, managed large multidisciplinary teams, and overseen capital-related projects and facility operations.
She earned a degree in Criminology from CSU Fresno and has received multiple professional commendations and peer recognition for her work in program innovation, staff mentorship, and collaboration.
She will begin on Feb 2, 2026.