Michael Riley has been appointed director of the Orange County Social Services Agency, which provides health and safety services each month to more than 380,000 county infants, adults, elderly and disabled.
Riley, the agency’s chief deputy, succeeds Ingrid Harita, who is retiring at the end of the month after serving as agency director since 2005.
The Orange County Social Services Agency has an annual budget of $739 million and 3,900 employees.
Riley’s salary, which includes a 5 percent reduction due to county budget cuts, is $169,689 a year. His appointment by the county Board of Supervisors is effective July 30.
Riley, according to a county announcement, joined the Social Services Agency in 1997 and previously served as Director of Children and Family Services.
Riley received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Nebraska, according to the announcement, and has received a number of professional appointments and awards.
“Dr. Riley’s knowledge of the Social Services Agency, his experience and his true concern for those in need are among his greatest qualifications,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, in a news release announcing Riley’s appointment.