Longtime County Employee Named Chief Deputy of Tax Collection

January 13, 2026

The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office has promoted Detra Williams to the position of chief deputy of tax collection, effective January 6. Williams brings nearly 35 years of county experience, including over two decades in the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office and various leadership positions in other departments like the District Attorney's Office. She is replacing David Baker, who recently retired after serving the county for many decades.

Who is affected

Detra Williams (newly appointed chief deputy)
Larry Cohen (Treasurer-Tax Collector who made the appointment)
David Baker (retired chief deputy being replaced)
San Diego County taxpayers
Employees within the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office and Tax Collection division
San Diego County as an organization

What action is being taken

Detra Williams is being appointed to the position of chief deputy of tax collection
The Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office is collecting over $9.1 billion in property taxes and more than $150 million in unsecured personal property taxes annually

Why it matters

This appointment is significant because the position oversees one of California's largest property tax jurisdictions, managing over $9 billion in annual property tax collections that fund essential county services. The promotion from within preserves decades of institutional knowledge and experience while maintaining continuity in an office responsible for major financial operations affecting all San Diego County taxpayers. Williams' track record in modernization and innovation suggests continued improvements in transparency, accessibility, and customer service for the tax collection process.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint