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-Editorial
Imperial County has appointed Bari Bean as its new assistant county executive officer, an internal promotion that county officials said reflects her expanded responsibilities and leadership role in advancing major regional initiatives, including Lithium Valley.
Bean most recently served as deputy county executive officer for natural resources, a position in which she oversaw complex, multiagency efforts tied to energy development, innovation, and economic growth. In addition to her deputy role, Bean held four other county and intergovernmental positions: county development concierge, tribal liaison, regional innovation officer — a federally funded role — and California lithium ombudsman, a state-funded position established under Senate Bill 125.
County officials said those combined responsibilities extended well beyond the scope of a traditional deputy position and placed Imperial County at the center of state and federal discussions on energy development, economic diversification, and innovation.
During the past two years, Bean led the development of multiple county policies, legislative initiatives, strategic marketing efforts, and economic development frameworks aimed at strengthening Imperial County’s competitiveness and improving coordination across county departments. Her work focused on translating large-scale and technical initiatives into implementable programs intended to produce measurable benefits for residents and businesses, according to the county.
In her new role as assistant county executive officer, Bean will retain her existing duties while expanding her focus to broader countywide strategic initiatives, community services, and long-term growth planning. A central component of her role will continue to be the leadership of Lithium Valley on behalf of the county. That effort includes coordinating geothermal energy production, lithium extraction, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, infrastructure planning, and community benefit strategies.
County officials said Bean will work closely with planning and permitting, economic development, and public works departments to improve operational efficiencies, identify budget opportunities, develop regionwide initiatives, and support responsible development. She will also continue serving as the county’s development concierge, a role focused on attracting large-scale private investment to generate new revenue, create jobs, and support long-term community improvements.
Bean’s professional background spans both the public and private sectors. She previously worked in the energy industry with BHE Renewables, held leadership roles with workforce development organizations and chambers of commerce, and pursued entrepreneurial ventures in partnership with local agriculture entities. One of those initiatives received Global Small Pet Food of the Year recognition at a major international industry expo in Shanghai. She has also worked on government proposals and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., with Fortune 100 companies.
Her academic credentials include an executive MBA in energy from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in marketing, communication, and new media from Georgetown University, a business certification from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in digital arts from Chapman University. County officials said her background in digital arts has supported county strategic communications, marketing, design, and public engagement efforts.
“I’m grateful for the County’s confidence and honored to continue serving Imperial County in this expanded leadership role,” Bean said in a statement. A lifelong resident of the Imperial Valley, Bean said improving opportunities for residents is a personal priority, citing long-standing challenges such as unemployment, aging infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
“Imperial County deserves better roads, expanded services, and diverse career opportunities,” she said. “New revenue is essential to achieving these goals and creating improvements people can see and feel in their daily lives.”
Bean also acknowledged the support of her husband, Todd Bean, and her family.
“Bari has consistently taken on complex responsibilities, built strong partnerships, and delivered results across multiple disciplines. Investing in leaders who are deeply committed to our community, our operations, and our long-term priorities strengthens the County as a whole and positions us well for the future. This position allows Bari to stay focused on today’s strategic initiatives, including Lithium Valley, while also providing leadership across departments to advance future priorities and deliver real, practical progress for our communities.” said County Executive Officer, Kathleen Lang.
County officials said the promotion strengthens the County Executive Office’s capacity to manage daily operations while advancing long-term initiatives. The move is intended to enhance coordination across departments and support a collaborative leadership structure as the county addresses ongoing challenges and emerging opportunities.
