Kristen Simmons, center, stands with Colusa County Superior Court Judges Luke Steidlmayer, left, and Brendan Farrell following her swearing-in ceremony March 13 at the Colusa County Courthouse. Simmons was appointed chief probation officer, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Colusa County history. Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Kristen Simmons was formally acknowledged by the Colusa County Board of Supervisors on March 10 as the county’s new chief probation officer, marking a historic appointment as the first woman to lead the department in Colusa County’s history.
Simmons succeeds longtime Chief Probation Officer Mike Rogers, who retired Dec. 14, 2025. Her selection followed a competitive recruitment process conducted jointly by the Colusa County Superior Court and county leadership.
The hiring process included a qualifications review panel composed of subject matter experts and a round of executive interviews that included a Superior Court judge, two members of the Board of Supervisors, the court executive officer and the county administrative officer.
County Administrative Officer Josh Pack told supervisors the recruitment drew a strong field of candidates from both within the county organization and outside agencies.
“It was very competitive,” Pack said. “We had a lot of wonderful both internal and external candidates as part of that.”
Under California law, the presiding judge of the Superior Court serves as the appointing authority for the chief probation officer position.
Simmons brings more than 26 years of experience in probation and law enforcement related work with Colusa County. Over the course of her career she advanced through the ranks from dispatcher to supervising probation officer, where she has served in a supervisory role for nearly seven years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and multiple law enforcement and probation certifications.
Supervisor Merced Corona, who previously worked with Simmons through a regional task force, said the selection reflects both her qualifications and a milestone for the county.
“I know that she’s very capable, and I think she’ll do a fantastic job for the county as the chief,” Corona said. “I do believe she’s the first female probation chief in the history of Colusa County, so you’re making history too.”
Supervisor Daurice Kalfsbeek-Smith echoed the sentiment, noting the historic nature of the appointment.
Several supervisors also highlighted the county’s effort to promote from within its own workforce.
“We’re really excited to promote from within,” Kalfsbeek-Smith added. “There were a lot of great candidates, and succession planning has been a big objective of the board.”
Supervisor Janice Bell recalled working with Simmons earlier in her career when Simmons served as a dispatcher.
“I know her work ethic from long ago, and I’m so proud of you,” Bell said.
Supervisor Randy Wilson noted that the recruitment process included numerous qualified applicants but said Simmons distinguished herself.
Supervisor Kent Boes added that he looked forward to working with Simmons in the coming years.
Simmons thanked the board and county leadership for the opportunity.
Simmons was sworn into office by Colusa County Superior Court Judge Luke Steidlmayer during a ceremony held March 13 at the historic Colusa County courthouse. Friends, family and coworkers attended the event, along with Judge Brendan Farrell.