About

California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA)

About California State Sheriffs’ Association

The California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA) is a professional, non-profit organization composed of the state’s 58 elected sheriffs and thousands of law-abiding citizens who support them.

Established in 1894, CSSA was created to provide California’s sheriffs with a unified and effective voice, to share knowledge and resources, and to strengthen law enforcement services across the state.

Through cooperation, training, and leadership, each sheriff works diligently with fellow members to elevate the profession and improve the delivery of justice. Because sheriffs are constitutionally elected officials, their duties and responsibilities are governed by California law. CSSA serves as the legislative and professional advocate for sheriffs, their departments, and the citizens they protect.

Mission Statement

To support the role of the sheriff as the chief law enforcement officer in each of California’s 58 counties, and to speak with one unified voice on matters of public safety.

Our Mission in Action

The sheriffs of California and the California State Sheriffs’ Association have established the following goals:

Collaborate and unify

Address challenges collectively through association meetings and joint initiatives among all California sheriffs.

Advance professional training

Keep sheriffs and their personnel informed on modern science, technology, and best practices in law enforcement.

Preserve the constitutional role of the sheriff

Uphold the office of the sheriff as the chief law enforcement authority within each county.

Promote public trust

Develop programs, policies, and procedures that strengthen confidence in the sheriff’s ability to prevent, detect, and solve crime.

Build strong state partnerships

Maintain constructive relationships with the Governor, Attorney General, Legislature, and other state officials to ensure sheriffs have the resources and support needed for effective service.

Associate Membership Program

Your membership helps fund essential training, legal support, and public safety programs that directly benefit sheriffs. To strengthen the influence and community support of California’s sheriffs, the CSSA Associate Membership Program was authorized in 1984.

This program offers law-abiding citizens the opportunity to become associate members of CSSA and take part in supporting public safety and law enforcement initiatives statewide.

A Message from the President

It is my honor to serve as President of the California State Sheriffs’ Association, representing our state’s 58 sheriffs who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities.

Every day, our sheriffs lead with courage, compassion, and integrity. CSSA remains committed to supporting their mission through advocacy, training, and collaboration — ensuring that law enforcement in California continues to set the standard for professionalism and service.

Together, we stand stronger — united in purpose, steadfast in service, and devoted to the safety and trust of every Californian.
Sheriff Brandon Barnes

President, California State Sheriffs’ Association

Executive Officers

Elected sheriffs who lead the California State Sheriffs’ Association and represent its unified voice statewide.

Sheriff
Brandon Barnes

Sheriff
Chad Bianco

Sheriff
Ian Parkinson

Sheriff
Shannan Moon

Sheriff
Jim Cooper

Sheriff
Jeremiah LaRue

Sheriff
Don Barnes

Board Members

Sheriffs from across California who serve as board members, contributing to leadership and statewide policy direction.

Sheriff
Patrick Withrow

Sheriff
Oscar Ortiz

Sheriff
Billy Honsal

Sheriff
Jeff Dirkse

Sheriff
Shannon Dicus

Sheriff
Ingrid Braun

Presidents’ Counsel

The dedicated administrative team that ensures CSSA’s operations, events, and communications run efficiently.

Sheriff
Don Barnes

Sheriff
Donny Youngblood

Sheriff
David Livingston

Sheriff
Kory Honea

Sheriff
Bill Brown

Sheriff
Mike Boudreaux

Our Staff

The dedicated administrative team that ensures CSSA’s operations, events, and communications run efficiently.

M. Carmen Green

Executive Director

Joan Amino

Executive Assistant

Denise Quenell

Finance & Operations Officer

Alexandria Macdonald

Meeting & Events Planner

Chelsea Weathers

Executive Assistant II

Chelsea Pellow

Member Services Coordinator