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Director and Executive Staff
Mission
It is the Mission of San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency to promote personal responsibility, independence and self-sufficiency of individuals and families through a responsive and accessible system that acknowledges the dignity of all individuals we serve and will provide them services with respect and compassion.
Additionally, this agency may not discriminate against you on the basis of your actual or perceived age, ancestry, race, color, national origin, ethnic group identification, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or physical or mental disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
If you feel that you have been discriminated against, contact the county representative listed as the Civil Rights Coordinator below. If your problem is still not resolved, you can contact the California Department of Social Services.
CORE VALUES
CARING
Open minded, problem solving, consideration, listening without judgement, attentiveness, responsiveness compassion.
OPTIMISM
Flexibility, patience, encouragement, hop, perseverance, positive outlook, humor.
RESPECT
Dignity, fairness, courtesy, kindness, compassion, integrity, loyalty, trust, honor ones diversity, equality, appreciation, self- respect.
EFFICIENCY
Dependable, integrity, trust, conscientious, commitment, teamwork.
Director and Executive Staff
our promise
- To strive for excellence in meeting the changing needs of our community.
- To provide effective community collaboration for services that support, assist, educate, and protect individuals, families, and children.
- To continue to pursue professional growth and development which will best serve the people of San Benito County.
- To continue our commitment to treat all people with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
Executive Staff
TRACEY BELTON
DIRECTOR - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
Tracey Belton serves as the Director of the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), bringing over 28 years of experience in the field of Health and Human Services. In her leadership role, Ms. Belton oversees a wide range of critical services and programs that support the well-being of San Benito County residents, including public assistance, child and adult protective services, public health, behavioral health, and housing and homelessness initiatives.
As Director, she is responsible for setting strategic direction, managing budgets and operations, building collaborative community partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, equitable services to individuals and families across the county. Her work focuses on promoting health, safety, and self-sufficiency for the most vulnerable populations.
Ms. Belton brings extensive experience in public assistance administration, child welfare services, and adult protective services. Her passion for public service is reflected in her deep commitment to community engagement, interagency collaboration, and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
She is actively involved in numerous local committees and multidisciplinary teams, as well as statewide associations, including the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) and the County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC), where she contributes to policy development and system-wide improvements.
Dedicated to continuous professional development, Ms. Belton regularly participates in leadership and management training. She remains focused on increasing public awareness of available services and addressing the root causes of poverty, especially its impact on children and families.
AMANDA GEIPE, DSW
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Dr. Amanda Geipe serves as the Assistant Director of the Health and Human Services Agency, bringing a distinguished record of leadership in social services and systems integration. She is recognized for her expertise in aligning cross-sector governmental operations to better serve complex populations, including justice-involved individuals. With a robust foundation in policy analysis and data-driven decision-making, Dr. Geipe has pioneered innovative service delivery models that enhance outcomes across child welfare, employment services, and administrative systems.
Her career spans direct service roles and strategic leadership, underscoring her deep understanding of both frontline practice and organizational transformation. Dr. Geipe earned her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California and has contributed to academic discourse as a lecturer in Criminal Justice and Social Work at California State University, East Bay.
JILLIAN SHAW
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER
Ms. Jillian Shaw serves as the Staff Services Manager for the Health and Human Services Agency, where she oversees departmental operations and leads strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness. With a strong foundation in business and human resources, she brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to workforce development, compliance, and administrative support.
Ms. Shaw earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Monterey Bay. She later pursued advanced studies at Azusa Pacific University, where she completed her master’s degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management. Her academic background, combined with her experience, equips her to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment that supports the agency’s mission to serve the community.
GAIL DEVAUL
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - FISCAL
Gail DeVaul serves as the Deputy Director of Fiscal Administration for the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), where she leads the Fiscal Division in delivering precise, timely, and client-centered financial services. Her oversight ensures the integrity of budgetary operations and fiscal management across the Agency, supporting its mission to enhance the well-being of children, families, and adults throughout the community.
Ms. DeVaul brings over 20 years of public sector experience in fiscal analysis and budget administration. Prior to joining San Benito County in 2024, she held key leadership roles with the City of San Jose, including serving as Fiscal Officer for the Department of Transportation and as a senior budget and fiscal analyst.
She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration from San Jose State University. Ms. DeVaul is honored to contribute to an organization dedicated to impactful service and continuous improvement in the lives of those it serves.
ENRIQUE ARREOLA
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - COMMUNITY SERVICES AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Enrique Arreola has served as the Deputy Director of Community Services & Workforce Development (CSWD) for over 17 years, where he oversees the day-to-day operations and management of the division. He is responsible for leading several key programs, including the Community Action Agency, homeless and housing services, the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), and the San Benito County Migrant Center. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Arreola has dedicated his career to managing social service programs that support low-income families, children, youth, and seniors. He brings strong leadership skills and expertise in program oversight, contract compliance, budgeting, and administration.
Driven by a deep passion for helping underserved communities, Mr. Arreola has spent his professional life advocating for the most vulnerable. He was born in Mexico and raised in Hollister as one of nine children in a migrant family. He is bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.
JOSH MERCIER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - CHILDREN AND ADULT SERVICES
Joshua Mercier serves as Deputy Director of Children & Adult Services for the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). He provides executive leadership for Child Welfare Services, Adult Protective Services, Resource Family Approval, In-Home Supportive Services, and the Public Authority—overseeing policy, compliance, and initiatives that strengthen families and protect vulnerable adults. Mr. Mercier began his HHSA career in 2008 as a Child Welfare Services Social Worker and later became a Supervisor in 2013, leading Emergency Response and Court Units with a focus on evidence-based practice and staff development. In 2016, he joined the San Benito County Healthcare District, managing social services across hospitals and clinics to better integrate medical and social care.
Since returning to HHSA in 2020 as Deputy Director, he has advanced partnerships, modernized service delivery, and strengthened fiscal accountability. Mr. Mercier holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S.W. from CSU Chico and is recognized for his collaborative leadership and commitment to equitable, community-focused solutions.
LUPE RUBALCAVA
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Mr. Rubalcava holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on organizational leadership, as well as a master's degree in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. A distinguished veteran, Mr. Rubalcava's service in the Marine Corps is commendable.
He remains actively involved in his community and is committed to supporting youth and families. Utilizing his bilingual and biliterate skills to their fullest potential, he effectively assists the residents of San Benito County.
A distinguished veteran, Mr. Rubalcava's service in the Marine Corps is commendable. Beyond his military accomplishments, he plays an active role in his community by serving on the Le Grand High School Board of Trustees assuming the position of President of the local Tri-City Bulldogs Youth Football and Cheer Program. Utilizing his bilingual and biliterate skills to their fullest potential, he effectively assists the residents of San Benito County.
MALLORY SCHMIDT
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
As the Deputy Director of Public Health Services, Mallory Schmitt provides strategic leadership and oversight to initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of San Benito County. With over 7 years of experience in public health, Ms. Schmitt brings extensive expertise in communicable disease prevention, control, and epidemiology. In this role, Ms. Schmitt oversees key public health programs, including communicable disease, oral health, tobacco education, CalFresh Health Living, emergency preparedness, and communications.
Ms. Schmitt holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree from Northern Arizona University. She is passionate about empowering communities and building resilient systems to achieve lasting, positive outcomes.
Beyond professional achievements, Ms. Schmitt has a long-standing passion for serving her community through being a member of the San Benito County YMCA advisory board, volunteering as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for foster youth, coaching Hollister Heat Girls Fastpitch, and serving on the Community Food Bank Board of Directors.
CHERYL SCOTT, MD,MPH
PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER
Dr. Scott is a distinguished public health physician with over 30 years of experience in advancing population health through science-based policy, strategic program development, and global health leadership. She currently guides San Benito County’s efforts to address communicable and environmental health threats, strengthen health programs, and promote equity through community-driven initiatives and evidence-based practice.
Dr. Scott began her federal service in the early 1990s with the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, where she served for two decades in domestic and international assignments. From 2000 to 2005, she was seconded to the U.S. Department of State as the inaugural CDC Director in the United Republic of Tanzania and Zanzibar. Her career has included leadership in maternal and child health policy, HIV/AIDS infrastructure development, and the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and disaster response.
She holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz; Boston University School of Medicine; and Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, with clinical training in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Scott remains actively engaged in initiatives that reflect her enduring commitment to education, health equity, and human rights.
