Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner Lisa Herbert will retire Sept. 4 after 28 years with the county, including a decade leading the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. Photo courtesy of Sutter County

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures Lisa Herbert will retire Sept. 4, closing a 28-year career with the county that began as an agricultural standards biologist.

Herbert has led the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office since February 2016, when she became the first woman appointed Sutter County agricultural commissioner.

She joined Sutter County on April 1, 1998, and advanced through the department, serving as a supervising agricultural standards biologist and assistant director of weights and measures before her appointment as commissioner.

“One of the most meaningful parts of my career has been building strong relationships locally with growers and the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau, as well as developing lasting collaborations and partnerships with fellow department heads, dedicated staff across the organization, and the exceptional team within my own department,” Herbert said.

“These relationships have been essential to advancing, protecting and supporting our agricultural community, and I am deeply grateful for the trust, cooperation and friendships that have developed along the way,” she added.

A Live Oak High School graduate, Herbert attended Yuba College and earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from California State University, Sacramento, in 1995.

Herbert also held leadership positions with the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association, including secretary, vice president of agriculture, president-elect and president in 2023-24. She participated in five delegation trips to Washington, D.C., advocating for California agriculture.

Herbert served on committees with the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and participated in state agricultural policy and advisory groups, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Board and Market Enforcement Committee.

Sutter County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Ziegenmeyer said Herbert’s work extended beyond the county.

“Lisa has dedicated nearly three decades to serving Sutter County and its agricultural community,” Ziegenmeyer said. “Her leadership, knowledge and commitment have made a lasting impact on our County, and we are grateful for the many ways she has represented Sutter County agriculture and strengthened relationships throughout the region and state.”

The Sutter County Board of Supervisors appointed Herbert’s assistant, Nicolas Oliver, on Aug. 26 to serve as interim agricultural commissioner and sealer of weights and measures after Herbert retires. Oliver will oversee the department while the county searches for a permanent successor.

“Lisa’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to public service and to California agriculture,” Oliver said. “She has built strong relationships with our local agricultural community and partners throughout the region, while also bringing that local perspective to statewide issues through her work with CACASA, including her service as president.”

Oliver said those relationships benefited agricultural programs beyond Sutter County.

“Those connections and her willingness to lead have benefited not only Sutter County, but agricultural programs across California,” Oliver said. “We are grateful for her many years of dedicated service and the legacy she leaves behind.”

Ziegenmeyer said county officials also expect continuity as Oliver takes over the department during the search.

“We wish Lisa all the best in her retirement and are confident Nicolas will provide strong leadership and continuity for the department during this transition,” Ziegenmeyer said.