County names new top officials overseeing elections, technology, behavioral health

In 2025, the massive bureaucracy of San Diego County has seen a number of leadership shakeups, from its elections and personnel offices to its mental health and legal teams.

But new leaders are coming to some major offices, and more are expected in the weeks and months ahead.

The county said Monday that it’s tapped a trio of longtime officials to lead three parts of the bureaucracy — its Behavioral Health Services department, the County Technology Office and the Registrar of Voters.

Longtime San Diego County elections official Shawn Brom will take over leading his office from current Registrar Cynthia Paes, who is set to retire in February. His first day will be Jan. 9; he will overlap with Paes for a few weeks as part of the transition process.

Brom has held a succession of positions in the county elections office and currently serves as assistant registrar. In a statement, the county touted his experience managing complex elections systems and navigating rules for administering state and federal elections.

Within the county’s health agency, Nadia Privara Brahms has been named director of behavioral health services effective Jan. 9, leading an office with a $1.3 billion budget and about 1,300 staffers.

Privara Brahms has worked for the county for 20 years, and in her career in behavi...