Gary Bradford is a seasoned public official and respected board director whose career bridges the worlds of public governance and advanced technology leadership. Currently serving as Yuba County Supervisor for District 4 and a Board Director of the Yuba Water Agency, Gary has established himself as a forward-thinking, community-centered leader with a deep commitment to public service, regional development, and intergovernmental collaboration.
In his role as County Supervisor since 2017, Gary represents the fast-growing communities of Arboga, Plumas Lake, and Wheatland in Yuba County, California. With oversight of a $348 million county budget, he works hand-in-hand with county departments, residents, and stakeholders to shape policy, approve contracts, and steer strategic decisions that impact more than 90,000 constituents. A key participant in several influential bodies—including the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), and the National Association of Counties (NACo)—Gary has been instrumental in securing funding for major infrastructure projects, improving regional transportation systems, and advancing public safety and economic vitality throughout the region.
At the Yuba Water Agency, Gary’s leadership extends to matters of water infrastructure, hydroelectric power, and flood protection. Serving as a Board Member since 2017 and currently chairing the board, he plays a critical role in guiding the agency’s $100 million budget and strategic direction. Through this work, he helps ensure long-term water supply reliability, environmental sustainability, and regional resilience in the face of climate-driven challenges. His participation in the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and the Northern California Water Association (NCWA) Executive Committee underscores his influence and engagement at both state and regional levels.
Gary’s commitment to service is further reflected in his earlier elected positions. From 2011 to 2016, he served on the board of the Olivehurst Public Utility District, helping to oversee critical services like water, sewer, fire, and parks for over 30,000 residents. Prior to that, he held a board seat at Reclamation District 784, guiding flood protection operations for approximately 50,000 residents across South Yuba County.
Beyond the public sector, Gary’s professional background includes more than two decades in information technology, where he held leadership roles in cybersecurity, infrastructure design, and project management for organizations such as the California Department of Technology, IBM, and Insight Technologies. At IBM, he was a key contributor to the California Child Welfare Services Case Management System (CWS/CMS), a vital IT system used statewide by over 18,000 users. His work in this arena exemplifies his ability to navigate complex systems and lead cross-functional teams toward mission-critical outcomes.
Gary also brings nonprofit board experience to the table, having served with EA Family Services and Youth and Family Opportunities Unlocked (YFOU). In these roles, he provided strategic governance to child- and family-focused organizations, strengthening their operational and mission-driven impact.
Combining a B.S. in Computer Science from UC Davis with a lifelong passion for community, Gary Bradford offers a rare blend of technical insight, governance acumen, and civic leadership. Whether in the boardroom, at the dais, or in his community, Gary is a principled, results-driven leader committed to creating stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities across California.
Character
Gary Bradford exemplifies integrity and dedication through his decades of public service, consistently prioritizing community needs, transparent governance, and ethical leadership in every role he undertakes.
Knowledge
With over 20 years of experience in information technology and extensive governance roles at the county and regional levels, Gary possesses deep expertise in cybersecurity, infrastructure, public administration, and policy development.
Strategic
Gary demonstrates strategic foresight through his leadership on multimillion-dollar budgets, infrastructure expansion initiatives, and interagency collaboration, driving impactful results in water security, flood protection, and regional growth.
Communication
A collaborative and approachable leader, Gary engages regularly with constituents, stakeholders, and board peers to ensure alignment, build trust, and deliver clear, actionable solutions to complex public challenges.
