The County of Riverside Board of Supervisors appointed Rachelle Román, a seasoned executive with 23 years of public service, as the new Director of the Office on Aging (OOA). Román brings extensive experience in strategic planning, administrative leadership, and cross-sector collaboration across aging and public health services.
“Rachelle’s many years of service and expertise are an asset to the Office on Aging,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “We look forward to her new role leading this department and continuing the efforts to support our seniors in making Riverside County and all our communities a great place to live.”
The Office on Aging carries a countywide mandate to develop a home and community based system of services that supports dignity, well-being and independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities. With more than 550,000 residents over age 60, 280,000 households that include a senior, and a rapidly growing population of older adults from diverse backgrounds, Riverside County faces increasing demand for accessible, consumer-focused support.
Román’s service with the County of Riverside began in the Auditor-Controller’s Office, where she served as Chief Accountant. In 2013, she joined the Office on Aging as Deputy Director of Administration, overseeing budget and fiscal operations, contracts and grants, human resources, information technology, and senior nutrition programs. Following a stint in Public Health where she administered a $220 million budget, she rejoined OOA as the Assistant Director July of this year. Román’s background in aging services, fiscal stewardship and large-scale program administration aligns with the agency’s mission and positions her to strengthen service delivery, expand outreach, and guide the department in meeting the needs of the county’s aging and disability communities.
Román holds a Master of Public Administration; a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting; and is certified in Healthcare Compliance.
Outside of her professional achievements, Román enjoys spending quality time with her husband and family, finding balance and inspiration in their shared moments together.
“I am honored to lead the Office on Aging and to continue supporting the seniors who are the foundation of our communities,” said Román. “With a dedicated team and strong partnerships across the county, we will expand innovative, accessible services that promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for Riverside County’s older adults.”
Her appointment follows the retirement of the former Office on Aging Director, Jewel Lee, who held the position for eight years.
For more information on the Riverside County Office on Aging and its programs, please visit rcaging.org.
