Harris County Commissioners Court voted today to name Diana Ramirez the permanent County Administrator. She has been serving as Interim County Administrator since Administrator Dave Berry’s resignation.

“This was a lengthy, competitive process, and I’m thrilled Diana Ramirez came out on top. Administrator Ramirez has deep experience in local government and, in Harris County, has earned everyone’s respect because she has shown that she is not afraid to make the right decisions for Harris County. While we did not appoint her because she is a woman, it is worth celebrating that she is the first woman to serve as County Administrator,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.

“The last six months as Interim County Administrator have been the hardest job I've ever had but also the one that has had the greatest impact I’ve experienced in my 20 plus years in government. I'm very excited to continue to serve the Commissioners Court and the people of Harris County,” said Diana Ramirez, Harris County Administrator. “Top of my list as presented today is a commitment to support Commissioners Court in building a strategic plan for Harris County that serves as our North Star, guiding our community towards a more equitable and resilient future. We aim to illuminate the path of progress, ensuring that every resident can thrive and that our County can shine as a beacon of excellence for all. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”

“Harris County made history today by appointing the immensely qualified Diana Ramirez as Harris County Administrator. Ramirez did an excellent job as interim County Administrator and I know she will continue using her 30-plus years of government experience to help Harris County improve the quality of life for all residents. We look forward to her continued leadership that will build on the progress made by her predecessor Dave Berry, the first County Administrator,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1.

“I am proud to have made the motion to remove the interim tag from County Administrator Diana Ramirez, hiring her for the position on a permanent basis. Administrator Ramirez has done a great job during her time in Harris County so far, and I look forward to working with her for the long term. She’s already had a hand in making Harris County run more efficiently and I’m confident this will continue,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2.

“Through our nationwide search, it became clear that we already had the right leader for this job,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4. “As the daughter of a migrant farm worker who went on to graduate from the University of Texas and Princeton University—Diana Ramirez embodies the American Dream. Her unique perspective and 30+ years of public policy experience will continue to be instrumental in improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of Harris County operations.”

Administrator Ramirez joined Harris County in 2021 as the county’s Executive Director of the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity. Previously, she spent 21 years serving in Travis County government, where she worked in the Planning and Budget Office and started up the Travis County Office of Economic Development & Strategic Investments. Originally from Laredo, Administrator Ramirez earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Masters in Public Affairs from the Princeton University School of Public & International Affairs. She is the first woman to serve as County Administrator.

Administrator Ramirez replaces former County Administrator Dave Berry, who left his position in April 2023 to take on a role in the private sector focused on renewable energy. Mr. Berry was appointed the first County Administrator in June 2021 to supervise the county’s day-to-day operations as well as long-term strategic planning efforts.