Fesia Davenport — County of Los Angeles

Chief Executive

THE LATEST: Davenport, the county’s first Black chief executive, was appointed to the position in January. In the county’s top administrative role, she is tasked with carrying out priorities established by the Board of Supervisors, including expanding anti-racism, diversity and inclusion programs to eliminate structural racism in county government. In April, Davenport unveiled her first budget, a $36.2 billion spending plan that avoids layoffs and furloughs and directs money to homelessness, mental health and child welfare. The budget also puts a $100 million “down payment” on Measure J, a ballot measure approved in November that directs 10% of all unrestricted county money to community programs like investments in small minority-owned businesses and housing vouchers, as well as restorative justice programs.
BACKGROUND: Davenport began her long tenure with L.A. County in 1998 and has filled a variety of leadership roles, including interim director of the Office of Child Protection, chief deputy director of the Department of Children and Family Services, and chief attorney/chief deputy of the Child Support Services Department. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach, Davenport earned a master’s in public administration from Cal State Northridge and a JD from UC Hastings College of the Law. She is a licensed attorney.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 1
Return to the 2021 edition of the LA500.