IMPERIAL COUNTY
Executive Office
Imperial County
Executive Office
About Us
Dr. Kathleen Lang
County Executive Officer
Dr. Kathleen Lang serves as the County Executive Officer for Imperial County, bringing more than 25 years of experience in local government and public-sector healthcare administration. A longtime Imperial Valley resident, Dr. Lang has held leadership roles across County departments and the private sector, with expertise in strategic planning, program implementation, fiscal management, and organizational leadership.
Prior to her appointment in June 2025, Dr. Lang worked with Health Net and the Imperial County Local Health Authority Commission, where she helped implement major Medi-Cal initiatives impacting over 100,000 residents. She previously served as Deputy Director of Health and Support Services at the Imperial County Public Health Department, overseeing core operations and leading the County through major events including the H1N1 pandemic, the 2008 financial crisis, and post-earthquake recovery efforts.
Dr. Lang’s career reflects a strong commitment to collaborative governance, accountability, and service to the community. As County Executive Officer, she oversees County operations and works closely with the Board of Supervisors and departments to ensure efficient, transparent, and responsive public services for Imperial County residents.
Assistant County Executive Officer
Previously, Bean served as Deputy County Executive Officer for Natural Resources, leading the development of Lithium Valley while also serving as County Development Concierge, Tribal Liaison, Regional Innovation Officer, and California Lithium Ombudsman. Her work positioned Imperial County at the center of state and federal energy, innovation, and economic development efforts, translating complex initiatives into actionable programs that deliver measurable benefits to residents and businesses.
In her current role, Bean continues to oversee her previous responsibilities while expanding her focus on Countywide strategic initiatives, community services, and sustainable growth. She collaborates with planning, economic development, and public works departments to improve operational efficiencies, develop new initiatives, and advance responsible development that generates jobs, investment, and public benefits.
Bean’s professional experience spans the energy industry, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and government advocacy. She has held leadership roles with BHE Renewables, local agricultural enterprises, and chambers of commerce, earning international recognition for innovation and excellence. She has also worked with Fortune 100 companies on government proposals and advocacy in Washington, D.C., bridging public and private sector expertise to deliver tangible outcomes for the region.
She holds an Executive MBA in Energy from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in Marketing, Communication, and New Media from Georgetown University, a business certification from Harvard University, and an undergraduate degree in Digital Arts from Chapman University. Her multidisciplinary education supports her leadership in County strategic communications, marketing, design, and public engagement.
A lifelong resident of Imperial Valley, Bean is dedicated to improving opportunities for her community through thoughtful development, strategic solutions, and initiatives that create jobs, attract investment, and enhance quality of life across the County.
Deputy Executive Officers
Mayra Widmann
Deputy CEO of Budget & Finance
mayrawidmann@co.imperial.ca.us
Mayra Widmann
Deputy CEO of Budget & Finance
mayrawidmann@co.imperial.ca.us
Mayra Widmann
Deputy CEO of Budget & Finance
mayrawidmann@co.imperial.ca.us
Mayra Widmann
Deputy CEO of Budget & Finance
mayrawidmann@co.imperial.ca.us
Carlos Lopez
Deputy CEO of Economic Development
Bari Bean serves as Assistant County Executive Officer for Imperial County, where she provides leadership on countywide strategic initiatives, community services, and growth-related efforts. She continues to lead the County’s natural resource and development initiatives and serves as the County Development Concierge, working across departments and with external partners to advance coordinated, responsible development.
Prior to her appointment as Assistant County Executive Officer, Bean served as Deputy County Executive Officer for Natural Resources and held multiple intergovernmental roles, including Tribal Liaison, Regional Innovation Officer, and California Lithium Ombudsman. In these roles, she supported policy development, legislative coordination, and economic development frameworks that strengthened interdepartmental collaboration and aligned County priorities with state, federal, and private-sector partners.
Bean brings experience across the public and private sectors, including work in the energy industry, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and government advocacy. She holds an Executive MBA in Energy from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree from Georgetown University, and a business certification from Harvard University.
Eddie Lopez
Deputy CEO of Communications
Bari Bean serves as Assistant County Executive Officer for Imperial County, where she provides leadership on countywide strategic initiatives, community services, and growth-related efforts. She continues to lead the County’s natural resource and development initiatives and serves as the County Development Concierge, working across departments and with external partners to advance coordinated, responsible development.
Prior to her appointment as Assistant County Executive Officer, Bean served as Deputy County Executive Officer for Natural Resources and held multiple intergovernmental roles, including Tribal Liaison, Regional Innovation Officer, and California Lithium Ombudsman. In these roles, she supported policy development, legislative coordination, and economic development frameworks that strengthened interdepartmental collaboration and aligned County priorities with state, federal, and private-sector partners.
Bean brings experience across the public and private sectors, including work in the energy industry, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and government advocacy. She holds an Executive MBA in Energy from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree from Georgetown University, and a business certification from Harvard University.
Executive Office Staff
Notice of Interpreting Services