WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – Yolo County Interim Administrator Drik Brazil has announced the appointment of Rachelle Gayton as chief probation officer. Gayton has been serving as Probation Division manager and most recently as interim chief probation officer following the resignation of Dan Fruchtenicht in January.

“On behalf of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, I am pleased to congratulate Rachelle Gayton on her appointment as chief probation officer,” said Board Chair Mary Vixie Sandy. “With her extensive experience and proven leadership within the department, Rachelle is exceptionally well-suited to lead our probation team. We look forward to her leadership and the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to make in Yolo County.”

Gayton has more than 20 years of public sector experience. She began her tenure with Yolo County in 2006 as a detention officer at the Yolo County Juvenile Detention Facility. Since then, Gayton has worked her way up the ranks, becoming a chief probation officer in 2008 where she gained experience in various probation divisions. In 2015, Gayton was promoted to a supervising probation officer, overseeing the Adult Services Unit. She advanced to Probation Division manager in 2018, taking on the responsibility of overseeing operations for the Probation Division. Throughout her tenure, Gayton has demonstrated unwavering dedication and leadership not only to the individuals served by the Probation Department but also to her colleagues and partners across Yolo County.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence that have been placed in me to take on this important work,” Gayton said. “As I step into this new role, I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to enhance the effectiveness of our probation programs and services. Working alongside such a dedicated and talented team has always been a privilege and I am excited for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the individuals and communities we serve.”

As Chief Probation Officer, Gayton is responsible for the administration of the department, overseeing all operations including probation and detention services, budgeting and fiscal operations, strategic planning, human resources, facilities/information technology management and clerical services. The Probation Department takes pride in delivering highly-effective programs and services that provide opportunities for rehabilitation while ensuring public safety.