Board appoints Emery Cowan as H&SS Director

November 14, 2024

SOLANO COUNTY – After an extensive nationwide recruitment, the Solano County Board of Supervisors has appointed Emery Cowan as the new director of the Health and Social Services Department.  Starting November 16, she will assume leadership over the County’s largest and most comprehensive service agency. 

Ms. Cowan, who started work with Solano County Health and Social Services (H&SS) in 2017, has served as the Administrator for Adult Services, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health, and most recently the Chief Deputy Behavioral Health Director.  She currently oversees the County Mental Health Plan and Drug Medi-Cal waiver program, housing and homelessness programs, CalAIM, Prop 1, the CARE Act, and more than 60 contracts for services in the behavioral and mental health service areas. 

“We’re excited to have appointed Ms. Cowan to the top leadership role of the County’s largest and most complex department,” says Mitch Mashburn, District 5 Supervisor and Chair of the Board of Supervisors.  “With her leadership, vision and experience managing healthcare focused programs and services, she has a proven ability to make a positive impact on the health and wellness of everyone in Solano County.” 

As the newly appointed H&SS Director, Ms. Cowan will provide strategic direction and support across all the health and social service program areas the department provides, including behavioral health services, social services, public health, medical services, and administrative services.  She will also be responsible for the oversight of a $515 million-dollar annual operating budget and more than 1,400 employees working throughout Solano County.  

ABOUT EMERY COWAN
As the daughter of Cuban refugees, Emery Cowan is the first Latina appointed as Director of the Solano County H&SS Department.  With more than 24 years in leadership positions across the healthcare field, including mental health, substance use and community-based services, she is deeply committed to improving access to care for all, while continuing to promote social justice, recovery, inclusion, and resilience across the healthcare industry.   

Ms. Cowan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling psychology.  She is licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and a Mental Health Counselor in Florida.  Ms. Cowan is also the President-Elect of the California Association of LPCCs, where she will take a leadership role in advocating for and supporting licensed professional clinical counselors, including newly licensed professionals in the field.   

When she’s not at work, she is a proud mother of two creative and smart little girls, who, with her supportive husband, enjoy coming up with new road trips to explore the west coast.  While she loves calling California her home, she admits she misses the warm waters of the Caribbean Ocean.