Charles J. McKee has joined Natividad’s Board of Trustees. McKee recently succeeded Lew Bauman as Monterey County Administrative Officer (CAO). Prior to his appointment in September 2019, he had served as County Counsel since 2003.

The CAO is the day-to-day manager of county government and represents the County and its Board of Supervisors in a variety of activities. As the public safety-net hospital providing high-quality health care to all residents regardless of ability to pay, Natividad is owned and governed by Monterey County.

“Charles has played an integral role as part of the county’s leadership team for more than a decade,” said Natividad CEO Dr. Gary R. Gray. “We are excited to welcome him to Natividad’s Board of Trustees as he takes on an even greater role in helping direct the future of patient care in our community.”

McKee earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Economy from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts and attended the University of Maryland School of Law and University of Maine School of Law. The State Bar of California admitted him in 1991. Before becoming Monterey County Counsel, he served as Nevada County Counsel and Deputy County Counsel for the County of Marin. McKee is the current chair of the Monterey College of Law Board of Trustees. He has served in many local and state volunteer positions, including president of the Monterey County Bar Association and as a legal advisor to the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and CSAC Excess Insurance Authority (CSAC-EIA), the largest government insurance pool.

“I look forward to building off the successes of those who came before me, especially Dr. Bauman,” said McKee. “Our future successes will take shape through the help of the many talented people who work for Monterey County.”