The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Jake Stroud, the County’s current Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector, to succeed and complete the term of Treasurer-Tax Collector Mary Zeeb, who recently announced she will retire on December 30, 2025, concluding 38 years of honorable and innovative public service.
Ms. Zeeb, widely recognized across California for her leadership, modernization efforts, and commitment to fiscal responsibility, will step down at midnight on December 30. Stroud will assume office immediately thereafter.
“Mary Zeeb’s contributions to Monterey County cannot be overstated,” said Board Chair Chris Lopez. “Her leadership and integrity have strengthened our County’s fiscal stability for nearly four decades. We are confident that Jake Stroud brings the experience and commitment needed to carry that legacy forward.”
Stroud brings more than 15 years of public finance experience in state and county government, including nearly a decade of service within the County of Monterey Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. He has served as Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector since 2022, overseeing major operations that include:
• Administration and collection of over $1.1 billion annually in property, cannabis, and transient occupancy taxes.
• Direct oversight and compliance management of the $3.5 billion Treasury Investment Pool serving the County, school districts, and most special districts.
• Representation of the department before the Board of Supervisors, executive leadership, and interagency committees, including service as Acting Department Head in Ms. Zeeb’s absence.
Prior to his current role, Stroud served as Chief Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector (2020–2022), where he led the Revenue Division, managed an $8.5 million operating budget, and ensured adherence to GAAP and County fiscal policies while overseeing Treasury Division operations and investment compliance for the County’s pooled portfolio. He previously served as Revenue Operations Manager (2017–2020), where he managed centralized revenue operations, achieved a 99.5% customer satisfaction rating, and drove significant departmental modernization initiatives.
Stroud also brings substantial state-level experience from his tenure with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, where he led statewide initiatives for tax system modernization, process improvement, and revenue compliance. He holds multiple professional certifications, including:
• Certified California Municipal Treasurer
• Certified Public Funds Investment Manager
• Certified Government Investment Professional
• Executive Credential – California State Association of Counties
• High Performance Leadership Master – National Association of Counties
Stroud serves on the Executive Board of the California Municipal Treasurers Association, is a committee member of the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors and is an active member of several statewide professional finance organizations.
“I am deeply honored by the Board’s trust and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Monterey County,” Stroud said. “Mary Zeeb has built a department grounded in transparency, innovation, and public service. I look forward to carrying forward those values as we continue to protect the County’s financial future.”
Ms. Zeeb’s four decades of service have been marked by innovation in tax collection, modernization of treasury operations, and steadfast commitment to the residents, schools, and agencies of Monterey County. Her leadership has earned statewide recognition and admiration among finance professionals across California. Stroud looks forward to continuing her legacy of excellence while also moving the department forward into its next chapter.
