Matthew Treber began serving as Madera County's director of Community and Economic Development in 2016. He has been appointed chief administrative office effective October 2025. Madera County images, photo illustration by Cecilia Lopez

The Madera County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint a 20-year county employee from the development department to serve as the new chief administrative officer.

Matthew Treber is now the seventh CAO in the county’s history. He was appointed chief of development services in 2020, overseeing economic development, public works and water and natural resources departments.

Treber has had a significant role in the strategic planning and growth of Madera County’s most recent projects, including the 19,000-acre Rio Mesa area with plans for more than 26,000 new homes and 8 million square feet of commercial space, according to a news release.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled at the opportunity to lead this incredible organization, and I remain committed to serving our community with integrity, collaboration, and purpose,” Treber said.

Treber has led efforts to bring departments together, making development more efficient and improving results for the community. His work focuses on building thriving, well-balanced neighborhoods that enhance quality of life while protecting Madera County’s natural resources, according to the release.

“We have full confidence in Mr. Treber, and the board looks forward to working with him to advance innovation, accountability, and service to the residents of Madera County,” said Leticia Gonzalez, board chair.

Treber steps into the role of the retiring Jay Varney, who served as Madera County’s elected sheriff from 2014 to 2020 before becoming CAO.