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The leader of the organization that advocates on behalf of California’s 58 counties — who was recently placed on administrative leave — is stepping down.
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Graham Knaus said in a statement Friday that it was “time for me to restore balance in my life.” He had led the California State Association of Counties since 2018.
Knaus did not say why he was put on leave, which he said began Oct. 16, and declined to discuss details with The Sacramento Bee.
“Evolving our advocacy and public affairs to combat powerful monied interests does not come free,” Knaus said in his statement. “It comes with becoming a target for individuals protecting their money and power through defamatory accusations.”
His salary was more than $468,000 in 2025, according to a tax filing. He also earned an estimated $200,305 in other compensation from the association and related organizations, the filing said.
The association’s president, Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, would only say Knaus’ leave was related to “confidential personnel-related matters” and that the organization was bringing in outside legal counsel to conduct an investigation.
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A spokesperson for the organization said it nothing further to add as of Friday evening.
The association advocates on behalf of counties at the state and federal levels and Knaus was frequently outspoken on issues involving California’s budget, health care and homelessness.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead this organization and represent it publicly,” he said. “Together, we have reimagined what an effective association can be: in our culture, our advocacy, our public affairs, the way we engage with county leaders and the building we call home.”
Ellenberg said board members are overseeing the organization while it does not have a chief executive.
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This story was originally published October 23, 2026 at 5:57 PM.