About Us

The Public Authority was established per State mandate to act as Employer of Record for IHSS Providers and operate a Registry of Providers. The County of San Diego Board of Supervisors acts as the Governing Body for the Public Authority. The Public Authority is a separate legal entity from the County, but works as a partner with IHSS, serving IHSS Providers and Consumers.

For information regarding the Public Authority’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Recommended budget, please click here.

About the Executive Director

Thomas H. Johnson, MBA is the Executive Director of the County of San Diego IHSS Public Authority. By State mandate, the Public Authority provides services to over 32,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers that assist over 36,000 IHSS recipients.

Thomas, who was appointed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, has over 18 years of management experience with the Public Authority. Before that, he was the Area Agency Director of a large private healthcare company. He believes in collaboration and has developed strong working relationships with County of San Diego staff, United Domestic Workers union organizers, peer Public Authorities, non-profit organizations, and various other partner agencies.

As a veteran of the United States Navy, Thomas understands the commitment to serving his country as well as the local San Diego community. During his tenure at the Public Authority, he has worked diligently to ensure health equity for all individuals and families that need assistance. Two of Thomas’ primary objectives for the agency are lowering barriers to service and using data to drive the decision-making process. This will help ensure that underserved community members receive the help they need to live safely in their own homes.

Thomas is an active member of the American Society on Aging (ASA) and currently serves on the following California Association of Public Authorities (CAPA) Executive Committees:
• CAPA Southern Region Vice President
• Chairperson of the CAPA Data Analysis and Research Committee
• Member of the CAPA Legislative Committee

Affiliates

The Health and Human Services Agency provides a broad range of health and social services to promote wellness, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life for individuals and families in San Diego County.

California Association of Public Authorities is a non-profit association comprised of the IHSS Public Authorities in California created to provide proactive leadership to improve the IHSS program in California.

Live Well San Diego is the County of San Diego’s vision for a region that is Building Better Health, Living Safely and Thriving. It aligns the efforts of individuals, organizations and government to help all 3.3 million San Diego County residents live well.