The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is pleased to welcome Stephanie Gomez as Deputy Superintendent of Business Services.
Gomez, who joined the Santa Cruz COE on July 1, brings more than two decades of executive experience in public-sector finance, fiscal oversight, and multi-department operations. She most recently served as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where she oversaw business services, facilities and operations, district business advisory services, internal business services, transportation, emergency management and preparedness, risk management, purchasing, and payroll.
In her new role, Gomez will lead the Santa Cruz COE’s Business Services division and support the organization’s work in fiscal stewardship, operational systems, and service to schools and districts across Santa Cruz County.
“Stephanie’s values, experience, and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our organization, to our outstanding Business Services team, and to the school communities we serve,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah. “She brings deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style grounded in integrity and care. I am truly excited to welcome her to Santa Cruz County and to partner with her in the years ahead.”
Throughout her career, Gomez has led complex budget development and administration, district budget reviews, multi-year projections, cash flow analyses, audit coordination, compliance oversight, and countywide fiscal initiatives. At the Santa Clara County Office of Education, she advised the County Superintendent and Board on high-stakes fiscal, operational, and legislative matters, while providing fiscal oversight and technical guidance to the county’s 31 school districts.
“I am honored to join the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and grateful for the opportunity to serve Santa Cruz County’s students, families, and schools,” Gomez said. “Throughout my career, I have been committed to strengthening organizational systems, ensuring fiscal integrity, and building the operational supports that allow school communities to focus on student success. The Santa Cruz COE’s commitment to equity, innovation, and community partnership deeply resonates with my own values, and I look forward to working alongside the COE team and district partners to advance this important work.”
Gomez has been recognized for her effective leadership, including her recent selection as the 2025 ACSA Region 8 Business Services Administrator of the Year. She holds an MBA from CSU Monterey Bay, a Master of Criminal Justice in Strategic Management and Planning from Boston University, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from CSU Stanislaus, and an associate degree in Business Administration from Merced College.