Meet My Staff

Chip Monaco, Chief of Staff - With nearly 10 years of direct County experience, Mr. Monaco adds a wealth of knowledge and management experience to the position of Chief of Staff. Chip's career with the County began as an intern in the Media Relations for the County Executive Office. The internship lead to over 3-years of direct experience working for the Board of Supervisors, serving as Communications Advisor for former Supervisor Thomas Wilson and later as Communications Advisor and Chief of Staff for former Supervisor Todd Spitzer. Most recently, Chip served as Manager of Public Affairs in the OC Waste & Recycling Department, where he was responsible for managing several mission critical sections, including the AB 939 Recycling and Waste Diversion program, Household Hazardous Waste Centers, CEQA and Real Estate Services, the Public Information Office, Waste Management Commission and legislative advocacy efforts for the department. Additionally, Chip has held management and policy positions in the Watershed & Coastal Resources section of the OC Public Works Department as well as the County Executive Office.

Mr. Monaco advises on issues related to OC Public Works, Dana Point Harbor, OC Waste & Recycling, OC Parks and Performance Audit. Email Mr. Monaco at Chip.Monaco@ocgov.com

Sergio Prince, Executive Director of Public Affairs – As a political consultant, Mr. Prince has successfully managed a number high-profile races in Orange County including the victorious campaigns of Pat Bates for Supervisor, Chuck DeVore for State Assembly, and Bill Campbell for Supervisor, among many others. A longtime resident of South Orange County, Sergio served as Special Projects Director for the Committee for Safe and Healthy Communities (CSHC), which was instrumental in the passage of Measure W, ending Orange County’s long and divisive battle over a proposed commercial airport at the former Marine Corps Air Station in El Toro.

Mr. Prince advises on issues related to Health Care Agency, Social Services Agency, Child Support Services, Registrar of Voters, Clerk Recorder, Clerk of the Board, and OC Animal Care. Email Mr. Prince at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com

Ray Grangoff, Executive Policy Advisor – Prior to joining the staff, Mr. Grangoff served as Director of Public Affairs for the Apartment Association of Orange County. The Apartment Association is one of Orange County’s foremost advocates for private property rights. Ray’s other past experience includes working as a deputy field director for the California Republican Party and serving as a legislative assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education & the Workforce. Additionally, Ray was elected to the San Lorenzo Unified School District Board of Education where he served for four years. Ray received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Hayward and his Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.

Mr. Grangoff advises on issues related to the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney, Public Defender, Probation, Courts, OC Fire Authority, and OC Community Resources. Email Mr. Grangoff at Ray.Grangoff@ocgov.com

Kristen Thornton, Executive Policy Advisor – Prior to joining the Fifth District staff, Ms. Thornton served as District Director for former State Assemblyman Todd Spitzer. In addition to overseeing district office operations, Ms. Thornton also managed communications for the Assemblyman. Before that, Kristen served as Projects Coordinator and Editorial Assistant for FOAM Magazine, an international beach lifestyle magazine, for which she was also a contributing writer. Kristen gained experience working within federal government while interning for the White House Office of Media Affairs. Kristen graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of San Diego with a degree in Political Science and Communication Studies. She is a Fifth District native.

Ms. Thornton advises on issues related to the Orange County Transportation Authority, the Transportation Corridor Agency and John Wayne Airport and manages communications. Email Ms. Thornton at Kristen.Thornton@ocgov.com

Don Hughes, Executive Policy Advisor - Mr. Hughes began his career at the County in 1995 working as an intern for then Fifth District Supervisor Marian Bergeson. After finishing his degree in Political Science from Chapman University, Mr. Hughes returned to the County as a paid intern working for then Second District Supervisor Jim Silva. He was soon promoted to an Executive Assistant and eventually to Deputy Chief of Staff. Upon Supervisor Silva’s term ending after eight years of service, Mr. Hughes moved over to Orange County’s Public Works Department where he served as Legislative Program Manager until joining Supervisor Bates’ staff in January, 2009.

Mr. Hughes advises on issues related to Public Works, Parks, CEO, Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Internal Audit and Treasurer-Tax Collector. Email Mr. Hughes at Don.Hughes@ocgov.com.

Ruth Strachan, Executive Office Manager – Ms. Strachan served eight years as Executive Secretary for immediate past Fifth District Supervisor Tom Wilson. Ruth brings to the Fifth District office over 17 years of valuable work experience with the County of Orange.

Ms. Strachan handles scheduling requests for Supervisor Bates. To request a meeting, please email Ms. Strachan at Ruth.Strachan@ocgov.com.

Katie Angotti, Administrative/Policy Assistant - Prior to joining the Fabulous 5th team, Ms. Angotti interned for State Senator Tom Harman’s district office in Costa Mesa while finishing up her last year at the University of California, Irvine.  While attending UCI, she was admitted into the Political Science Honors Program where she wrote her senior thesis on Democracy in the Middle East.  Katie was a member of Pi Gamma Mu, Pi Sigma Alpha and several other student groups. 

Ms. Angotti serves as a policy and administrative assistant and oversees issues pertaining to the Clerk of the Board, the Clerk Reporter, and all Certificate, Resolution, and Proclamation requests.  E-mail Ms. Angotti at Katie.Angotti@ocgov.com