Meet My Staff

Don Hughes, Chief of Staff - Mr. Hughes began his career with the County of Orange 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 Executive Assistant, Policy Advisor and eventually 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 as Senior Policy Advisor in January 2009. Mr. Hughes was promoted to Chief of Staff in July 2010.

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

Ray Grangoff, Deputy Chief of Staff – Prior to joining the Fifth District staff, Mr. Grangoff served as Director of Public Affairs for the Apartment Association of Orange County. Before that, he served as a deputy field director for the California Republican Party and as a legislative assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education & the Workforce. In 2000, Ray was elected to the San Lorenzo Unified School District Board of Education where he served for four years. In 2010, he was elected to serve on the Orange County Central Committee representing the 60th District. Additionally, Mr. Grangoff is a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. 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, OC Courts and Legislative Affairs. Email Mr. Grangoff at Ray.Grangoff@ocgov.com

Kristen Thornton, Deputy Chief of Staff – Before joining Supervisor Bates’ team, Ms. Thornton served as Field Representative and District Director for former State Assemblyman Todd Spitzer. Prior to that, Ms. Thornton served as Projects Coordinator and Editorial Assistant for FOAM Magazine, an international beach lifestyle magazine, for which she was also a contributing writer. In 2004, Ms. Thornton worked as an intern for the White House in the Office of Media Affairs. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Chapman University. She has been a resident of the Fifth District since 1995.

Ms. Thornton advises on issues related to the Orange County Transportation Authority, Transportation Corridor Agencies, OC Public Works- Roads, John Wayne Airport and the Registrar of Voters and manages communications. Email Ms. Thornton at Kristen.Thornton@ocgov.com

Sergio Prince, Policy Advisor – As a political consultant, Mr. Prince successfully managed a number high-profile campaigns in Orange County before joining the Fifth District staff. Among his victorious campaigns were Pat Bates for Supervisor, Chuck DeVore for State Assembly and Bill Campbell for Supervisor. A longtime resident of South Orange County, Mr. Prince 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 OC Community Resources, Clerk Recorder and Clerk of the Board. Email Mr. Prince at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com

Brian Probolsky, Policy Advisor – With twenty years of entrepreneurial experience in the fields of finance, technology and business management, Mr. Probolsky adds a unique policy perspective to the office. He was elected in 2008 to the Moulton Niguel Water District Board of Directors. He also currently serves as the Fifth District appointee to the OC Parks Commission as well as the City of Laguna Niguel’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Probolsky is a Charter Advisory Board Member and the immediate past treasurer of the Board of Governors for the Saddleback Community College Foundation. He has been a Fifth District resident since 1988.

Mr. Probolsky advises on issues related to the CEO, Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Internal Audit, Treasurer-Tax Collector and OC Employees Retirement System. Email Mr. Probolsky at Brian.Probolsky@ocgov.com.

Sabrina Ross, Policy Advisor - Prior to joining the staff, Ms. Ross served as an Account Executive for a statewide public affairs firm where she managed activities on national transportation and automotive accounts and healthcare and patient advocacy campaigns. Before that, Ms. Ross served as Office Manager for the Republican Party of Orange County. Additionally, in 2004 Ms. Ross served as an intern for the Speaker of the House in Washington, D.C. Ms. Ross graduated from Chapman University in Orange, CA with a degree in Political Science.

Ms. Ross advises on issues related to the Health Care Agency, Social Services Agency, Public Administrator/Public Guardian and Orange County Fire Authority. Email Ms. Ross at Sabrina.Ross@ocgov.com.

Ruth Strachan, Office Manager – Ms. Strachan has more than 30 years experience in public service including 20 years with the County of Orange. Her various roles with the County have included positions in Environmental Resources, Public Works and Social Services. She served eight years as Executive Secretary for immediate past Fifth District Supervisor Tom Wilson and has served Supervisor Bates since she assumed office in 2007.

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

Katie Angotti, Administrative Assistant - Prior to joining the Fifth District 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 part time as an administrative assistant. E-mail Ms. Angotti at Katie.Angotti@ocgov.com