
Matthew Jennings will be taking over duties as Riverside County’s treasurer-tax collector on September 24. He will be the first African American in county history to hold the position.
Jennings was appointed by the board of supervisors on June 30 to fill out the remaining term of his boss, Jon Christensen, who will be retiring on September 23. Christensen cited health issues as his reason for stepping down.
Jennings will serve the remainder of Christensen’s term, which runs through 2022. He said he intends to seek election at the end of his term.
The 26-year employee started his career with the county as an office assistant at the age of 20. Since then, Jennings has raised three children and earned a bachelor’s degree. He will complete his master’s degree in August.
Treasurer-tax collector is an elected office responsible for collecting annual property taxes and overseeing the county’s investment fund.