Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Ruben Imperial
Director
Ruben Imperial serves as the Behavioral Health Director for the County of Stanislaus, with executive responsibility for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS). He oversees a department of more than 600 county employees, extensive contracted provider networks, and an annual operating budget of approximately $240 million. His role includes oversight of the County’s mental health, substance use disorder, and prevention systems, as well as the Office of the Public Guardian, which operates as a division of BHRS.
Previously, Ruben served as Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Stanislaus County, providing executive oversight and coordination across health, human services, and public safety departments, with responsibility for countywide policy alignment, budgeting, and operational strategy. He also held the role of Deputy Executive Officer, where he led the County’s Focus on Prevention initiative and supported cross-departmental efforts related to homelessness, behavioral health, and community-based prevention.
Within BHRS, Ruben has held multiple senior leadership roles, including Chief of the Adult System of Care, with responsibility for large-scale service delivery systems, inter-agency partnerships, and system transformation during periods of significant fiscal and regulatory change.
In addition to his county leadership, Ruben serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Natün Guatemala, Commissioner for the Health Plan of San Joaquin Health Commission, and a Board Member of HealthForce.
Ruben earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanislaus State.
