Santa Clara County has appointed a new director for its Social Services Agency to replace Bruce Wagstaff, who retired in January.

Robert Menicocci, who's filled in as acting director since Wagstaff's departure, claims more than 20 years of experience in social services, mental health and public sector administration. In his new role, which he accepted last month, he will earn $228,617 a year.

"Menicocci's appointment will provide a seamless transition in leadership for the Social Services Agency," said County Executive Jeff Smith. "He has demonstrated his capability since he began working with the county and during this past six months as acting agency director."

Before joining the county, Menicocci worked from 2010 through 2012 as a chief fiscal officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Department of Mental Health, where he managed an annual budget of $710 million and about 4,000 employees.

In California, he served as a financial manager in Lake and Santa Barbara counties. He also spent some time in the private sector, as CFO and vice president of East Coast consulting firm AP Associates. In his capacity as a private consultant, Menicocci advised public, nonprofit and private sector clients on computerized financial management systems to improve accountability and oversight.

"I am very pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Social Services Agency team to help ensure that residents of the community receive the services they need and deserve," Menicocci said in a statement.

Over the course of his career, he has worked with increasingly large budgets, contract development and management. He also helped shape public policy addressing welfare reform and universal healthcare.

After earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Brandeis University, Menicocci re-enrolled as a graduate student to obtain a master's degree in Management of Human Services.