After 16 years managing one of the nation’s largest counties, Executive Officer Larry Parrish announced that he will retire effective July 30. Parrish spoke about his retirement during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting, saying the post he has held since March 1992 has provided incredible challenges and enjoyment.

“But effective July 30, I intend to retire from this august position and leave it to somebody else,” he said.

Board members praised Parrish for building a foundation that has kept the county financially strong despite swoons in the state’s economy, and for positioning the county for the future.

“Larry Parrish led this ship not only so it shouldered all those waves,” Supervisor Bob Buster said. ”It’s really steaming out ahead.”

During Parrish’s tenure, the county adopted a far-reaching habitat-conservation plan, built countless miles of new roads to serve residents, grew from 1.3 million residents to more than two million, and increased the per-capita ratio of sheriff’s deputies who patrol the community.

Supervisor Marion Ashley poked a little fun as Parrish squirmed under board members’ praise Tuesday.

“I know he’s really enjoying hearing this,” Ashley joked. “He just can’t handle praise.”

The county has met residents’ needs despite rapid growth and other issues that beset large counties, and is a leader among California counties, Ashley said.

“None of them has been better run or more stable in the long run than Riverside County and that is because of Larry,” he said.  “He set the standard for how an administrator should run a large county.”

As the testimonials mounted, Chairman Roy Wilson said there was little left to say.

“Well, Larry’s sitting here saying, ‘Get on with the meeting!’ so I will just say ditto to all the comments,” he said.

Supervisor Jeff Stone said he regretted only working for 3-1/2 years with Parrish, who he called one of the finest chief executives he has ever known.

“I wish it was more years,” he said. “We’re lucky to have had you as long as we have.”

Supervisor John Tavaglione was traveling on that day and did not attend the board meeting. Parrish always maintained his great sense of humor, even while finding ways to overcome what sometimes seemed like insurmountable challenges, he said.

“I’m going to miss the hell out of him,” Tavaglione said.

Parrish has spent more than 40 years in county government.  He served as chief administrative officer in Santa Barbara County from 1980 to 1985 and in Orange County from 1985 to 1990. Parrish entered county government in the probation field, rising to become chief probation officer for Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara counties.

In 1996, UC Riverside named Parrish Public Management Leader of the Year.

Parrish, 68, and his wife, Kathie, live in Rancho Mirage.  He has two grown children, one granddaughter and one grandson.

County officials will develop a process in the next few weeks to select a replacement.