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Imperial County has promoted Bari Bean to Assistant County Executive Officer to enhance leadership over economic and energy initiatives, particularly the 'Lithium Valley' project. Bean, a lifelong resident and former Deputy CEO for Natural Resources, will also maintain her roles as County Development Concierge, Tribal Liaison, Regional Innovation Officer, and California Lithium Ombudsman, focusing on integrating lithium extraction with manufacturing and workforce development. This appointment aims to modernize leadership and improve departmental coordination to meet industrial demands.