Sheriff Adam Christianson began his career in public safety, graduating from San Joaquin Delta College with a certification in Paramedicine and worked as a paramedic in Stanislaus County for several years including work as a flight paramedic for Medi-Flight of Northern California. Sheriff Christianson started his law enforcement career with the Ceres Police Department and also worked for the Modesto Police Department before joining the Sheriff’s Department in 1996. He has worked a variety of assignments including Patrol, the Reservoir Unit, K9 handler and K9 Unit Supervisor, Bailiff, Field Training Officer, Hi-Tech Crimes Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant.

The Sheriff has a BA degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University, graduating in 2006. He is also a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Course, the POST Executive Development Course, West Point Leadership in Police Organizations and has an Executive Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Adam Christianson was sworn into office as Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator on July 11, 2006 and after being re-elected in June, 2010, Sheriff Christianson was sworn into office for another four-year term on January 4, 2011.

Sheriff Christianson is a member of and participates in the following:
Airborne Law Enforcement Association
California Peace Officers’ Association
California State Coroners’ Association
California State Sheriffs’ Association - Board of Directors and 2nd VP
California State Sheriffs’ Association - Information Technology Committee
California State Sheriffs’ Association - Legislation Committee
California State Sheriffs’ Association - Political Action Committee
California State University, Stanislaus - Criminal Justice Advisory Board
California Statewide Data Sharing Task Force
California Statewide Hi-Tech Crimes Advisory Committee
California Emergency Management Agency, Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee Co-Chair
California’s Emergency Medical Services Authority - Director's Advisory Group
California’s Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area - Executive Board
Central Valley Gang Impact Task Force
Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force Co-Chair
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California
Hispanic Leadership Council
Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force Steering Committee
Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force
Stanislaus County Children's Council Co-Chair
Stanislaus County Drug Court Advisory Group
Stanislaus County Earl Pride Scholarship Committee
Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
Stanislaus County Law Enforcement Executives Association (2008 President)
Stanislaus County Methamphetamine Task Force
Stanislaus County Police Activities League Board Member
Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance
Stanislaus Regional 911 Advisory Board Member
Stanislaus Regional 911 Joint Powers Agency Commission Member
The Salvation Army Modesto Citadel Advisory Board
United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California - Executive Committee
United Way of Stanislaus County - Board Member