We are pleased to announce that after a nationwide search resulting in 38 applicants, which was then narrowed down to five highly qualified candidates, David Childs was selected to serve as City Manager for the City of Palmdale. David has been working with local government since 1972 and brings with him a breadth of management experience. David has been serving as Assistant County Manager for Washoe County, Nevada since 2006. During his time in Washoe County his responsibilities included overseeing the departments of public works, water resources, building and safety, regional parks as well as serving as acting Community Development Director. Congratulations David on this wonderful new opportunity, we wish you the best!
Following an extensive recruitment process which yielded more than 80 applicants, City manager James Keene announced his selection of Kathy Shen as the new Chief People Officer for the City of Palo Alto. Kathy has an extensive background in staff development and workforce planning. She most recently served as the Human Resource Practice Leader for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA. Before working in labor relations and human resources she practiced law in Cleveland, Ohio. Kathy is looking forward to helping the City of Palo Alto reach their goal of becoming the best high-performing city in the US. We too are confident that Kathy is the right person to do just that.
The City of San Mateo has hired Patrice Olds as its new City Clerk. Patrice has served as the City Clerk for Walnut Creek since 2005. In 2010 she was named one of Walnut Creek’s Employees of the Year. San Mateo City Manager Susan Loftus is confident that Patrice is the right person to build on the many accomplishments of former City Clerk Norma Gomez. We wish Patrice and the community of San Mateo the very best.
We are pleased to announce that Kevin Bryant was chosen by the Town Council of Woodside to serve as their new Town Manager. Kevin was among 94 candidates and proved himself to be the best fit for the job. Kevin came to Woodside in 2008 from Sausalito, where he served as Assistant to the Town Manager. During his time in Woodside he has served as Assistant Town Manager. Best wishes to Kevin in his new role.
Congratulations to Suzie Martinez for being selected to be the next City Clerk for the City of Walnut Creek. Suzie began working with the city in 2008 as the Deputy City Clerk. Before coming to Walnut Creek she worked for the town of St. Helena. Suzie brings with her the professionalism, integrity, interpersonal skills and project management capabilities that City Manager Ken Nordhoff was seeking in the City Clerk Position. All the best to Suzie in her new role.
Steven Buckley, Planning Manager, Walnut Creek, California
The City of Walnut Creek is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Buckley to serve as their new Planning Manager. Steven has worked in the City Planning field for 25 years, working with local government agencies and small consulting firms managing programs, projects, staff and consultants. Most recently he served as the Principle Planner for the City of Berkeley. Congratulations Steve, we wish you the very best in your new position.
Jeffrey Kiser, City Manager, Anderson, California
Congratulations to Jeffrey Kiser, the new City Manager for the City of Anderson. Jeffrey has served as Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director for the City of Anderson since 2009. In addition, he filled the position of Director of Parks and Recreation in 2010. Before coming to Anderson he worked as a project manager specializing in construction management at Omni Means Engineering in Redding, CA. He is a proven asset to the City and staff of Anderson, and we are confident that he will do an exceptional job in his new position. Congratulations to Jeffrey!
Christine Vuletich, Assistant County Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Douglas County, Nevada
Congratulations to Christine Vuletich for being selected by Douglas County to serve as the Assistant County Manager and Chief Financial Officer. Christine will join Douglas County with 16-plus years of financial management experience in the public sector. She is highly regarded by the staff and City Manager of South Lake Tahoe where she previously served as the Director of Finance. She will be missed but will certainly prove to be an asset to Douglas County and is looking forward to the new challenge. Best wishes Christine!
Bruce Goodmiller, City Attorney, City of Richmond, California
Congratulations to Bruce Goodmiller who has been chosen by the Mayor and City Council of Richmond to serve as their City Attorney. Bruce previously served as the Senior Assistant City Attorney for Richmond and has over 25 years experience in municipal law. Bruce’s strong relationships and familiarity with Richmond has made this transition a smooth one for the city. Congratulations to Bruce and the City of Richmond.
Diana Bishop, Chief of Police, San Rafael, California
We are pleased to announce that Diana Bishop has been selected to be San Rafael's next Chief of Police. Diane served as a Patrol Officer for 21 years in Santa Clara before becoming Captain in 2006. She was an essential member of the management team, command staff and the investigation division during her time with the Santa Clara Police Department. She brings with her extensive experience, a history of collaborative police work and a fresh perspective! Congratulations Diana!
Jason Batchelor, Finance Director, City of Aurora, Colorado
Congratulations to Jason Batchelor who has been chosen by the City to serve as the Finance Director for the City of Aurora. Jason has worked with the City of Aurora since 2008, early on as a budget officer and more recently as the Interim Finance Director. Jason has a strong background in local government financial management and leadership within large corporations. Congratulations and best wishes Jason!
Kurt Kowar, Director of Public Works, Louisville, Colorado
Kurt Kowar has accepted City Manager Malcolm Flemings’ offer to become the City of Louisville ’s next Director of Public Works. With over 19 years of experience in both engineering and management, Kurt’s knowledge, experience, energy, creativity and approach will be a tremendous asset for the City of Louisville . Kurt comes from neighboring community Superior and with his understanding of their operations provides a unique opportunity for collaboration between the two communities. Congratulations to Kurt who will be starting in his new position on January 3rd, 2012.
Cyndy Day-Wilson, City Attorney, City of Eureka, California
The City of Eureka is pleased to announce the appointment of Cyndy Day-Wilson to serve as their City Attorney. Cyndy has specialized in providing litigation and business counsel to public and private clients involved in federal and state environmental matters, served as a lobbyist and legislative analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures, and has previously chaired Civil Litigation and Environmental Law practice groups at several large firms. The Mayor and City Council are excited to have Cyndy on board and look forward to her counsel for years to come.
James (Jim) Patterson, City Manager, City of Corvallis, Oregon
Congratulations to Jim Patterson for being selected as the City of Corvallis’s next City Manager. Jim brings a wealth of public sector experience from serving as City Manager of the City of Sherwood, OR and before that as their Assistant City Manager/Urban Renewal District Manager. He also has extensive private sector experience and this combination of experience should serve him well in his new role as head of this dynamic organization. Congratulations again Jim, and go OSU!
Roger Miller, Chief Operating Office, Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau and Office of Economic Development, Manitou Springs, Colorado
Congratulations to Roger Miller for being selected as this newly re-organized organization's Chief Operating Officer. Roger had worked with the community in the past, on their downtown revitalization project, and this proved to be an important factor in his selection. Roger has a body of experience in community development, public involvement and facilitation, marketing, event planning and promotion, economic development, redevelopment and revitalizations of downtowns, and open space and parks planning and it is his objective to bring this depth and breadth of experience to play in Manitou Springs.
Dominick Casey, Parks, Recreation and Library Director, City of Roseville, California
After an intense and competitive selection process, Dominick Casey, from Henderson Nevada has been selected to lead the City of Roseville's Parks, Recreation and Library Department. Starting in Henderson in 1998 and working his way up through the ranks to Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation since 2008 was the right combination of experience, coupled with his passion and drive, for Roseville to make him the top candidate. We wish "Dom" continued success in his new position with the City of Roseville.
Andrew Gorgey, County Attorney, County of Garfield, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
The Commissioners of Garfield County had several qualified candidates from which to choose, and Andrew Gorgey came out on top. Andrew has worked for El Paso County in Colorado Springs since 2002, and since 2007 has served as the First Assistant County Attorney. His extensive legal experience, plus his management experience in supervising other attorneys, proved to be the combination that the Garfield County Commissioners were looking for. Hats off to "Drew".
Tim Ogden, City Administrator, City of Waterford, California
Congratulations to Tim Ogden for being selected to replace the retiring City Administrator, Chuck Deschenes in the City of Waterford. Tim realizes he has big shoes to fill and the Mayor and City Council think he is up to the challenge. Coming from the City of Riverbank as their Director of Economic Development and Housing, with prior experience in redevelopment as well, will be instrumental in moving the Waterford community forward. We wish Tim the best in this new role.
Valerie Maginnis, Library Director, City of Boulder, Colorado
After and extended search, the City of Boulder selected Valerie Maginnis to be the next Library Director. Coming from the City of Mission Viejo in California as their Director of Library and Cultural Services, Valerie brings a fresh perspective to leading this complex organization. Jane Brautigam, City Manager for Boulder, believed Valerie's leadership skills and extensive background in library management would serve Boulder well and is looking forward to seeing the Boulder Library and Cultural Arts programs maintain their cutting edge services to the community. Congratulations to Valerie!
Mark Yokoyama, Chief of Police, City of Alhambra, California
Congratulations to Chief Yokoyama for testing out on top of a very competitive pool of finalists. Coming from the City of Cypress, where he started as Police Captain in 2003 and was promoted to Chief in 2008, proved to be the right combination of experience and management abilities that Alhambra City Manager Julio Fuentes was looking for. With a strong background in Community Policing, Chief Yokoyama looks forward to building strong relationships with the community of Alhambra.
Bill Walker, Fire Chief, City of Alhambra, California
Having served the City of Fountain Valley first as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1995 and most recently as Fire Chief since 2006, provided Bill the breadth and depth of experience that Alhambra City Manager Julio Fuentes said was necessary to lead the City's progressive Fire Department. His creativity and results oriented style should serve him well in his new role as Alhambra's Fire Chief. Congratulations to Bill and best wishes.
Gus Vina, City Manager, City of Encinitas, California
Gus Vina has recently been selected as City Manager for the City of Encinitas, California. Gus competed with 82 candidates and was among the leading 6 candidates interviewed by the City Council. While the Encinitas Council stated that any of the leading 3 finalists would be successful in the position, Gus proved to be the best fit for the Council, organization, and community. Gus formerly served for one year as Interim City Manager with the City of Sacramento and previously served as Assistant City Manager and Finance Director. Gus also has prior experience with the City of Stockton. Congratulations Gus and all the very best to the Council and staff in Encinitas. Enjoy those amazing sunsets!
Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
Following a competitive recruitment process resulting in over 60 applications, the OSA Board recently voted to appoint Andrea Mackenzie as the new General Manager. Andrea brings 27 years of experience, from her early career as a resource conservation specialist, to an environmental and regional park planner, to eventually becoming the General Manager for the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District. Most recently, Andrea served as a Consultant to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. She also currently serves as President of the Bay Area Open Space Council. The OSA Board and staff look forward to Andrea’s leadership in preserving open space lands for future generations! Congratulations Andrea!
Mark Zafferano, City Attorney, City of San Bruno, California
Mayor Jim Ruane and the San Bruno City Council are pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Zafferano as their new City Attorney. Marc has worked for the law firm of Aaronson, Dickerson, Cohen & Lanzone since 1987 where he serves as Belmont ’s City Attorney. A graduate of Stanford University and UC Hastings College of Law, Marc looks forward to joining the San Bruno team in facing current challenges as well as future opportunities.
Neal Taniguchi, Finance Director, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo
Congratulations to Neal Taniguchi, the new Finance Director for the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. Court Executive Officer John Fitton is excited to have someone with so much prior court financial experience, almost 10 years worth, from when Neal was Finance Director for the Superior Court in San Francisco. Congratulations once again to Neal Taniguchi.
Lorrie Brewer, City Clerk, City of Mountain View, California
The City Council recently announced the appointment of Lorrie Brewer as their new City Clerk, and she will join the Mountain View team with the New Year. Lorrie was selected among a very competitive group of 70 candidates. Lorrie has served as City Clerk for the City of Santa Cruz since 2007, where she previously served as Deputy City Clerk since 2000. She possesses her MMC and is currently Chair for the Northern California Division of the City Clerk’s Association of California.
Brad Kilger, City Manager, City of Benicia, California
The Benicia City Council has announced the appointment of Brad Kilger as their City Manager. Brad was selected following a national recruitment process that resulted in a strong pool of 73 applicants. He has served as City Manager for the City of Ceres since 2006 and brings over 31 years of experience working for large- and medium-sized jurisdictions, with specific expertise in city management, economic development, and land use planning. Brad also serves on the Board of the California Redevelopment Association and is the incoming Vice President for the City Manager’s Department for the League.
Kelly Morariu, Assistant City Manager, City of Hayward, California
From a competitive field of 170 applicants and following a thorough interview process, Fran David has announced the appointment of Kelly Morariu as her Assistant City Manager. Since 2006, Kelly has served as Palo Alto ’s Assistant to City Manager James Keene and also served stints as Interim Deputy City Manager and Interim Arts & Sciences Manager. Prior to joining Palo Alto , Kelly worked for the City of Fremont for seven years in a variety of management and administrative capacities in the City Manager's Office as well as the Fire and Community Development Departments. We wish Kelly all the best in her future career!
Jill Keimach, Town Manager, Town of Moraga, California
Congratulations to Jill Keimach, who was selected by the Moraga Town Council from among 71 applicants. Jill has served as Community Development Director for the City of Fremont, CA and brings 25 years of experience to Moraga . Prior to Fremont , Jill’s experience was with the City of El Cerrito , BART, ABAG, and Wilmette , IL . Welcome to city management, Jill! All the best to you and the Moraga Town Council.
Bryan Whitemyer, City Manager, City of Hughson, California
The City of Hughson is looking forward to a fresh new start with the recent appointment of Bryan Whitemyer, who will join the City on November 15, 2010. Bryan has served as Interim City Manager and Assistant City Manager for the City of Patterson , CA, and previously worked in the Modesto City Manager’s office. Congratulations Bryan and a heartfelt thank you to the Hughson Council for all of your hard work!
Randy Groom, City Administrator, City of Exeter, California
The Exeter City Council has announced the appointment of Randy Groom as City Administrator. Randy has served as Director of Administrative Services with the Visalia Unified School District since 2006 and formerly served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Visalia . A resident of the area, Randy brings vast knowledge and understanding of Exeter and the region. Please join us in congratulating Randy on this new career venture!
Greg Scoles, City Manager, City of Belmont, California
Out of a field of 72 applicants, Greg competed with 7 finalists that was eventually narrowed to 2. Greg has served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Santa Rosa and formerly served as Public Works Director. Greg also brings experience as the former City Administrator for the City of Ashland, Oregon; Community Development Director in Newberg , OR ; and VP/Regional Manager for Majors Engineering in San Ramon. In addition to Greg’s proven leadership and management experience, the City Council was attracted to his style and demeanor as well as his sincere interest in the Belmont organization and community.
Gabe Gonzalez, City Manager, City of Rohnert Park, California
Bringing a reputation for stability, an energetic approach, and a strong finance background, Gabe is leaving the City of Mendota where he has served as City Manager since 2004. Originally from Santa Cruz , Gabe received his Master’s degree in public administration from Fresno State University . He served as Finance Director for the City of Arvin and then became Deputy Director at Clinica Sierra Vista, a Bakersfield-based non-profit health care provider, before moving on to Mendota. The Rohnert Park City Council is very pleased to have Gabe lead their team and partner with them as they face fiscal and budget challenges.
Melissa Morton, Land Use and Engineering Manager, City of Benicia, California
Melissa is bringing her outstanding engineering and development experience to the City of Benicia as their new Land Use and Engineering Manager. Through clear communications and cooperation with others Melissa has been successful in bringing the best possible outcomes forward in the projects she has worked on. Her significant experience in the engineering, building, and planning disciplines combined with her superior customer service approach will bring positive results to the City of Benicia for years to come. Best wishes to Melissa.
David Culver, Finance Director, City of San Mateo, California
With over 30 years of public sector finance experience, most recently as Finance Director for the City of Pleasanton, Dave is ready to move across the bay and serve as the City of San Mateo’s new Finance Director. His breadth and depth of experience will surely play a role in helping the City of San Mateo navigate the future and the management team there is looking forward to working with such a skilled professional. Congratulations to Dave for beating out a very competitive pool of candidates.
Paul Schultz, Manager of Planning and Engineering, North Tahoe Public Utility District, California
With over 25 years of total experience as a registered civil engineer, with licenses in both California and Nevada, and including years of experience at Lake Tahoe were all factors that led to Paul’s selection as the North Tahoe Public Utility District’s Manager of Planning and Engineering. His expansive experience as a project manager will be put to the test as the NTPUD moves forward on an aggressive capital improvement program. The NTPUD and Lake Tahoe will benefit from his expertise. Hats off to Paul.
Frank Bell, Community Manager, The Sea Ranch Association, The Sea Ranch, California
The Sea Ranch is a community known world-wide for its environmental sensitivity and unique quality of life. Frank’s long professional history of working in communities just like this – Telluride, Crested Butte, and Park City – was a strong attribute for the Board to consider when selecting him as their next Community Manager. His BA in History and Education, Masters of Public Administration, and PhD in Political Science were also pluses in his favor. Best wishes to Frank and Linda.
Jim McCann, City Manager, City of Mill Valley, California
Congratulations Jim McCann on being selected Mill Valley's new City Manager! Jim was selected out of a field of 104 applicants. He was previously City Manager for the City of Calistoga where he worked for 11 years. Prior to Calistoga, Jim worked for the cities of Petaluma, Napa, and Rancho Mirage.
Pam Antil, Assistant City Manager,City of Palo Alto , CA
City Manager James Keene announced his selection of Pamela Antil as the new Assistant City Manager for Palo Alto . Pam formerly served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Novi in Michigan since 2006 and was selected after an extensive national search by Peckham & McKenney. "Pam comes to us with over 20 years of public and private sector management experience working on strategic planning and operational improvements as well as cost reduction efforts," said Keene . “She has served as an Assistant City Manager in two cities prior to Palo Alto so I am looking forward to Pam helping with the City's day to day operations.”
Sharon Heider, Beaches, Parks, and Recreation Director, City of San Clemente, California
We are pleased to announce that George Scarborough, City Manager for San Clemente, has selected Sharon Heider as the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Director. Competing with over 245 applicants for this attractive position, Sharon is currently Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Palm Springs and previously served the cities of Irvine and San Juan Capistrano as well as the RJM Design Group. She brings over 25 years of experience to the position. Sharon is looking forward to returning to a coastal community and to joining the San Clemente team of professionals.
Pat Blacklock, County Administrator, Yolo County, California
Congratulations to Pat on his recent appointment by Board Chair Mike McGowan and members of the Board of Supervisors. Pat currently serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Elk Grove and formerly was the County Administrator for Amador County. In Elk Grove, Pat led an effort to strengthen and improve the City’s development services functions, including creation of an accelerated permit process for high value economic development projects, initiation of collaborative industry and interagency working groups, and completion of an updated impact fee study reducing fees by up to 50%.
Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney, City of Pleasanton, California
Mayor Hosterman and the Pleasanton City Manager are pleased to report that Jonathan Lowell has been selected for the position of City Attorney. Jonathan comes from the City of San Luis Obispo, where he has served as City Attorney since 2003. Prior to that, he was in private practice with the San Francisco law firm of Curiale, Dellaverson, Hirschfield, Kraemer & Sloan. Jonathan was also the City Attorney for the City of San Bruno, and an Assistant City Attorney for the cities of Livermore and Hayward.
John Kunkel, City Manager, City of Buellton, California
After 23 years of successful service with the City of Exeter, John will be joining Mayor Russ Hicks and the Buellton Council in December 2009. John first served as Exeter’s Police Chief, and in 2004 was appointed to the position of City Manager. Buellton (pop. 4,700) offers John an opportunity to work with the community in its upcoming Visioning Process, which will guide the City’s future growth and planning.
Steve Foster, County Administrator, Teton County, Wyoming
Having worked as a senior level department head for the Teton County and Town (Jackson) Joint Powers Park and Recreation Department for the past ten years was definitely a positive factor in Steve's selection as Teton County's next County Administrator. His over 20 years of management experience working in mountain and tourism based communities was another. The Board of County Commissioners are excited to have Steve in place and look forward to providing even more responsive and efficient services to the community. Congratulations Steve.
Sean Brooks, Economic Development Manager, Hayward, California
Congratulations to Sean Brooks for securing this wonderful opportunity in Hayward. Although the title says Manager, Sean reports directly to the City Manager and brings his relevant public sector experience from Brea with him as well as his years of service in the private sector. A Bay Area native, Sean is happy to be returning home.
Susan Healy Keene, Community Development Director, Beverly Hills, California
Susan brings to the City of Beverly Hills nearly 25 years of experience in municipal government, most recently serving as Community Development Director for the City of West Hollywood. Her years in planning for both Santa Monica and Corte Madera will also prove beneficial as she’ll be leading the city’s planning, building and safety divisions. Congratulations to Susan.
Michael Frank, City Manager, City of Novato, California
Michael brings a wealth of public sector experience to Novato having served most recently as Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director for the City of Santa Rosa and prior to that as Director of Administration and Finance for the City and County of San Francisco. His strength in finance is a plus at this time, and his overall breadth of experience is what got him to the top.