SANTA MONICA—On Monday, December 23, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that Planning Manager Jing Yeo will become the acting director of the Community Development Department starting December 31, after the announcement of City Manager David White announcing he is leaving the position.
Yeo will serve in the role while the recruitment for a permanent director wraps up. The city launched a nationwide recruitment for the post following Director David White’s retirement announcement in September.
“Jing is a tremendous asset to the department, and I am grateful for her willingness to step up and lead the team as we finalize the recruitment process,” said White. “Her extensive experience and vast knowledge will be critical in this time of transition.”
Yeo has worked in Santa Monica’s Planning Division since 2006, starting as a senior planner and then leading the division as planning manager since 2016. Before arriving in Santa Monica, she served as a principal planner for the city of Palm Springs.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in urban and economic geography from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s Degree in planning and urban design from the University of Toronto.
By Trevor