Tag: City Manager

MALIBU—On Thursday, December 18, the city of Malibu announced that the City Council revealed the appointment of Joseph D. “Joe” Irvin, ICMA-CM, MPA, as the next City Manager following an extensive and competitive recruitment process. Irvin has over 20 years of executive municipal leadership experience and currently serves as City Manager for the city of South Lake Tahoe. He will start his tenure with Malibu on March 2, 2026.

Irvin was selected following a comprehensive search of highly qualified candidates across the region and the nation. The Malibu City Council identified Irvin’s depth of experience, leadership style, and demonstrated ability to manage complex, environmentally sensitive communities as key factors in his selection.

During his career, Irvin built a record of leadership in emergency management, wildfire response and evacuation operations, environmental stewardship, community development, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. His professional background includes service with four cities—Sequim, Washington; Marco Island, Florida; Healdsburg, California; and South Lake Tahoe, California—each presenting distinct operational, environmental, and community challenges.

“Joe Irvin brings the right combination of experience, judgment, and values to guide Malibu through its next chapter,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins. “His leadership reflects a genuine people-first approach, a steady hand during emergencies, and a thoughtful, strategic perspective on long-term community priorities. Joe has demonstrated the ability to lead with transparency, collaboration, and compassion—qualities that align strongly with Malibu’s expectations for its City Manager. We are confident he will serve our residents, Council, and staff with integrity and excellence.”

“I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Interim City Manager Candace Bond for her professionalism, steadiness, and commitment to the City during this important period,” said Mayor Riggins. “Candace has provided consistent leadership, maintained operational continuity, and supported both staff and the City Council with clarity and dedication. Her service has been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of her contributions.”

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Malibu,” said Irvin. “Malibu is an extraordinary community defined by engaged residents, dedicated public servants, and an unparalleled natural environment. I look forward to working collaboratively with the City Council, staff, and the community to support Malibu’s resilience, protect its unique character, and deliver high-quality public service that reflects the City’s values.”

Irvin is a Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM) through the International City/County Management Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Resource Management from California State University Channel Islands and a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On December 3, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that the West Hollywood City Council of announced its selection of Jackie Rocco to serve as the City’s next City Manager. The announcement was made during the regular meeting of the City Council on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Rocco, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager for West Hollywood, will take over for David Wilson, who announced that he will be retiring from the position of City Manager in January 2026.

The City Council will consider approval of an employment agreement at the Monday, December 15, 2025, regular meeting of the City Council. Rocco was selected following an extensive recruitment process conducted by the City Council.

“The selection of Jackie Rocco as our next City Manager is especially meaningful for all of us in West Hollywood who have had the joy of knowing her and working with her,” said West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. “Over the past several months, the city conducted a comprehensive national search and screened more than 70 talented candidates. In the end, it was clear that Jackie brings not only exceptional expertise, but also an unmatched commitment to the West Hollywood community. We are confident that we’ve chosen the very best person to help guide our city forward.”

Rocco has over 27 years of executive and management experience in both the private and public sectors, and nearly 18 years of local government service to the West Hollywood community and currently serves as the City’s Assistant City Manager, a role in which she provides leadership, executive direction, and oversight of City operations and services; ensures that City government responds to the needs of the community in a timely and effective manner; and enables City management and staff to work collaboratively and creatively in addressing the issues and concerns of West Hollywood’s constituency.

Before becoming Assistant City Manager, Rocco was the City’s Deputy City Manager focused on development impacts and the oversight and coordination of the efforts of the Departments related to private and public infrastructure and development in the city. The development impacts team is comprised of the departments of Economic Development, Public Works, Community Development, and related to this, the Property Development Division and Urban Design & Architecture Studio Division.

Rocco served as the City’s Director of Public Works and was responsible for leading the Department’s three Divisions at that time: 1) Engineering; 2) Neighborhood & Business Safety (Code Enforcement); and 3) Parking Services.

Her tenure in West Hollywood in 2008 as the City’s Parking Operations Manager overseeing parking enforcement, on-street and off-street parking, permit parking, and taxi operations. She transitioned to the Economic Development Department as its Business Development Manager responsible for managing programs and services to support the West Hollywood business community, before joining the Department of Public Works.

Rocco holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

For more details contact Andi Lovano, West Hollywood Assistant to the City Manager, at alovano@weho.org or at (323) 848-6333. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, August 20, the city of Beverly Hills announced that after a comprehensive evaluation process by the Beverly Hills City Council over the last few months, they voted to appoint Ryan Gohlich as the next City Manager of Beverly Hills. Gohlich, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager, will succeed Nancy Hunt-Coffey when she retires in July 2026.

As City Manager, Gohlich will work closely with city staff to carry out the vision of the BH City Council and community while overseeing the nine city departments.

“Ryan is the natural choice to be our next City Manager,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “Since joining the City of Beverly Hills almost 20 years ago, Ryan has led the critical planning and development functions with a meticulous attention to detail while earning the trust of his colleagues, the City Council and the community. In Beverly Hills, we are fortunate to have strong succession planning and with several competitive City Manager recruitments currently underway on the Westside, it was important to make this selection in a timely manner. Ryan’s institutional knowledge will play an important role in the ongoing success and prosperity of our City.”

Gohlich started his career with Beverly Hills in 2007 as an Assistant Planner and served in a variety of roles including Senior Planner and Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner before being named Director of Community Development in 2021. He was appointed Assistant City Manager in 2023.

“It is truly the privilege of my career to be selected as City Manager of Beverly Hills,” said Gohlich. “I am thankful to the City Council for the trust they have placed in me and look forward to leading the incredibly dedicated and talented staff of this organization into the future.”

Gohlich’s contract will come back at a future Beverly Hills City Council meeting for formal approval. He will assume duties as on July 4, 2026.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Wednesday, July 30, the city of Malibu announced that Ronda Perez was appointed as the new City Manager. The Malibu City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Perez as Malibu’s City Manager, effective August 25. She brings close to two decades of experience in the public sector.

Before joining the city of Malibu, Ronda served as City Manager of Palmdale and Assistant City Manager of Lancaster, where she secured state and federal infrastructure funding, expanded parks and recreation programs, spearheaded securing state approval for Caltrans to surrender local ownership and control of a stretch of state highway running through Palmdale, and led efforts to revitalize downtown districts.

“I am honored and excited to join the Malibu team,” said Perez. “Malibu is a unique and extraordinary community, and I look forward to drawing on my experience to support its recovery and guide purposeful, resilient redevelopment, while remaining ever mindful of the Vision and Mission of Malibu to protect and preserve its fragile nature and rural character. It’s a privilege to be offered the opportunity to lead Malibu’s talented team of city staff, and I am committed to helping Malibu rebuild stronger, safer, and with a clear vision for the future.”

Perez is an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager and holds a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, along with a leadership certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

The City Council’s approval of the employment contract for Ronda Perez will be placed on the agenda for the next Regular Meeting of the City Council, which is scheduled for Monday, August 11, commencing at 5:30 p.m. Meeting details will be posted in advance at www.MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter.

Interim City Manager Candace Bond was appointed May 13 and brought needed leadership at an urgent time of fire recovery, and her terms ends when Perez starts her role as City Manager.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, May 23, the city of Santa Monica announced that Oliver Chi was selected as the new City Manager by the Santa Monica City Council after a nationwide search.

Chi is from Irvine, where he has served as city manager since 2021. He has held leadership roles in the cities of Huntington Beach, Monrovia, Rosemead and Barstow.

He is taking over the position from Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek, who served after former City Manager David White resigned in February 2025.

“We are thrilled to welcome Oliver Chi to Santa Monica,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “He has the talent, skills and vision to address the city’s most pressing needs and lead us into the future. His inclusive, people-focused leadership style and ability to unify teams will be key to our continued success as a vibrant, sustainable and equitable city.”

During his tenure as City Manager of Irvine, Chi established the landmark $1.2 billion, 300-acre Great Park expansion project, implementing groundbreaking housing initiatives under the Irvine Cares program, creating a city-led land development process to establish the $600 million Gateway Village project.

As the City Manager of Santa Monica, Chi will oversee a total city budget of $789.9 million and a workforce of more than 2,000 employees.

“I am overwhelmingly humbled and so exceptionally grateful for this opportunity to serve a city as dynamic and iconic as Santa Monica,” said Chi. “To have this opportunity to join the city organization – which has an unmatched legacy of civic innovation and an authentic commitment to core progressive human values that truly matter – is just an absolute honor, and I am so looking forward to collaborating with the City Council, the city staff, and the community to help shape and deliver a thriving future for all of Santa Monica.”

He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Chi is slated to officially join the city of Santa Monica on July 14 with an annual salary of $410,604. The Santa Monica City Council is set to formally approve his contract at its May 27 meeting.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, May 19, West Hollywood City Manager David Wilson announced his retirement during the regular meeting of the City Council. He will retire in early 2026 with more than 26 years of dedicated service to the West Hollywood community.

According to a news release from the city’s website, Wilson started his tenure as City Manager in West Hollywood in July 2021. During his time in the role, he helped guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery, ensuring continuity of services while prioritizing public health and safety. He led efforts helping the city’s financial position, putting West Hollywood in a solid fiscal position for future investments.

Before becoming City Manager, Wilson served as Assistant City Manager from 2018 to 2021. He served as West Hollywood’s City’s Director of Finance and Technology Services, overseeing General Accounting, Revenue Management, and Information Technology, as well as acting as the City Treasurer and Risk Manager. He also served in various other roles for West Hollywood including Budget and Compensation Manager, Senior Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Department, and Project Development Administrator for the City’s redevelopment and housing functions.

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy of Industrial Societies from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in Planning from the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California.

He holds management certificates from Harvard University’s Leadership Decision Making Program, the International City/County Management Association’s Leadership ICMA Program, and the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute.

West Hollywood’s City Attorney’s Office and Human Resources Division will lead the recruitment process for the next City Manager, that will be chosen by the West Hollywood City Council.

For more details contact Christine Safriet, West Hollywood Assistant to the City Manager, at (323) 848-6467 or at csafriet@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Dann Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Friday, May 16 that City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey is retiring after 35 years. She will retire in June 2026.

“As the first female City Manager in the history of Beverly Hills, Nancy leaves a legacy of respected leadership, superior institutional knowledge and humility,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “On behalf of the City Council and our entire community, we thank Nancy for her tireless dedication to making Beverly Hills a better place and wish her and her family the very best in the years ahead.”

Hunt-Coffey was hired after her stint with the city of Glendale in 2008 as Assistant Director of Community Services. She became the Director in 2016 leading Beverly Hills’ Recreation and Parks, Library, Human Services and Administrative Support divisions.

In 2019, she was appointed Assistant City Manager before being named City Manager in 2023.

“Watching Nancy ascend to the highest levels of leadership within our organization has been a pleasure to witness,” added Mayor Nazarian.

“I would like to thank the Mayor, City Council, our devoted City staff and this incredible community for allowing me the privilege to serve for all these years,” said Hunt-Coffey. “It’s been an honor to represent you, and I will always cherish my time in Beverly Hills.”

The Beverly Hills City Council is expected to discuss selecting a new City Manager at an upcoming meeting.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, May 13, the city of Malibu announced that Acting City Manager Joseph Toney announced his resignation, effective May 22, 2025.

“This decision comes after much deliberation and reflection,” said Joseph Toney.

“It has truly been an honor and privilege to help lead and work next to such a dedicated team of staff, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve our community over the last three years. The staff are some of the most professional and committed I have ever served with. We have accomplished a lot and faced unspeakable challenges with the recent disasters. The resilience and commitment of the team have been nothing short of inspiring, and I am proud of all we’ve achieved in the face of adversity. The Council has an opportunity to shape a new direction with the next City Manager. I support their efforts and will ensure a smooth transition,” Toney added.

His accomplishments include:

-Passage of a half-cent sales tax generating over $4 million annually
-Enhanced school safety
-Overhauled Development Services
-Created a Code of Conduct
-Upgraded recruitment, cybersecurity, and IT
-Strengthened the City’s investments, beating Treasury benchmarks
-Stabilized the Planning Department while serving as Acting Director

“Joe has been a steady hand and proven leader through some of the most challenging times in our City’s history. We thank him for his service and wish him continued success,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins.

The city announced the appointment of Ambassador Candace Bond as Interim City Manager. Bond has lived in Malibu for 30 years.

“This is a labor of love,” Bond said. “Malibu is home. I raised my children here. I want to use every bit of experience I’ve gained in public life to help this city recover and move forward with resilience, vision, and care.”

Bond is a Harvard College and Harvard Business School graduate, former U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and recipient of multiple national and international honors for diplomacy and leadership.

“Ambassador Bond brings the heart of a neighbor and the skills of a world-class leader. We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber stepping into this role during such a critical moment,” said Mayor Riggins.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On January 22, the city of Santa Monica announced that The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday announced that Elaine Polachek will serve as interim city manager, replacing outgoing City Manager David White during the national recruitment for a permanent appointment.

Polachek previously served the city in various roles for nearly two decades, most recently as Assistant City Manager from 2010-2017.

White announced his departure in December 2024, following more than three years with the city. The Santa Monica City Council also directed staff to immediately begin a national recruitment for a permanent city manager.

“On behalf of the City Council I want to express my gratitude to David for his leadership and service to the community, particularly as we faced regional impacts from the devastating Palisades Fire in his final weeks at the helm, and we wish him the best in his new endeavor,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “Elaine will provide much-needed stability and a wealth of knowledge of Santa Monica, allowing staff to continue important work to serve residents, businesses and visitors as we proceed with recruitment.”

Polachek first joined the city in 2000 as open space manager. She served as director of the Department of Community Maintenance, deputy city manager, interim city manager and then assistant city manager/chief operating officer. After leaving the city, she was interim executive vice president at Santa Monica College for two years before starting her own government, community and legislative affairs consulting firm, Kings Road Consulting, in 2020.

“Having spent almost 28 years in Santa Monica, I am fortunate to have worked with many of the talented staff who serve this city and I am excited to return to serve as interim city manager during the formal recruitment process to fill the position,” Polachek said. “My commitment is to continue to support Santa Monica as the region recovers from the terrible fires and address the needs of the community. I am confident that together we can make progress in achieving the goals of the council and community.”

Polachek spent 10 years as the operations manager for the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation and served as executive director of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and vice president of marketing for the Pacific Design Center.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Pending final approval of her contract by the Santa Monica City Council, Polachek will join the city effective Monday, February 3 to assist with the transition ahead of White’s departure and will begin as full-time city manager starting February 21, with a salary of $197.41 per hour.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The City of Malibu announced on July 10, that Alexis Brown will be the city’s new Deputy City Manager. She’ll serve at the direction of the city manager and assistant city manager.

Brown served a similar role in Imperial where she worked as assistant city manager. She oversaw eight departments while serving Imperial. Before her position as city manager, she worked in several roles at the city of nearly 15,000: as a management analyst, public information officer and executive assistant to the city manager.

City officials praised what was called Brown’s collaborative nature and communication skills, as well as her track record as a problem solver and developer of strategic vision.

“Malibu welcomes Alexis Brown as the new deputy city manager, and we are excited to have her available to serve our community,” Mayor Bruce Silverstein said in a release. “Alexis has an impressive and varied background, with valuable experience working in relevant roles in local government and serving the residents.”

Brown was named among the “Top 20 Leaders Under 40 in Imperial County” by Valley Women’s Magazine in 2022. She also held the following positions in her career: director of marketing and special events for the Imperial & Brawley Chamber of Commerce and business development specialist for the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation.

“I am excited to serve the Malibu community in my new role,” Brown said. “I am looking forward to working with city leadership and staff, and building relationships with all stakeholders.”

Deputy city manager roles include, among others, planning, managing and providing administrative direction and oversight for all activities and operations of the City of Malibu; coordinating assigned activities with City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fostering cooperative working relationships among City departments and various community and regulatory agencies; providing highly responsible and complex administrative assistance to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Council in coordinating and directing City-wide departmental activities and operations; serving as acting City Manager in the City Manager’s and Assistant City Manager’s absence.

By Christianne