Tag: Director of Community Development

SANTA MONICA—On January 22, the city of Santa Monica announced that City Manager David White announced that Arminé Chaparyan has been appointed as director of the Community Development Department.

Chaparyan takes the helm from Planning Manager Jing Yeo, who has served as interim director since December 31, following longtime Director David Martin’s retirement announcement in September.

“I want to express my gratitude to Jing for stepping up to lead the department in the interim role, particularly amid the local and regional impacts from the Palisades Fire emergency,” White said. “Arminé has a wealth of experience and I know she will bring tremendous knowledge and insight to the role to benefit our residents, businesses and visitors.”

Chaparyan has more than two decades of experience in local government, most recently serving as city manager for South Pasadena. She previously served as assistant city manager/community development director for the city of San Gabriel and as redevelopment and community preservation manager/city clerk for the city of Santa Clarita.

“Having grown up in Southern California and gone to school in the area, Santa Monica was always a dream city. I am honored to be selected for this position and look forward to bringing my skills and energy to be a part of such a dynamic team,” said Chaparyan. “The department has an excellent reputation and I look forward to working closely with staff, the executive team, management and City Council to continue all the great work we’ve got laid out for us.”

She holds bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. She will join the city effective February 3, with an annual salary of $273,384.

By Trevor

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

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, September 19, the city of Santa Monica Manager David White announced that in December, Director of Community Development David Martin will be retiring.

Martin has been a resident of the city since 1988 and a native of Southern California. He has served the city for 29 years.

“David has been an integral member of our city leadership team, playing a critical role in shaping the Santa Monica we know today. His contributions will continue to benefit our city for decades to come,” said City Manager White. “He will be difficult to replace, but I wish him well in a much-deserved retirement.”

According to a press release from the city’s website, Martin first joined Santa Monica in 1987 as an assistant planner, promoting to senior planner before leaving to work in the private sector in 1999. After 10 years away, Martin returned to Santa Monica in 2009 as deputy director of what was formerly known as the Planning and Community Development Department.

He was appointed director of the Planning and Community Development Department in 2011. While working 13 years heading the department, he helped Santa Monica navigate evolving land use and transportation trends, including the emphasis on mixed-use housing development in the city’s commercial districts and the introduction of alternative forms of transportation.

He led the implementation of many critical projects and initiatives for the city, including:

-Implementation of the 2010 Land Use and Circulation Element, including the Zoning Ordinance, the Bergamot Area Plan and the Downtown Community Plan.

-Development agreements with significant community benefits for two major hotel projects on Ocean Avenue: the reimagining of the Miramar and a hotel designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry.

-Planning and opening of the city’s three Metro Expo Line stations and design of the Colorado Esplanade.

Leading the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin played a key role in furthering economic development and recovery, making it easier for businesses to open and succeed in Santa Monica.

“Santa Monica is a special place, and I am grateful to have been able to contribute to the ongoing success of this incredible city for nearly three decades,” said Martin. “I’ve loved working for the city, and I look forward to seeing it continue to evolve and thrive as a resident.”

Martin will remain in his position through the end of 2024, while the city conducts a recruitment for his successor.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that Timothea Tway, the Director of Community Development accepted the same role in the city of San Luis Obispo starting June 19.

“I am deeply grateful for my 11 years in Beverly Hills and will truly miss the people I work with and the community members I have come to know so well,” said Tway.  “As a San Luis Obispo native with family still living in that City, this is a rare and special opportunity that my husband and I believe is the right decision for our young family. I would like to thank the members of the Beverly Hills City Council and City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey for the opportunity to serve as Director.”

Tway started working in Beverly Hills in 2012 as an Assistant Planner and later served as Associate Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner, and City Planner before being named Director in 2022.

According to a press release, the city of Beverly Hills will announce the process of choosing a new Director of Community Development in the coming weeks.