News Summary
California municipalities are experiencing significant leadership changes as several city managers announce their retirements and resignations. New appointments have taken place in cities like Pleasant Hill, Gilroy, Malibu, and Stockton, aiming to maintain stability during these transitions. Important shifts are also occurring in Fountain Valley and Morro Bay. The state faces challenges highlighted by recent surveys reflecting ongoing professionalization and diversification in city management. Legal disputes and community feedback continue to shape the landscape of municipal leadership across California.
California Municipalities Welcome New City Managers Amid Resignations and Retirements
Multiple municipalities in California are undergoing transitions in leadership as several city managers retire or resign, prompting appointments of new city managers across various regions. This wave of changes comes as local governments seek to maintain stability during leadership shifts.
In Pleasant Hill, Ethan Bindernagel has been appointed as the new city manager, taking over from June Catalano, who retired on June 16, 2023. Bindernagel began his tenure with the Pleasant Hill city staff in 2021 and has extensive experience from his previous role in Walnut Creek, where he worked for 14 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in community planning from the University of Maryland.
Meanwhile, Gilroy is preparing for the interim city administrator role as Brad Kilger steps in following the retirement of Jimmy Forbis in July 2025. Kilger’s extensive background includes serving as city manager in diverse municipalities, such as Yucca Valley, Ceres, Benicia, and Martinez, and he has held interim positions in other cities, including South Lake Tahoe and Gustine.
In Malibu, Ronda Perez has been appointed as the new city manager, effective August 25. Perez is an ICMA Credentialed Manager with previous experience working in Palmdale and Lancaster. She earned her degrees from California State University, Long Beach, and the University of California, Irvine.
Stockton’s leadership is also shifting as Will Crew takes on the role of acting city manager following the departure of Steve Colangelo. Crew has been part of the Stockton city staff since May 2020 and was promoted to deputy city manager in January 2022.
Additionally, the city manager of Monterey, Hans J. Uslar, is set to retire in December 2025 after a long tenure that began in 1997. This retirement signals significant change for Monterey as the city prepares to search for his successor.
In other news, a tragic event has affected Fountain Valley, where Fire Chief Bill McQuaid passed away unexpectedly. He served the Fountain Valley Fire Department for 30 years and was appointed chief earlier this year in 2023.
Interim leadership changes continue in Morro Bay, where Andrea Lueker has been appointed as the interim city manager after the dismissal of Yvonne Kimball. Meanwhile, Benjamin A. Martinez has taken over as the new city manager for Calexico, relocating from San Diego to succeed interim City Manager Armando Orozco.
Redwood City has welcomed Tiarra Warner as the new director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. Warner brings valuable experience gained from various positions in California cities. In Vallejo, Assistant City Manager Nalungo Conley continues to face scrutiny over racially charged social media posts, although no action has been taken against her as of yet.
The California city management landscape is also evolving with various challenges and trends highlighted by the 2025 California City Manager Survey. This report illustrates ongoing professionalization as well as the increasing diversity within the city manager profession across the state.
In Costa Mesa, the former city manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison has filed a legal action, contesting her dismissal on May 6, stating violations by Mayor John Stephens. The situation reflects the complexities within municipal leadership transitions and accountability.
In the Central Valley, Daymon Qualls was sworn in as the city manager for Farmersville in April, having previously served positions in Exeter and Lindsay. Furthermore, Chula Vista recently appointed Tiffany Allen as city manager, effective October 3, 2025, succeeding retiring city manager Maria V. Kachadoorian.
Lastly, Vacaville City Council has selected Savita Chaudhary as the next city manager following a nationwide search, with her official start date set for June 30, 2025. This succession plan aims to ensure continuity as the community navigates these vital changes in leadership.
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Additional Resources
- Public CEO: CCMF Releases New Rose Institute Survey of California City Managers
- Wikipedia: City Manager
- Visalia Times Delta: Five Questions with Farmersville California City Manager Daymon Qualls
- Google Search: California City Managers
- Public CEO: CCMF Opens Application Period for 2025 New and Future City Managers Seminar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Government
- Public CEO: Chula Vista Names Tiffany Allen Its Next City Manager
- Google News: California City Management
- KAKE: California Consulting Firm Hired to Find Wichita’s Next City Manager
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
