The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Wes McClure Scholarship:

  • Bella Veloz – California State University, Fullerton
  • Dean Ballantyne – Biola University
  • Robert Fierro – University of Southern California

Wes McClure, for whom our annual scholarship was named, served as city manager of San Leandro for 28 years. He passed away at the age of 94 on December 20, 2009. Wes had many outstanding attributes, including an unparalleled ability to listen. His patience and skill in this regard contributed enormously to his successful career working with city councils and impacted CCMF directly during the formation of the foundation, in which Wes played an integral part.

This award was created in honor of Wes’ outstanding and significant contributions to the city manager’s department, League of California Cities, the state of California and the city management profession.

About Our 2025 Winners

Bella Veloz is a graduate student at California State University, Fullerton, currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in local government management. The Wes McClure scholarship will help fund her tuition as she continues preparing for a career in local government, with the long-term goal of becoming a city manager.

Dean Ballantyne is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the Crowell School of Business at Biola University in La Mirada. This scholarship funding will go towards the tuition for his final semester of the program this Fall and allow him to continue developing the skills to become a management analyst.

Robert Fierro currently attends the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy where he is entering his second and final year pursuing his Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Local Government Management, Graduate Certificate in City Management and Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management. The Wes McClure Scholarship will support Robert’s academic and professional development by providing the resources and recognition needed to strengthen his expertise in local government, helping him build the skills, network and credibility for a successful career as a city manager or public administrator.