What inspired you to enter city management?
Leading the Clovis management team as city manager is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility, especially knowing how deeply city management impacts the quality of life for residents — few professions carry that kind of influence. After nearly 20 years with the city of Clovis, I’ve grown deeply invested in this community I proudly call home. Clovis has always set a high standard, providing an exceptional environment for families, and I’m driven by the opportunity to build on that legacy. My love for this town and commitment to its continued success inspire me to lead our team in maintaining — and elevating — what makes Clovis such a great place to live.
How did you become an assistant city manager?
I went through a traditional recruitment here at the city of Clovis. I was the assistant city manager for three years prior and the city’s long-time economic development director before that.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
Working with the city’s executive team — they really are an exceptional group of people that care deeply for Clovis — and engaging with residents and business owners, many of whom I have long-time relationships with in our community, are things I really enjoy and value.
What role does a city manager play in local government, and how do you feel it differs from that of a council member or mayor?
I am the day-to-day implementer of the Council’s direction/policy. I have the joy of working to see a vision come true on the daily.
What does your typical day look like?
Lots of communication efforts, including meetings to provide guidance to the executive team and meetings with members of the public, along with reading to stay up on current public policy issues and current affairs/economics.
What city project are you most proud of?
I am most proud of all of the businesses we have been able to support in Clovis. Through many small programs and efforts the city has been able to aggressively add jobs over the past decade. This has included major medical expansion, manufacturing, small professional firms, retail and governmental agencies. Though this we diversified the employment base to help the community be more resilient to economic shocks.
What are the greatest challenges facing city managers in the state today?
Volatility. Everyday there is a new issue that is pushing or pulling a city. This is on the financial and the political front. Balancing these issues with a steady hand to “stay the course” and focus on the vision laid out by City Council is critical.
When and how do you interact with the residents of your city?
My favorite way is a cup of coffee. We hold sessions where you can get a cup of coffee with our leadership team fairly often. The conversations are great and the relationships and trust being built is special.
What is the role of a city manager in upholding the public’s trust in local government?
Always speaking the truth and being transparent are requirements of the role in my opinion. When residents can see their government it builds trust. The city manager’s role is to ensure this is the case on a daily basis.
How are cities shaping the future of California?
Cities are where creative ideas come from to address the collective challenges we all have. From growing jobs, addressing housing issues, water shortages, you name it. A strong community with engaged residents will create solutions that will address state-wide issues.
How has being awarded the Executive Education Grant helped better your skills in the city management profession?
The education I received at the Stanford program was a huge boost to helping me thinking through public policy issues from many different facets. I am deeply grateful for the support and if not for the scholarship I would not be performing at the level I am today.