What inspired you to enter city management?
I was drawn to the idea of using my finance skills to make a meaningful difference in my community and to see the tangible results of mywork. One of my favorite examples was helping oversee a voter-approved general obligation bond to construct a new library. I worked closely with the bond oversight committee and had the privilege of watching the library come to life. Being able to later take my own children there made the experience especially rewarding.
How did you become a city manager?
I began my professional career in public accounting as an auditor and earned my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. I then worked in the private sector, focusing on Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and Financial Planning and Analysis for a Fortune 500 company. In 2006, I came across a newspaper advertisement for the assistant finance director position with the city of Gilroy. I applied and was hired, and within six months, the finance director and I proposed a pilot program to share the finance director role. The city administrator agreed, and what began as a pilot evolved into a long-term arrangement. It provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about local government while also spending more time with my family, as my children were toddlers at the time. After nearly ten years with Gilroy, I joined the city of Morgan Hill as assistant city manager for administrative services. About a year and a half later, I was honored to be appointed city manager.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love people. Whether it is helping someone with a simple task, making connections, or simply being a positive presence in someone’s life, serving others brings me great joy. I especially enjoy motivating my team and creating a culture of optimism and encouragement. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is mentoring others, both formally through leadership programs and informally through everyday interactions. One of my favorite examples is a conference attendee who reached out after hearing me speak and asked if I would discuss her career with her. We met for frozen yogurt, and years later we keep in touch and meet periodically. Those relationships are incredibly meaningful to me.
What role does a city manager play in local government, and how does it differ from that of a council member or mayor?
City councils and mayors establish the community’s vision and set policy, and city managers are responsible for implementing that vision. We oversee the day-to-day operations of the city, provide essential services to the community and bring recommendations to the city council to help address opportunities and challenges. It is a unique partnership, and I believe local government works best when elected officials and staff work collaboratively in service to the community.
What does your typical day look like?
My number one goal is to serve and lead with love. Those words are written on my whiteboard, and they guide how I approach each day. One of the things I love most about being a city manager is the incredible variety. In a single day, I might meet with the police department to discuss a significant case, help a resident who has been repeatedly awakened by construction noise and then attend a ribbon cutting for a new local business. It’s a role that requires balancing strategic priorities with immediate community needs, often within the same hour. Every interaction is an opportunity to serve our community and make a positive difference.
What city project are you most proud of?
During my first year as city manager, we opened three new parks in our downtown, creating vibrant gathering spaces for the community. I am also incredibly proud that we are nearing completion of a flood control project that has been discussed for nearly 70 years. Seeing a long-awaited project finally become a reality and provide lasting benefits for future generations is very rewarding.
What are the greatest challenges facing city managers in the state today?
One challenge is that social media has amplified criticism and, unfortunately, sometimes directed negativity toward public employees. Maintaining a healthy organizational culture and supporting our employees are priorities for me, and online hostility can have a real impact. Another significant challenge is keeping pace with increasing state mandates related to housing, environmental regulations and other issues while balancing limited financial resources. City managers are continually being asked to do more with less.
When and how do you interact with the residents of your city?
I live and work in the community I serve, so I interact with residents in many settings — from the grocery store and neighborhood walks to community events and local businesses. I regularly participate in town halls and Coffee with the Mayor events, as well as attend our Farmers Market and local theater productions. I also enjoy visiting the Senior Center and speaking at our youth leadership camp. Those interactions help me stay connected to the people we serve and better understand their perspectives and priorities.
What is the role of a city manager in upholding the public’s trust in local government?
City managers play a critical role in building and maintaining public trust. We do that by communicating openly, sharing timely information and delivering high-quality services with excellent customer service. Trust is also strengthened when we move beyond simply informing residents and instead engage with them, listen to their concerns and ideas and incorporate their input whenever possible. At its core, local government is about relationships, and trust is earned through responsiveness, transparency, accountability and integrity.
How are cities shaping the future of California?
Cities play an essential role in creating communities where people feel safe, connected and able to thrive. Local governments are often where innovation happens because we are closest to the people we serve. In Morgan Hill, for example, we received an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) grant focused on economic mobility, which led to the creation of the Elevate Morgan Hill initiative. Through that effort, we are working to expand opportunities related to housing, jobs and belonging. By addressing these issues at the local level, cities are helping shape a stronger and more resilient future for California.
