What inspired you to enter city management?
I have always been drawn to public service and the belief that government can make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives. While I was initially motivated by leadership and problem-solving, I found the work most fulfilling when it was clearly connected to community impact.
Local government is where decisions most directly affect residents, often in ways people may not immediately see but feel every day through the services, programs and public spaces a city provides. City management brings together leadership, strategy and service in a very tangible way, allowing me to partner with the city council to shape a clear vision and translate it into action.
Building strong teams, mentoring future leaders and creating an environment where staff can do their best work, combined with the ability to make a lasting community impact, is what inspired me to pursue and remain in city management.
How did you become a city manager?
My path to becoming a city manager was not linear, but it was very intentional. I started my career in local government in entry-level positions as a project manager and early on learned the value of being present, asking questions and stepping into opportunities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I actively pursued assignments outside my formal role, volunteering for complex, multi-departmental projects that expanded my perspective and strengthened my understanding of how the organization functions. Each experience deepened my understanding of how cities operate and reinforced my commitment to professional local government.
I was fortunate to work with leaders who challenged me, entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and invested in my professional growth while helping me develop the skills and judgment required in this profession. Their mentorship opened doors and gave me the confidence to pursue increasingly complex leadership roles. Becoming a city manager ultimately felt like the natural culmination of those experiences — where my operational background, strategic mindset and commitment to public service come together in service to a community.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most about serving as city manager is the opportunity to make a meaningful, tangible difference in people’s daily lives. Local government directly shapes a community’s quality of life and whether improving public safety, strengthening infrastructure or ensuring responsive services, the impact of the work is real and motivating. I value shaping not only outcomes, but also an organizational culture that reflects Vacaville’s values and commitment to service. I am especially energized by working with the city council and staff to create alignment, clarity and momentum. I also thrive on the variety and complexity of the role, balancing strategic thinking with practical problem-solving, developing people, strengthening systems and positioning the city for long-term success is what makes the role both challenging and fulfilling.
What role does a city manager play in local government, and how does it differ from that of a council member or mayor?
The city manager serves as the professional chief executive, responsible for implementing the policy direction set by the city council. While the mayor and council establish priorities and policy, the city manager provides professional analysis, recommendations and operational leadership to carry them out.
This form of government is most effective when roles are clear and relationships are built on trust and communication. The city manager’s role is professional, not politically focused, on implementation, organizational leadership and operational excellence. When the council–manager partnership is strong, it results in better decisions, a stronger organization and outcomes that reflect the community’s values.
What does your typical day look like?
There is rarely a “typical” day as a city manager and that is one of the aspects of the role I value most. My days are a balance of strategic planning, problem-solving and relationship-building. I start early with focused time to prepare for the day and often end late, ensuring I am responsive to the city council, department directors, staff and community members. Much of my time is spent coordinating with senior leadership, working through policy and operational issues, preparing for council meetings and helping anticipate challenges before they become crises. The ability to shift quickly between big picture priorities and immediate needs is essential to the role.
I see my role as an advocate and champion for the organization— supporting staff, highlighting their accomplishments and ensuring the council has clear, timely information to make informed decisions. I also value opportunities to engage with the community, whether celebrating capital improvements or listening to concerns and ideas. While the work is demanding, I make a conscious effort to be present for my family, which helps keep me grounded and reinforces the responsibility we have as leaders to serve with perspective, empathy and purpose.
What city project are you most proud of?
One of the projects I am most proud of is delivering mission-critical infrastructure that supports public safety and essential services. During my earlier service with the city of Vacaville from 2003 to 2015, I served as one of the project managers, alongside staff from multiple departments, on the development of a new Public Safety Facility. That work was particularly meaningful given its long-term impact on emergency response, employee safety and community trust. Advancing critical water treatment plant improvements during that time also ensured the city’s ability to provide safe, reliable water while meeting evolving regulatory requirements. These projects required strong cross-department collaboration, creative problem solving and careful fiscal stewardship, reinforcing the importance of investing in infrastructure that protects both residents and the organization.
Equally important is the work currently underway to strengthen how the city operates and plans for the future. I am focused on improving the development review and permitting process to be more efficient, transparent and customer-focused, while leading the creation of a citywide strategic plan to align city council priorities, organizational goals and resource allocation. While less visible than major capital projects, these efforts are foundational to building a responsive, accountable organization and positioning Vacaville for long-term success.
What are the greatest challenges facing city managers in the state today?
City managers in California are navigating an increasingly complex environment where challenges such as homelessness, housing mandates, climate resilience and aging infrastructure converge at the local level — often amid unfunded or rapidly changing state requirements. At the same time, traditional revenue sources are becoming less predictable, even as community expectations for high-quality services continue to rise.
Heightened public scrutiny and a rapidly evolving communications landscape further complicate the role, requiring city managers to balance transparency, professionalism and organizational stability. These challenges underscore the importance of thoughtful leadership, strong council partnerships and a steady commitment to the public interest.
When and how do you interact with the residents of your city?
I believe meaningful engagement with residents should be consistent and intentional. I prioritize being present in the community through city events, civic and service club meetings, neighborhood gatherings and direct accessibility to residents. Informal conversations often provide valuable insights that do not always surface in formal settings.
Regular communication through tools such as a monthly newsletter, public presentations and engagement with community organizations helps ensure residents feel informed and included. Timely follow through on inquiries builds trust and helps ensure city decisions reflect community priorities, reinforce accountability and strengthen Vacaville’s quality of life.
What is the role of a city manager in upholding the public’s trust in local government?
The city manager plays a central role in upholding the public’s trust by serving as the professional link between the city council’s policy direction and the day-to-day operations of the organization. This requires aligning all work with the council’s vision while ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making.
Trust is built over time through consistent actions, particularly when decisions are complex or unpopular. By establishing clear processes and open communication, the city manager helps ensure the public is informed, heard and confident that the city is well run.When a city operates predictably and acts in good faith, confidence in local government grows — even when there is disagreement with the outcome.
How are cities shaping the future of California?
Cities are where California’s most complex challenges move from policy debates to action. As the level of government closest to residents, cities like Vacaville address housing affordability, infrastructure investment, economic development and community safety. Successful local solutions often become models for other communities, amplifying their impact well beyond city boundaries and helping shape the future of the state as a whole.
What inspires me most is the innovation happening at the local level. With limited resources and high expectations, cities are finding creative ways to adapt, collaborate and improve quality of life for their residents. The pandemic, in particular, reshaped how we think about our built environment, service delivery and community connection. Ultimately, California’s future will be shaped not by broad policy statements alone, but by the cumulative impact of thoughtful local decisions made in cities like Vacaville. That responsibility is one I take seriously and find deeply motivating.
