City Manager Alex Mcintyre announces six new appointments.
by Richard Lieberman
Alex Mcintyre Ventura City Manager announced six new appointments to the executive staff. The appointments include assistant city manager, deputy city manager, community development director, finance and technology director, public works director, and Ventura water general manager.
This past January Alex McIntyre committed to complete the hiring of an executive team by June, the new hires will begin their roles next month. Filling these positions was part of the city council’s goal to strengthen and stabilize the executive team.
“These experienced managers stood out in their fields as leaders and professionals,” said McIntyre. “Their talent and, management skills will help the City achieve our current goals, focus on the future and emphasize excellent services to our residents,” he added.
These newly appointed managers will complete the City’s 12-member executive team.
The new executive team members include:
Community Development Director Peter Gilli. He has more than 20 years of experience serving as Deputy Director of Community Development, Acting Planning Manager, Zoning Administrator, and Senior Planner during his tenure with the cities of Thousand Oaks, Santa Maria, Mountain View, Cupertino, and San Jose. The Community Development Director oversees more than 42 employees who are responsible for planning and zoning, building and safety, code enforcement and housing and redevelopment.
Assistant City Manager Akbar Alikhan appointed to the position after a national search. He is a Ventura County native and recently worked as General Manager for Channel Island Beach Community Services District for two years, prior to that he worked with Raftelis Financial Consultants, where he provided financial planning and utility rate consulting services to agencies throughout the state.
Alikhan will oversee three City department operations including Community Development, Public Works and Ventura Water.
Deputy City Manager Barry Fisher will fill a newly created position of permanent Deputy City Manager. Mr. Fisher has served as the acting Assistant City Manager.
Fisher will oversee the offices of Economic Development, Safe & Clean, Communications, and Disaster Preparedness. He will also manage the City’s state and federal legislative programs.
Finance and Technology Director Michael Coon has served as City Manager of Richwood Texas for two years and Assistant to the City Manager in the city of Lake Jackson before that he started his career with the City of San Antonio, Texas Office of Management and budget.
Coon will be responsible for for the development and oversight of the City’s $301 million budget
Phillip Nelson has been appointed Public Works Director. He has more than 30 years of engineering services experience in the private and public sectors. During his tenure with the County of Ventura, he served as manager of facilities projects, director of facilities and engineering, director of engineering services and director of planning and facilities, among other assignments.
The Public Works Director oversees more than 90 employees who design, construct, inspect, improve and maintain the City’s infrastructure, including traffic lights, sidewalks, street lights, roadways, land development, solid waste, stormwater, and parking operations.
Susan Rungren has been promoted to Ventura Water general manager. She has been serving as interim general manager since January. Prior to that, she has served as Ventura Water Assistant General Manager.
Rungren will manage a staff of 108 full-time employees. She will oversee the water and wastewater operations, and work to meet long term water supplies.
Alex McIntyre “The past 18 months have been a turbulent time for the City,” said McIntyre. “These important changes in leadership will provide the necessary settling affect the city needs right now,” he added.
