The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday will vote on whether to appoint Acting City Manager Tom Modica as the new city manager.

Modica would replace long-time City Manger Pat West, who retired in September after 12 years with the city.

In a joint statement on Friday, Mayor Robert Garcia and the nine-member City Council praised Modica for his commitment to Long Beach.

“After an extensive search, it became clear that Tom Modica is the right person to help lead this organization into the future. His command of the city budget, knowledge of city operations and his leadership during this COVID-19 health crisis has been exceptional. We know that Tom is committed to building a city that is innovative and inclusive of all its residents.”

The news comes as the city conducted a six-month, nationwide search for a new city manager. A critical position for a city, a city manager serves as the chef administrative officer, responsible for the overseeing city departments, the charter and Municipal Code, based on direction from the City Council.

Modica joined the city in 2002 as a management assistant and has served in several roles, including assistant city manager, government affairs manager and acting director of of Development Services.

He was appointed assistant city manager in 2014, and has led on issues including water quality improvements, financial planning and budgeting and coordination of housing policies.

Modica lives in Long Beach with his family.