The former deputy executive director for the Port of Los Angeles, Kathryn McDermott, has been appointed as the city’s interim director of Economic and Property Development, Long Beach City Manager Pat West announced today.
McDermott had most recently worked as a consultant for various ports, after leaving her position with the Port of Los Angeles in February of 2014.
“Kathryn has a proven track record of success, and she will be a great addition to our executive team,” said West in a statement. “She will work diligently to enable future investment and development opportunities that help to bolster our economy.”
“I’m very excited about this opportunity to be back with the City of Long Beach, and I’m looking forward to continuing the important work of strengthening our economy along with our neighborhoods,” said. McDermott in a statement.
McDermott, a Long Beach resident with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, will oversee the city’s focus on businesses in Long Beach, in addition to helping sell Redevelopment Agency parcels through the Long Range Property Management Plan.
McDermott’s hiring was effective today, replacing Mike Conway, who officially retired yesterday as the city’s director of Economic and Property Development.He had a long history of working for the city, also as the previous director of Public Works and as the acting director of Community Development for the city.
“Mike has done a tremendous job for the City of Long Beach, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication improving our entire community these past 14 years,” said Mr. West.
Ms. McDermott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She lives in Long Beach.