City Manager Pat West today announced a significant number of changes in City Manager Departments, filling key management positions and streamlining operations and services.
“By filling these key positions, we are promoting some of the best and brightest who understand the need to work across Department lines to achieve common goals,” Mr. West said.
The appointments are:
Suzanne Frick, currently Director of Planning and Building, will become Assistant City Manager. Her impressive background and exemplary management skills will be used to help lead the City of Long Beach. Ms. Frick is replacing Christine Shippey, who is leaving to assume a similar position with the City of San Jose. The Assistant City Manager position requires City Council confirmation.
Redevelopment Bureau Manager Craig Beck will become Director of Planning and Building. In addition, the Redevelopment Bureau will be moved from the Community Development Department to the Planning and Building Department. The development community has long had to work with both departments on the same project and this will streamline the process on projects large and small. Mr. Beck has 21 years experience with the City, and his father is former Long Beach Fire Chief Anthon “Skip” Beck.
Acting Community Development Director Michael Conway will take the helm of the Public Works Department as its new Director, replacing Christine Andersen, who was recently named Airport Director. Mr. Conway was previously Manager of the Property Services Bureau, which provides a full spectrum of professional real estate services for our City, with a special emphasis on City-owned property His background negotiating complex development agreements on behalf of the City will serve Mr. Conway well in his new position.
Neighborhood Services Bureau Manager Dennis Thys has been selected to become Community Development Director, replacing Mr. West, who recently took the reins as City Manager. Mr. Thys, a 28-year City employee, oversees programs and services that are designed to improve Long Beach neighborhoods, including code enforcement and the Neighborhood Resource Center.
Acting Finance Director, Lori Ann Farrell, will lose her “acting” title and become Finance Director, replacing Michael Killebrew, who has left for a similar position in the City of Dana Point. The Finance Director administers the City’s financial affairs, managing the City’s revenues, expenditures, investments, purchasing, accounting, budgeting and debt. Her previous experience in the Finance arena for the City of New York has already provided several benefits for the City of Long Beach.
“I applaud City Manager Patrick West for the excellent decisions he has made and I expect that this group of talented individuals will excel in these key leadership positions,” said Mayor Bob Foster.
All directors report to the City Manager. The new positions are expected to be effective within the next few weeks.