Chula Vista City Council Unanimously Appoints New City Manager

CHULA VISTA, Calif., May 8 -- The city of Chula Vista issued the following news release:

The Chula Vista City Council unanimously appointed Assistant City Manager Gary Halbert to the position of city manager in a closed session meeting following the Tuesday, May 6 council meeting. Halbert will take over for current City Manager Jim Sandoval who will retire on June 30, 2014. The terms of Halbert's contract have not yet been finalized.

"Chula Vista is an outstanding community with many of the greatest development opportunities within the San Diego region and throughout California," said Halbert. "I'm honored by the council's confidence in me and look forward to working together with our incredible employees to continue to improve top quality services for residents and moving ahead with our most promising projects."

"The council's decision was the best for Chula Vista," said Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox. "Gary has the respect of city employees, the residents he works with and those who do business with the city. He has the expertise to improve upon what has been a period of sound financial planning and forward thinking."

Halbert came to the City of Chula Vista in 2008 as its Development Services Director. He is a certified planner and licensed engineer with over 30 years of experience in local government. After starting his career as an engineer in traffic operations for the city of San Diego, Halbert has since held management positions in city planning, transportation engineering and development services.

Halbert holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Science from the University of California at San Diego and a Masters in Public Administration from San Diego State University.

"We are fortunate to have such a widely respected and well qualified person within our own organization to assume this leadership role without missing a beat," said Councilmember Pamela Bensoussan. "Gary said he fell in love with Chula Vista and I am confident he wants the best for its residents."

"I've always been impressed by his experience in planning and his knowledge of city operations," said Councilmember Rudy Ramirez. "I'm confident city staff will respond well to his leadership."

CC AutoTriage6yd-140509-30VitinMar-4730182