The Cathedral City Council is set to sign a contract with Andrew Firestine on February 11, appointing him as city manager. Firestine would officially take the reins on February 12.
“The City Council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City," Mayor Raymond Gregory announced. "After evaluating candidates from across the country, it became clear that the best person for the job was already part of our team. Andy's experience, vision, and deep understanding of our community made him the clear choice."
Firestine is an experienced local government leader. He served as Assistant City Manager for Palm Desert and Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido before joining Cathedral City as Director of Community and Economic Development in September 2023. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and his Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and the International City/County Management Association.
Cathedral City’s last chief executive, Charlie McClendon, retired last September. Anne Ambrose has been serving as interim city manager since his departure.