The Rancho Cordova City Council has chosen Chico City Manager Brian Nakamura as its next top administrator. Nakamura is replacing Ted Gaebler, who retired in February. Gaebler had served as city manager since Rancho Cordova’s incorporation in 2003.
Nakamura was chosen from a pool of 50 candidates. He has over two decades worth of public management experience, previously serving as city manager for the cities of Hemet, Banning, Reedley, Sutter Creek and Oregon City, Ore. He holds a master’s degree and doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
As Chico’s city manager, Nakamura oversaw a major restructuring effort aimed at closing a multimillion-dollar budget. As part of that effort, the city reduced its number of departments from 12 to 5 and instituted two rounds of layoffs.
"He's had an incredibly brutal and challenging two years," said Chico Council Member Mark Sorensen, adding that “he's done a fantastic job really transforming an organization."
Nakamura is expected to take over as Ranch Cordova’s city manager on July 1, pending final approval of his contract.
Read more about Nakamura’s appointment here.