For the past several months, Chris Tavarez has been serving as Hanford’s interim city manager. On Monday, he assumed the permanent post.
Tavarez was left as the sole finalist for the city manager’s position after three other candidates withdrew from consideration. He replaces former city manager Mario Cifuentez II, who relocated to Arizona last year.
Tavarez came to work for Hanford five years ago, first serving as its finance director and then as deputy city manager. His career in government spans 25 years. He previously worked for Tulare and Kings counties, as well as the cities of Visalia and Exeter. He is a certified public accountant and auditor-appraiser with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fresno Pacific University.
“I look forward to leading the City’s exceptional staff as we deliver critical capital projects, foster business and residential development and maintain stability for the organization and the community we serve,” Tavarez said in a press release.
The release listed Tavarez’s accomplishments, including “rebuilding general fund reserves to safeguard services and infrastructure, securing state and national recognition for the City’s biennial budget, and leading the development and implementation of Measure H, the City’s first-ever district (sales) tax.”
Mayor Mark Kairis stated: “Mr. Tavarez has served the City of Hanford with dedication and distinction over the last five years. I am confident that he will continue moving our City forward in ways that will benefit the entire community. In this moment, our City deserves a principled, productive and practical leader, and we have one in Mr. Tavarez.”
A formal swearing-in ceremony for Tavarez will be held Thursday, February 5.