Santa Monica has tapped a familiar face to serve as interim city manager while local leaders search for a permanent executive. Elaine Polachek was named to the post Tuesday in anticipation of City Manager David White’s departure next month.
Polachek’s work for the city goes back 25 years. She began as an open space manager in 2000. She then served as director of the Department of Community Maintenance, deputy city manager, interim city manager and assistant city manager/chief operating officer. From 2017 to 2020, she served as interim executive vice president at Santa Monica College. In 2020, she launched her own consulting firm.
“Having spent almost 28 years in Santa Monica, I am fortunate to have worked with many of the talented staff who serve this city and I am excited to return to serve as interim city manager during the formal recruitment process to fill the position,” Polachek said in a statement. “My commitment is to continue to support Santa Monica as the region recovers from the terrible fires and address the needs of the community. I am confident that together we can make progress in achieving the goals of the council and community.”
Polachek’s contract still needs to be approved. It would compensate her at $197.41 per hour.