Fortuna City Manager Merritt Perry is headed to another Humboldt County city. Perry is taking the same job in Arcata on August 19th, succeeding longtime City Manager Karen Diemer.
Perry has managed Fortuna since 2018. He was previously interim city manager and public works director/city engineer.
“Merritt comes with a great background and a great track record,” said Mayor Meredith Matthews in a press release. “He already has strong relationships in Arcata, graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt’s school engineering program, working on many Arcata projects including The Humboldt Bay Trail North, and having raised his family in Arcata schools. I couldn’t be happier to know that our new City Manager is one with great experience who already has a genuine appreciation for connection to our community.”
“I’m very excited to get started in Arcata and am grateful for the City Council’s confidence in my ability to serve as City Manager,” said Perry. “Exciting things are happening in Arcata, and I look forward to working with the residents, businesses and staff to build on the momentum underway set through the City Council’s vision for the future”.
City Manager Karen Diemer is retiring after 28 years with the city, including the past nine as city manager.