St. Helena has selected Richmond’s Deputy City Manager Anil Comelo as its next chief administrator. The city council is expected to approve a three-year contract with Comelo to succeed Mark Prestwich as city manager. Retired City Manager Jim McCann has held the interim post since April.
“Mr. Comelo is a seasoned veteran in Bay Area municipal services, with significant hands-on experience in budgeting and financial management, organizational development and strategic planning,” according to a press release. “He also brings a strong foundation in Human Resources management and community engagement and communications. Over the course of his 25 year career in public service, Comelo has worked with agencies including the Cities of Beverly Hills, Oakland and San Rafael. He presently serves as the Deputy City Manager with the City of Richmond.”
Comelo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Masters of Public Administrations in Public Policy and Organizational Change from California State University, East Bay.
“Mr. Comelo was the City Council's unanimous choice and brings both a broad administrative skill set and community sensitivity that will complement and further the work done under the Council, Mark Prestwich and Jim McCann to strengthen the City's administrative infrastructure and enhance responsiveness in local governance,” Mayor Geoff Ellsworth said.
Comelo stated he was “thrilled to be joining the St. Helena team” and “looking forward to methodically tackling long-range projects, and ensuring progress on Council priorities, while working to preserve the lifestyle enjoyed by residents.”
He starts on July 26.