More than a decade after her controversial departure, former Morro Bay City Manager Andrea Lueker is back at the helm. Lueker was appointed interim city manager on Thursday, July 10. The vote was 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Cyndee Edwards dissenting.
The appointment came two weeks after the dismissal of Yvonne Kimball, who had managed the city for less than two years. The reasons for Kimball’s termination have not been made public.
The circumstances surrounding Lueker’s original departure are also unclear. She served as city manager from 2007 to 2013, but stepped down after a newly seated city council—led by former Mayor Jamie Irons and two other members—moved to remove both her and then City Attorney Rob Schultz. The shake-up sparked a recall effort against Irons.
Lueker brings decades of experience to City Hall. Before her tenure as city manager, she served as Morro Bay’s Recreation and Parks Director and as Assistant City Manager. Since leaving the city, she has worked as Executive Director of the Morro Bay Community Quota Fund and as Harbor Manager for the Port San Luis Harbor District.
“On behalf of myself and the Morro Bay City Council, we warmly welcome Andrea Lueker as our Interim City Manager,” Mayor Carla Wixom said in a press release. “Her leadership and experience will be instrumental in guiding our community during this pivotal time.”
Lueker will serve in the interim role while Morro Bay conducts a search for a permanent city manager.