Palmdale City Manager Dave Childs has announced his retirement, saying he and his wife have decided to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. His departure, effective June 18, will conclude an impressive 48-year career in public service.
“There will always be a piece of my heart left behind here in this community and in this organization. But now is the time that great hope and great sadness converge—sadness as I leave a wonderful and thriving City organization and hope as I look forward to the golden years of retirement,” Childs said in a statement.
Mayor Jim Ledford called Childs an outstanding manager who guided the city through tough times. “We will miss his leadership for sure, but we are extremely happy for him and his wife Barb and wish them all the best in retirement,” Ledford added.
Childs has served as city manager since 2012. He previously held key positions in parts of Nevada, Arizona, and several cities in Minnesota, as well as South Lake Tahoe. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from Minnesota State University and attended the Harvard Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the JFK School of Government. From 2010 to 2011, he served as President of the International City/County Management Association and currently serves as an ICMA liaison to several states.
Read more about Childs’ announcement here.