But which one?
With the departure of City Manager Michael Beck, he will join UCLA as administrative vice chancellor, both of the current Assistant City Managers put their names into the hat for consideration for the interim top post.
Councilman Steve Madison said, “They both have great strengths and we need them both.” With the council ultimately choosing Steve Mermell over Julie Gutierrez in a unanimous decision.
Both have worn many hats in the last year or so as the city saw several department bosses move on.
Mermell is also hoping his 27 years with the city will give him traction in achieving the top post on a permanent basis.
Beck departs and Mermell takes over on February 14. The city will bring in an executive search firm to fill the permanent City Manager post in the coming months.
More on Pasadena’s City Manager changeover can be found here.