An urban planner who has worked for Rancho Palos Verdes for decades has been named its next city manager.
Ara Mihranian was selected unanimously Tuesday for the permanent role. He has been serving as interim city manager since November 2019.
“Mr. Mihranian’s appointment follows a four-month executive search by Peckham & McKenney, Inc. The terms of his contract will be considered by the council on Feb. 18,” according to a press release.
"Ara Mihranian has grown with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to become a tremendous leader,” said Mayor John Cruikshank. “Our City Council interviewed four deserving candidates, and Ara came out on top. I am very proud of Ara as I know he will serve us well as our new City Manager."
Mihranian previously served as the city’s Director of Community Development. He came to the city in 1998 after a stint in Malibu.
“As a senior and principal planner, Mr. Mihranian was responsible for some of the most high-profile development projects in Rancho Palos Verdes, including Terranea Resort and the Marymount College Campus Master Plan. He was named Deputy Director of Community Development in 2010, spearheading the implementation of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Public Use Master Plan,” the city said.
“In recent years, Mr. Mihranian oversaw the completion of the City’s General Plan update and the Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan. He was honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors during Armenian History Month in April 2019 for his contributions to the Armenian community in Los Angeles.”