South Pasadena City Manager Sergio Gonzalez will head to Hermosa Beach next month to serve as the city’s top administrator. The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously voted to hire Gonazelz for the city manager position. He is replacing Tom Bakaly who resigned last year to accept the CEO position with the Beach Cities Health District.
“Sergio’s strong reputation became known to us during our search, and we expect he will enjoy even more success in Hermosa Beach,” said Hermosa Beach Mayor Justin Massey. “He brings vitality, experience and a fresh perspective to Hermosa Beach at a time when the city is making decisions and plans that will chart the city’s future.”
Gonzalez was chosen after a national search that attracted nearly 60 applicants. He is expected to earn an annual salary of $219,000 and oversee 145 employees plus an annual budget of around $37.7 million.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years as your city manager and 14 years overall with this amazing city,” Gonzalez said. “South Pasadena is heading in the right direction on many fronts, including, but not limited to good fiscal management, public safety, quality of life programs and amenities, environmental stewardship and strong commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure.”
Gonzalez has served as South Pasadena’s city manager for the past five years. He previously held the positions of assistant city manager and community services director as well. For more than a decade prior, he worked in the nonprofit sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from California State University at Los Angeles. Gonzalez is also a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, the Municipal Management Association of Southern California, and the International City/County Management Association.
Read more about Sergio Gonzalez here.