Santa Rosa’s former assistant city manager and chief financial officer Jennifer Phillips has been hired as the next city manager for the City of St. Helena.
The St. Helena City Council approved Phillips’ contract Tuesday by a 4-0 vote with Mayor Ann Nevero absent. Phillips, who was one of 65 applicants for the job, will earn a base salary of $188,000. She will also receive an auto allowance of $250 per pay period; 180 hours of paid vacation; 40 hours of executive leave; and 80 hours of sick leave per year.
Phillips has been with the City of Santa Rosa for three years. During that time, she also acted as interim director of parks and recreation following the retirements of two top officials. Her tenure was sometimes strained by taxing events, including protests by the Occupy Santa Rosa movement and demonstrations following a police shooting that killed a 13-year-old boy.
Before coming to Santa Rosa, Phillips worked as a director for the Community Resource Agency in Orange County. There she led an effort to provide child care services for county employees. Her 20 years of experience in local government also includes time spent as assistant city manager in Santa Monica.
“She has a wealth of leadership experience, and we feel really fortunate to have her here,” said St. Helena Council Member and Vice Mayor Sharon Crull.
Phillips is scheduled to start on August 4.