The City of Carlsbad is happy to announce that they have finally found someone to fill the position of city manager. His name is Steven R. Sarkozy and he’s the former city manager of Bellevue, Washington.
“Since leaving Bellevue, I have cast a wide net, looking at cities throughout the country as well as opportunities in the private sector,” said Sarkozy. “The City of Carlsbad offers an unmatched combination of progressive leadership, outstanding services, financial health and a talented staff passionate about public service. Most importantly, the City Council is united in its vision for the future, and I am excited to be a part of helping to bring that vision to life.”
Sarkozy “resigned” from his former position on May 15, 2013 in what Bellevue “Mayor Conrad Lee described . . . as a mutual decision that was supported by all seven City Council members,” according to a story in the Seattle Times. And when he says he “cast a wide net” he’s not kidding. Two months ago (January 17, 2014) Sarkozy was one of three candidates being interviewed for the city manager position in Irving, Texas, according to the Irving Chamber.
Nice to see the City hire someone from a good neighborhood. Looks like this could be a great fit. For the official word from the City of Carlsbad, please follow the jump.
Former Bellevue leader selected as Carlsbad city manager
Following a national search, Steven R. Sarkozy has been selected to serve as the City of Carlsbad’s next city manager, a position he has held at three other cities over the past 30 years. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the appointment at its March 11 meeting.
“Since leaving Bellevue, I have cast a wide net, looking at cities throughout the country as well as opportunities in the private sector,” said Sarkozy. “The City of Carlsbad offers an unmatched combination of progressive leadership, outstanding services, financial health and a talented staff passionate about public service. Most importantly, the City Council is united in its vision for the future, and I am excited to be a part of helping to bring that vision to life.”
Sarkozy most recently served as city manager for Bellevue, Wash., a Seattle suburb of 128,000 and a major Microsoft employment hub. Like Carlsbad, Bellevue boasts a AAA credit rating and resident satisfaction numbers at the 90 percent mark and higher. During his 13 year tenure as city manager, Sarkozy was recognized by the Harvard University sponsored “Innovations in Local Government Award,” as well as awards for neighborhood investment, e-government and intergovernmental cooperation. Sarkozy also led the development of the city’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, a community wide program focusing on energy conservation, transit oriented development and electric vehicles.
Council members praised Sarkozy’s extensive experience and progressive management style.
“Steve’s experience and track record of excellence are simply unmatched,” said City of Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall. “He is not afraid of audacious goals, and he knows how to get things done through collaboration and partnerships.”
“We are lucky to get someone of Steve’s caliber at this critical time,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark Packard. “When you look at the projects we have on tap, from reimagining our entire coastal corridor to revitalizing the Village and solidifying our position as a thriving economic hub, Steve has what it takes to implement our vision of becoming a world class city.”
“Steve has shown tremendous skill at working with technology businesses and growing high paying jobs, while reinvesting in neighborhoods,” said Council Member Keith Blackburn. “His knowledge in these key areas will be invaluable to Carlsbad.”
“For Carlsbad to reach its potential, employees, managers and the Council must work together as a team to serve this community,” said Council Member Lorraine Wood. “I am confident Steve will quickly earn the respect of our staff by encouraging an environment where people feel empowered and creative ideas flow freely.”
Prior to Bellevue, Sarkozy was the city manager of Roseville, Minn., from 1989 to 2000. Before that, he was city manager of Geneva, N.Y., from 1984 to 1989. Other experience includes working as the assistant city manager for the City of Wyoming, Mich., and assistant to the city manager for the Village of Beverly Hills, Mich. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Ohio.
Since leaving Bellevue in 2013, Sarkozy has worked as a consultant for a number of private firms including a social equity investment firm with an international portfolio focused on creating sustainable communities in third world countries.
Sarkozy will succeed Kevin Crawford, who left Carlsbad after 28 years of service to become the president and CEO of the United Way of San Diego County. He had served as interim city manager since November 2013.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to help lead the City of Carlsbad organization into the future,” said Crawford, who assisted in the recruitment process. “Carlsbad deserves a leader who can create a culture based on character, innovation, trust and open communication, and I believe Steve is the one to do that.”
Mayor Hall likened the city manager position to the CEO of a large corporation.
“When you’ve got an organization with an annual budget of more than a quarter of a billion dollars that provides services seven days a week to more than 100,000 people, effective leadership is key,” said Hall. “Steven is widely considered to be one of the top 10 city managers in the country. Our community and our city organization deserve the very best, and that’s what they’re getting in our new city manager.”
Under the employment contract to be presented to the City Council for approval at the March 11 meeting, Sarkozy will receive an annual salary of $260,000. His scheduled start date is April 14.
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