Mayor Announces Steve Mermell Appointed Interim City Manager

Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek announced this week that Assistant City Manager Steve Mermell has been appointed by the City Council to serve as Interim City Manager. Mr. Mermell assumes his new duties effective February 15, 2016, replacing outgoing City Manager Michael J. Beck, who has accepted a new position as Administrative Vice Chancellor for UCLA.

The unanimous decision by Mayor Terry Tornek and the full City Council occurred at the February 8, 2016 council meeting.

“The Council has full faith and confidence that Steve will continue the tradition of providing outstanding executive leadership for the organization and in service to our residents and businesses,” Mayor Tornek said.

Mr. Mermell has devoted his government service career to Pasadena, having joined the City first in 1989 as an analyst for the Water and Power Department. He has served in a variety of positions for several City departments before being appointed in 2008 as one of two Assistant City Managers.

“I’m honored that the City Council has appointed me to serve as Interim City Manager. I want to thank Michael Beck for selecting me as Assistant City Manager seven years ago; I would not be in this position if not for him. Pasadena is an incredible city and I look forward to leading our team of dedicated employees in continued service to our community,” Mr. Mermell said.

Mr. Mermell was recommended as the preferred choice by the City Council Ad Hoc Search Committee. The Committee includes the Mayor and Councilmembers Victor Gordo, Tyron Hampton and Margaret McAustin. The appointment was unanimously approved by the City Council, including the setting of an annual salary at $260,000.

Mr. Mermell, who enjoys golf in his spare time, lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Rachel, and their two sons, Jacob and Ethan.

Mayor Tornek said the Council’s Ad Hoc Search Committee will now focus on the recruitment process to find a new, permanent replacement. The public is encouraged to provide their input regarding the qualities they believe the next city manager should have. The public can go online to http://www.cityofpasadena.net/CityManagerRecruitment and complete a brief survey.

At the Council’s Feb. 8 meeting, the firm of Bob Murray and Associates was selected to help in the recruitment process for a new, permanent replacement. More details about the recruitment will be posted soon on the City’s website.

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