Sierra Madre City Manager Aguilar Announces Retirement

Sierra Madre City Manager, Elaine Aguilar recently notified the City Council of her retirement, effective December 9, 2016. Aguilar has served as Sierra Madre’s City Manager for the past 9 years, and she has a combined total of thirty-three years of public service, working for three other municipalities since 1983.

City Manager Aguilar came to Sierra Madre in August 2007, after serving in the Southern California cities of Glendale, La Puente and Paramount. She personally notified the City Council of her decision to retire, stating that, “It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with the City Council, the community and staff for the past 9 years, but after 33 total years, it is time for me to devote more time to my family.” Upon being notified, Mayor Gene Goss stated, “I congratulate City Manager Aguilar on her pending retirement and her years of service to Sierra Madre. Elaine has been a tireless, dedicated public servant and will be difficult to replace. I know I speak for many by saying that she will be missed.” Former Mayor and Council Member John Harabedian added, “Elaine retiring as City Manager is a huge loss for Sierra Madre. We express our deep gratitude for her nearly decade of service to our community, and know that she will remain a close friend to the City for years to come.”

Prior to City Manager Aguilar’s arrival in 2007, the City had five different City Managers and Interim Managers in a short seven year period of time. For staff stability and continuity, the City Council requested a minimum five year commitment. When reminded of this, Aguilar stated, “The five year commitment became a nine year commitment, because I enjoyed what I was doing. Sierra Madre is a truly special community that comes together to resolve problems and find creative solutions.”

Aguilar provided advanced notice of her upcoming retirement, so the City Council could initiate the recruitment process for the next City Manager. Aguilar stated, “There are many projects and plans in the works, and it is important to maintain the momentum.” The City Council will be discussing the recruitment of the City’s new City Manager at their September 13, 2016 City Council meeting. The City Council meeting begins at 6:30 pm at Sierra Madre City Hall.