SANTA MONICA—City Manager Rick Cole announced Katie Lichtig as Santa Monica’s new Assistant City Manager/Chief Operating Officer on Monday, August 7, according to a press release from Constance Farrell, Public Information Officer for Santa Monica.
Lichtig, who was selected for the position after a rigorous national search, returns to Santa Monica where she served as the Assistant to the City Manager for Management Services from 1992 to 2001. She previously served as the City Manager for Malibu from 2001 to 2006, and Assistant City Manager/Chief Operating Officer for Beverly Hills from 2006 to 2010. For the past 7 1/2 years, she held the position of City Manager for San Luis Obispo.
“I have cherished my time serving the San Luis Obispo community. Together we have solved the problems of today, envisioned a bright future and created life-long friendships,” Lichtig said in a statement. “I am honored to have served this city alongside the dedicated, smart and kind staff.”
During her tenure at San Luis Obispo, Lichtig helped the city through the recession; oversaw major infrastructure improvements, including the Los Osos Valley Road Overpass expansion and New Skate Park; worked with community partners to fund construction of the 40 Prado Road Homeless Services Center; and led the Coalition of Cities to ensure the regional and local economy remained strong after the closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. In addition, she contributed to leveraging existing funding to expand open space; developed a public engagement manual and enhanced community participation through technology; enhanced knowledge and confidence in the use of local sales tax measure revenues, leading to the passage of a renewal measure by more than 70 percent of voters in 2014; and supported an organizational culture that valued collaboration, teamwork, and caring for the community and each other.
“I sought out Katie because I knew about her achievements and skills in public administration. After a rigorous process with stiff competition Katie rose to the top,” said City Manager Rick Cole. “I am certain Katie is going to do great things in Santa Monica and I look forward to establishing a wonderful partnership with her as we create a 21st Century government.”
The role of Assistant City Manager serves as the hub for Santa Monica’s leadership team and is responsible for ensuring the effective operations of 11 departments and 2,300 staff members. The Chief Operating Officer will spearhead strategic and operational planning and performance management for the city.
“I am thrilled to re-join the team in Santa Monica,” said Lichtig. “The community and city staff are tackling important issues and it is exciting for me to be a part of the innovation and change that is envisioned. I look forward to bringing my skills, experience and knowledge of Santa Monica to help the team make the vision for a 21st Century city a reality.”
During her nine-year tenure with the city of Santa Monica, Lichtig contributed to recovery efforts after the Northridge Earthquake and was instrumental in building the Public Safety Facility. She has extensive experience with neighboring communities.
Lichtig, 56, has a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Davis. Her last day in San Luis Obispo will be September 28. She will begin work in Santa Monica in early October, with a salary of $275,508.
