Since being appointed city manager, I have been working on a plan to ensure we’ve got the team and structure in place to ensure a smooth transition Aug. 1. My goal is to build on the stable leadership and people-centered focus exemplified by current City Manager Kevin Crawford, while helping Carlsbad adapt to the changing needs of our community and the world around us.
You might want to grab a snack – I apologize in advance for the very long email.
New COO
One of my top priorities is to ensure the City Manager’s Office is set up to provide the very best support possible to all of our departments, our elected leaders and our community. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Elaine Lukey to succeed me as chief operations officer.
Elaine’s executive management skills are on par with the very best I have seen in my career. She knows Carlsbad, having worked for this organization for the past 15 years, most recently as public works director. Prior to Carlsbad, Elaine worked in the private sector, owned her own business and served on the staff of a nonprofit organization. This combination of experience coupled with her passion for organizational excellence and deep commitment to employee development made her an ideal complement to the City Manager’s Office team.
Expanded Role of the Assitant City Manager
I have asked Assistant City Manager Gary Barberio to take on an expanded role, overseeing the Library & Cultural Arts Department and the Office of the City Clerk. He will also continue to oversee strategic policy issues and special projects that tap into his in depth (dare I say “encyclopedic”) understanding of land use policy, creative thinking and commitment to quality -essential ingredients for an effective City Manager’s Office.
Administrative Services Director Recruitment
With Chuck McBride headed north in mid -July for a new job at the City of Santa Rosa, we will be launching a national recruitment for a new administrative services director. During this time, Finance, Human Resources and IT will report to me (and then Elaine starting Aug. 1), rather than appointing an acting admin services director in the interim.
New Public Works Director
The final piece of this plan is to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in the Public Works Department. I am very proud to announce that Paz Gomez, a 30-year professional in the public works field (and Carlsbad resident), has agreed to join our team as Carlsbad’s next public works director.
Paz most recently served as deputy chief operating officer for infrastructure/public works at the City of San Diego, where she oversaw an $8 billion Capital Improvements Program and a staff of 3,700. Prior to joining the City of San Diego, Paz worked as a consultant for two worldwide engineering firms, following a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. She is a registered professional civil engineer, certified energy manager and green building engineer with a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from Stanford.
As formidable as her professional credentials are, I have been most impressed with her enthusiasm for leading teams and helping each individual connect with their own talents and passion for service.
I understand the city has gone through a lot of change in recent years. As the “new guy” coming in, I can easily see why Carlsbad has earned a reputation for excellence all these years. I also see an organization poised to capture the many new opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly changing world. It’s an exciting time to be in Carlsbad, and I couldn’t be more grateful to serve as your incoming city manager.
P.S. As some of you know, my wife, Christina, and I are expecting a baby girl any moment now. Elaine has agreed to fill in as acting COO while I take a few weeks of paternity leave in July. Don’t know the exact dates yet, but I anticipate returning in time to fully participate in Kevin’s farewell festivities.
Scott Chadwick Chief Operations Officer City of Carlsbad