The Malibu City Council has unanimously approved the appointment of Ronda Perez as the city's new manager, effective Aug. 25.
Perez brings nearly two decades of public sector experience to the position. She previously served as city manager of Palmdale and assistant city manager of Lancaster, where she secured state and federal infrastructure funding, expanded parks and recreation programs, and led downtown revitalization efforts. She also spearheaded securing state approval for Caltrans to surrender local ownership and control of a stretch of state highway running through Palmdale.
"I am honored and excited to join the Malibu team," Perez said. "Malibu is a unique and extraordinary community, and I look forward to drawing on my experience to support its recovery and guide purposeful, resilient redevelopment, while remaining ever-mindful of the Vision and Mission of Malibu to protect and preserve its fragile nature and rural character."
The appointment comes as Malibu continues recovering from recent wildfire damage. Mayor Marianne Riggins said consistent leadership is essential during this period.
"With Malibu still recovering from the devastating impacts of recent wildfires, consistent and capable leadership is essential," Riggins said. "Ronda's expertise will help accelerate the rebuild process while honoring and preserving the rural character and spirit that make Malibu so special."
Perez is an International City/County Management Association credentialed manager and holds a master's degree from California State University, Long Beach. She also has a leadership certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.
The City Council will consider Perez's employment contract at its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and remotely via Zoom. Meeting details will be posted at www.MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter.
The council thanked Interim City Manager Candace Bond for her service to the community. Bond was appointed May 13 and brought leadership during the fire recovery period. Her term ends when Perez begins her role.
Edited by SMDP Staff