By Daily Press staff
A local woman, who for the past six years has managed more than 300 city employees, was recognized last week for demonstrating outstanding leadership.
The Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) presented its quarterly “Outstanding Woman Leader,” award to Santa Monica’s former city manager, Susan McCarthy.
The quarterly award is given to a woman who has demonstrated exceptional personal and/or professional dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Santa Monica. “Not only did Susan run a city which is regarded as a national leader in progressive policies, services for its citizens, and travel and tourism, she also set a precedent and outstanding example for women occupying top positions in government,” said Tia Skulski, chair of COSW.
As city manager from 1999 to 2005, McCarthy was one of a handful of female city managers in the United States. During that time, she spearheaded the planning of a new civic center; supported construction of new public facilities; encouraged funding of new parks and major park improvements; helped streamline the permit-ting process and advocated raising the hotel room tax to strengthen the city’s financial base. Her direction and leadership helped shepherd the city through the economic slump following Sept. 11.
McCarthy’s 24-year career with Santa Monica began with a position as an administrative analyst for the directors of transportation and administrative services in 1975. By 1992, she was the director of community and cultural services, prior to moving to the position of city manager.
“It’s great to see men and women working as colleagues today in all fields and it’s worth remembering that it was not always so,” McCarthy said. “I thank the commission for the opportunity to reflect on that progress.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 16, 2005. Read the original PDF.