Chula Vista Names Garcia City Manager

After an extensive nationwide search and interview process, the Chula Vista Mayor and City Council tonight unanimously selected David R. Garcia for the position of City Manager. Since 2003, Garcia has served as the County Administrator of Yuma County, Arizona. The appointment was announced following this evening’s closed session.

Over the past 25 years, Garcia has been employed in executive level municipal management in some of the nation’s largest and most progressive communities. During his distinguished career in public service, he has held the following positions: City Manager of Corpus Christi, Texas; Deputy City Manager of the City of Phoenix; Deputy Administrator of the City of Los Angeles’ Community Redevelopment Agency; and Special Projects Director for the City of San Antonio.

As City Manager of San Diego County’s second largest municipality, Garcia will administer a $308 million budget and oversee 17 departments with a workforce of 1,250 employees. His compensation package and start date have not yet been finalized.

“After conducting an exhaustive search, Council members believe David Garcia is an excellent choice for Chula Vista,” said Mayor Cheryl Cox. “He has the skills and experience our city requires in a top executive. Mr. Garcia has a proven track record, and over the years has worked successfully with City Councils, Mayors, County Supervisors, business leaders, labor and community groups.”

As a high level executive, Garcia has directed budget preparations and has structured capital improvement programs and general obligation bond campaigns. He also has managed growth in some of the fastest growing communities in the country.

Garcia graduated cum laude from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas where he majored in Economics and Urban Affairs. He has a Master of Science degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas.