City of Santa Ana

Community: City of Santa Ana Appoints Cynthia Kurtz as Interim City Manager

The Santa Ana City Council extended an offer and approved an Interim City Manager agreement at its City Council meeting last Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Today, retired City Manager Cynthia Kurtz accepted the offer to serve as Santa Ana’s Interim City Manager. Ms. Kurtz has served in numerous management positions, including City Manager of the City of Pasadena for ten years, the Interim City Manager of the City of Covina, and the Ethics Advisor Consultant to the City of Vernon with Former California State Attorney General John Van de Kamp. She brings extensive public infrastructure experience as well as economic development experience to Santa Ana as she is a former Public Works Director and served as the President and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership.

“It is an honor to be selected as Santa Ana’s Interim City Manager. During my interviews, I was impressed with the Mayor and Council’s dedication. I look forward to helping them implement their vision.” said Kurtz.

The Santa Ana City Council noted Kurtz’s experience in working in a large diverse city and her leadership experiences as significant factors in her engagement. “We are pleased that Cynthia is available to share her expertise with our community,” said Mayor Pulido. “Having served as City Manager of Pasadena for 10 years, she is a seasoned manager and we are fortunate to have her join our team,” Pulido added.

Kurtz has handled many transportation, planning and financing projects and is very familiar with public and private partnerships to improve communities. “We are confident that Cynthia will help us focus on our policy priorities and that her experience and reputation will help us transition to an outstanding City Manager in the near future,” commented Mayor Pro-Tem Michele Martinez.

Kurtz received her undergraduate degree in Community Development and Housing from Pennsylvania State University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Transportation and Urban Development from the University of Iowa.