After nationwide search, SLO names new metropolis supervisor — from proper right here on Central Coast

San Luis Obispo has a brand new prime administrator — and she or he’s a well-known face.

The town introduced Friday after nationwide search it has employed interim metropolis supervisor and former assistant metropolis supervisor Whitney McDonald to fill the place completely.

“Throughout our very thorough recruitment course of, it turned clear that Whitney is the precise particular person to guide and elevate our group into the long run,” Mayor Erica Stewart stated in a information launch. “She brings a formidable breadth of expertise serving public sector companies for the previous 17 years and has a depth of data in housing, land use, growth and environmental points.

“Her native experience and action-oriented, problem-solving fashion will assist us tackle crucial challenges dealing with our metropolis in addition to implement our formidable Major City Goals.”

McDonald will exchange former metropolis supervisor Derek Johnson, who left the city in April.

In keeping with the discharge, as metropolis supervisor, McDonald shall be liable for a employees of greater than 480 workers and a complete funds of about $225 million. She shall be in command of hiring metropolis employees, managing the funds, overseeing day-to-day operations and “finishing up the coverage course of the Metropolis Council.”

McDonald was chosen from a pool of 59 certified candidates from a number of states, in response to the discharge.

“Whitney distinguished herself in that spectacular pool and gained the unanimous assist of the council to function the San Luis Obispo’s subsequent metropolis supervisor,” Stewart stated. “We’re excited to work with Whitney to proceed participating and serving our group properly.”

McDonald joined town in August 2023 as assistant metropolis supervisor, overseeing town’s Neighborhood Providers Group and dealing to “be certain that town delivered environment friendly and efficient companies and capital initiatives to the San Luis Obispo group,” the discharge stated.

Previous to that, she served as group growth director after which metropolis supervisor in Arroyo Grande.

“I’m actually honored to serve on this position as San Luis Obispo’s metropolis supervisor and look ahead to deepening partnerships with group members, companies and regional companions,” McDonald stated within the launch. “Now we have so much to do collectively, and I’m desirous to proceed working with the group, the Metropolis Council and metropolis employees to perform our strategic targets.”

In keeping with the discharge, McDonald has already signed her conditional supply. The ultimate employment contract with begin date shall be formally adopted on the Metropolis Council’s common public assembly Aug. 20.