After an extensive search, San Gabriel officials announced today that Mark Lazzaretto will be appointed as the next City Manager by the City Council. Lazzaretto topped the field of 36 candidates recruited from across the west.

Lazzaretto, 47, comes to San Gabriel from the City of Pomona, where he served as the Development Services Director for over a decade. With an extensive background in public administration and community development, Lazzaretto oversaw the adoption of the City of Pomona’s first general plan since 1976 as well as a major redevelopment plan to revitalize the city’s major commercial corridors. Previously, Lazzaretto served as the Redevelopment Manager for the City of Pomona and as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Buena Park.

“I’m born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, and I’ve lived most of my life in and around the community,” Lazzaretto said. “It just feels like home to me, and it’s a community that has the kind of people, buildings and businesses that I thrive in.”

In his new role, Lazzaretto will serve as the city’s chief executive, overseeing the city’s staff to meet the objectives of the City Council.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mark to the San Gabriel community,” said Mayor Juli Costanzo. “Our objective as Council was to find an individual with a background in community engagement, economic development and ongoing infrastructure needs who could excel in a diverse city. Mark fulfilled all of these requirements, and we’re thrilled to see him work to achieve the city’s goals.”

Lazzaretto is expected to be confirmed at the January 2 City Council meeting when the Council formally considers his employment agreement. If approved, Lazzaretto will begin in early February. 

Lazzaretto succeeds Steven A. Preston, who served as City Manager for the city from 2009 until his retirement on January 5, 2018. The Council is expected to appoint an interim City Manager to serve between January 5 and Lazzaretto’s arrival on February 5.