Assistant Promoted to City Manager in Simi Valley : Job: Mike Sedell, a 19-year employee who worked his way up to second-in-command to Lin Koester, will replace his former boss.

Just one month after losing their city manager to the top Ventura County post, Simi Valley leaders on Friday honored their pledge to fill the job close to home by promoting the city’s second-in-command.

After interviewing four finalists, the City Council in closed session unanimously selected Mike Sedell, a 19-year city employee who worked his way up from intern to assistant city manager.

Sedell, 44, replaces his boss Lin Koester, who was lured away by the county to serve as chief administrative officer.

Council members chose Sedell after a quick search that focused on finding someone with a management style like Koester’s.

Of the nine candidates who applied for the position, four had worked closely with Koester. Those four, and a fifth, out-of-town candidate, were selected as finalists for the post earlier this week. The out-of-town applicant dropped out, leaving the council to choose among four home-grown choices.

Sedell was described by council members as sharing Koester’s deep understanding of government functions and his collegial style with staff and the public.

“We want the city to stay on the same plateau of government that we’re at right now,” said Councilman Bill Davis. “Of course there’s no one who is exactly like Lin, but I am elated that we have Mike here to take over.”

Sedell received a bachelor’s degree in political science and urban studies from Cal State Northridge and a master’s in public administration from the University of Southern California.

He first came to work for the city in 1972 as an intern in the city manager’s office. He was soon hired as an administrative assistant, working on the city budget and personnel matters.

In 1975 he was promoted to assistant to the city manager, launching the city’s intergovernmental program. He then served as a deputy city manager, handling labor relations, the media and intergovernmental relations.

From 1986 to 1990, Sedell served as chief of staff to Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley). He then returned to Simi Valley as assistant city manager. With his selection Friday, he plans to move to Simi Valley from Thousand Oaks with his wife and two children.

Smiling and joking with council members after the announcement Friday afternoon, Sedell said he is honored to have been selected for the job.

“It feels great,” he said. “I appreciate the confidence of the City Council, and I will do my best to live up to that confidence.”

Sedell met with Mayor Greg Stratton late Friday afternoon to hammer out a compensation package. Koester, whose last day with the city is June 9, received $187,199 a year in salary and benefits, making him one of the highest-paid city managers in Ventura County.

The other finalists for the post were Don Hunt, a longtime city employee who left to manage the city of La Quinta, deputy city manager Don Penman and Diane Jones, director of the city’s environmental services department.