Promotions Announced for Manager’s Assistants

City officials announced Wednesday that Assistant City Manager Cynthia Kurtz has become the second in command at City Hall, with the title of chief operating officer, after the departure of Assistant City Manager Edmund Sotelo for Oxnard.

Kurtz is considered by some City Hall insiders as the strongest internal candidate to succeed City Manager Phil Hawkey. Kurtz, who has served as the city’s public works director, was given the title of assistant city manager last year when several cities attempted to lure her to become their city manager.

In addition, Hawkey announced that Prentice Deadrick next week will be promoted to acting assistant city manager, with responsibilities ranging from the library system to the Police Department. Deadrick was an assistant to Hawkey.

Sotelo became Oxnard city manager this week.