Burbank seeks new public information officer

Burbank officials are sifting through more than 50 applications for the position of public information officer, according to the city manager’s office.

Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes said she is unsure when the position — essentially the lead spokesman for the city — will be filled, but someone would be brought in to serve on an interim basis this week.

Keith Sterling, who held the position for the past 2 1/2 years, left Tuesday to become communications director at the University of Utah.

He previously served as communications director for the city of Broken Arrow, Ariz., and public information officer for the Scottsdale Unified School District.

Sterling has also worked as a television news anchor.

Forbes called the time with Sterling “incredible.”

“He’s assisted the City Council and department executives through some very difficult times,” Forbes said. ”He was able to complete a Strategic Communications Plan and get it adopted by [the] council and has made progress on goals identified in this plan, which will last us a few more years.”

Sterling also improved communications with news outlets, Forbes said.

“I believe the city’s relationship with these media outlets has never been better,” Forbes said. “Many departments rely on his expertise, and he will be greatly missed by the organization and by me personally.”

The pay range for the position is about $7,300 to $9,500 a month, Forbes said. At $9,500 a month, the annual salary would be $114,000.