Costa Mesa fire chief placed in charge during absence of city manager, second-in-command

Costa Mesa’s fire chief has been running the city for the past month, as City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison recovers from an injury and second-in-command Assistant City Manager Susan Price announced last week she’d retired.

Chief Dan Stefano said he assumed the title of acting city manager after Farrell Harrison underwent surgery due to an injury sustained in mid-July.

“She injured her leg very badly, and we had the discussion about me moving into the role temporarily,” he said Tuesday. “She was going to try to come back, and she did, but subsequently had surgery.”

Costa Mesa City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison has been on medical leave since July, due to a leg injury.

(Courtesy of city of Huntington Beach)

Stefano, who holds master’s degrees in public policy and administration as well as executive leadership, said Farrell Harrison was currently undergoing an “exhaustive rehabilitation” and hoping to resume work duties as early as mid-September.

Although an assistant city manager is typically tapped to fill in during a city manager’s absence, Price was unavailable due to also being on medical leave at the time. Stefano was unable to provide details related to her condition.

City officials on Friday announced Price’s retirement after nearly three years with the city.

During her tenure, Price assisted in opening a 72-bed permanent bridge shelter with the city of Newport Beach and helped secure state and county funds for the transition of a Motel 6 into permanent supportive housing for homeless residents, veterans and at-risk individuals.

Susan Price announced last week she’d retired from her role as assistant city manager of Costa Mesa while on leave.

(Courtesy of the city of Costa Mesa)

“I’m so proud to have been a part of this chapter where so much progress has been made,” she said in Friday’s statement. “I have appreciated the opportunity working with Lori Ann and the leadership team to deliver results. I plan to continue my work on homelessness well into the future.”

City spokesman Tony Dodero confirmed Monday that Price, who turned 55 last week, had been scheduled to retire in August.

Some key personnel shifts have been made to accommodate the temporary executive shifts. Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue Division Chief Jason Pyle, as acting fire chief, is handling some of Stefano’s more internal duties.

Meanwhile, Nate Robbins, a neighborhood improvement manager for the city, has taken on some of Price’s responsibilities related to the city’s homeless services, while Farrell Harrison’s assistant, Alma Reyes, is helping Stefano during the transition.

Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano, speaking during a city event in June, has temporarily assumed the role of acting city manager.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

“We’ve moved some people into key positions to support our leadership,” Stefano said. “Cities usually have a contingency plan set up. Because we’ve prepared for this and planned for this, it’s been seamless.”

City officials stated Price’s position will be filled through a formal executive recruitment process. Stefano confirmed Tuesday a previously approved search for a second assistant city manager in Costa Mesa was already underway and could help fill the gap.

Still rehabilitating at home, Farrell Harrison sent well wishes to Price.

“I applaud her accomplishments and contributions in the region and in the city of Costa Mesa,” she said in Friday’s statement. “We wish her continued success in retirement and all future endeavors.”

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