City names new assistant city manager

CITY HALL — The City Council on Tuesday promoted Deputy City Manager Yasmin Beers to the No. 2 position at City Hall.

As the new assistant city manager, Beers will work as the city’s chief operating officer and oversee the general operations of all 15 city departments.

City Manager Jim Starbird said Beers has extensive experience with citywide budget oversight, personnel and employee relations, and general operations after 10 years as deputy city manager.

“Her experience and knowledge of the organization are a big plus,” he said in a statement. “And she is well-respected by her peers.”

She will move up the ranks as the city continues to grapple with the effects of department-wide city budget cuts last year and the organizational changes among four of the city’s key departments.

“There’s a very strong foundation here in Glendale, and I hope to build upon that foundation,” Beers said. “There are a lot of challenges before us, and that hasn’t changed, no matter who is in the position.

She succeeds Bob McFall, who retired June 30 after 33 years with the city and 23 years as assistant city manager. Tuesday’s announcement closes months of speculation at City Hall after he first announced his retirement in January.

“I feel like this is the right decision, the right person, at the right time,” McFall said.

Beers’ appointment would also provide a “continuity of leadership” for city employees and the community, he added.

Beers started with the city 23 years ago as a senior customer service representative in the city Libraries Department and held the role of senior administrative analyst before becoming deputy city manager.