The City of El Segundo Appoints Scott Mitnick as New City Manager

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Scott Mitnick

The City of El Segundo Appoints
Scott Mitnick as New City Manager

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – June 18, 2019 – El Segundo Mayor Drew Boyles, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Pirsztuk and El Segundo City Council Members Dr. Don Brann, Scot Nicol and Chris Pimentel have appointed Scott Mitnick as the new City Manager. Mitnick brings more than 30 years of public service and leadership experience to the position. Mitnick assumes the role from current City Manager Greg Carpenter, who is set to retire at the end of the month. Mitnick was unanimously confirmed with a 5-0 vote at the city council meeting on June 18th. He begins his new role at City Hall on July 1st, 2019.

“Scott’s ability to craft a compelling vision, hold his team accountable and achieve results were key factors in our decision. As El Segundo continues to evolve as a preeminent employment hub and the best place to raise a family, Scott will provide the leadership to move our city forward, while preserving our charm and heritage.  El Segundo is the most important economic hub in Southern California, and Scott’s dozens of years of public and private experience will ensure El Segundo continues to further its legacy as the best place to live, work and visit,” notes Mayor Drew Boyles. 

“El Segundo continues to cultivate a world-class work force. To complement our thriving city, we will continue to focus internally to attract, retain and develop high-caliber talent. We want to be the employer-of-choice in Southern California and we look forward to working with Scott on creating a culture that fosters collaboration, motivation and a sense of pride,” shares Mayor Pro Tem Carol Pirsztuk. 

Council Member Don Brann led the search and diligence process in partnership with executive recruitment firm Bob Murray & Associates. The city received 60 applications during the four-month nationwide recruitment search. Following extensive background checks and vetting, a narrowed candidate pool went through a two-round process with rigorous panel interviews by City Council.  Once a consensus was reached, City Council conducted a thorough review of Mitnick’s background, as well as, extensive reference checks, and they are confident in their decision.

“Scott’s long history of successes bring to life how his leadership and experience will move El Segundo forward. We entrust him to lead our city with transparency and partnership,” notes Council Member Dr. Brann. “Near and dear to my heart is Scott’s role as a mentor and educator. He’s brought his experience to the future workforce by serving as a guest lecturer at conferences and universities, including UCLA, USC, Syracuse University, Bristol University (England), CSUN, CSUF, CLU and University of Wisconsin, Madison.”

“The El Segundo community has a long history of deep involvement from our community – both residents and businesses.  As our community grows and changes, we know Scott is the right person to lead us forward. His long tenure and successes illustrate his expertise in positioning and growing a city for the future,” shares Council Member Scot Nicol. “We have recently embarked on an enhanced communications effort for the city. The goal is to ensure that communications are consistent, proactive and collaborative. Scott will be a key team player in ensuring its success.”

“Finding a candidate with expertise working at all levels of governance was a priority for the council.  Scott’s extensive experience with intergovernmental issues will result in immediate dividends,” notes Council Member Chris Pimentel.  

"I am humbled by City Council's support and vote of confidence in my abilities to manage the organization at this exciting time.  I look forward to working closely with all city employees to implement City Council's direction.   El Segundo has a long history as a full-service city with a proud tradition of independence and self-confidence.  I look forward to building on the successes of the past to prepare for the challenges of the future.  The best is yet come," shares newly-appointed Scott Mitnick.

Mitnick has three decades of public service in which he served five California local governments, with 21 years at the executive level.  Prior to joining the City of El Segundo, Mitnick served as a Director and licensed Municipal Advisor with KNN Public Finance in Oakland, California.  In this role, he worked closely with cities, counties, and special districts to address a wide array of financial and management needs.

From January 2017 to March 2019 Mitnick served as County Administrator for Sutter County in northern California where he led and stabilized an organization of over 1,000 employees with a budget of $325 million providing an array of public services to 100,000 residents spread across 600 square miles.

He previously served as City Manager for the City of Thousand Oaks in Ventura County for 11 years from 2005 to 2016 where he managed more than 500 employees with a budget of over $200 million.  Scott led the organization through the Great Recession of 2007-2009 with minimal service impacts. On his watch, Thousand Oaks maintained healthy reserves and obtained an implied General Fund AAA bond rating. He previously served as Thousand Oaks Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager from 2000 to 2005.

Other prior local government positions included:  Yuba City Administrative Services Director (1996–1999), Burbank Budget Officer (1994-1996), Burbank Assistant to the City Manager (1992-1994), Burbank Financial Analyst/Budget Analyst (1989–1992), and Brea Budget Analyst (1987-1988).

He earned his Master of Public Administration (State and Local Government Public Finance Concentration) from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Honors from California State University, Fullerton.

Mitnick is married to Mia (a former public elementary school teacher) and has twin 18 year-old boys (Matthew and Michael) whom have completed their freshman year at University of Wisconsin, Madison and University of Washington, Seattle.

About El Segundo:

El Segundo is a coastal community in the south bay region of Los Angeles County. Recognized as the aerospace capital of the world, it is renowned for maintaining a quaint, small town atmosphere, as well as, a thriving business environment that caters to some of the world’s most prestigious corporations. El Segundo is home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Air Force Base and the award-winning Los Angeles Times.