The Cathedral City Council Wednesday will formally vote on the selection of Andrew Firestine as the next city manager.
Firestine was selected to replace Charlie McClendon, who retired in September 2025, after a nationwide search guided by a recruitment firm.
If approved by the council, Firestine will serve for a term of five years effective Thursday and will receive an annual base salary of $280,000, according to the employment agreement documents.
Firestine, who currently serves as the city’s director of Community and Economic Development, moved to the Coachella Valley in 2019 after 16 years working in various planning and management roles in Colorado Springs and Centennial.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners and the International City/County Management Association.
“The council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City,” Mayor Raymond Gregory said in a statement. “After evaluating candidates from across the country, it became clear that the best person for the job was already part of our team. Andy’s experience, vision and deep understanding of our community made him the clear choice.”
Wednesday’s City Council meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero.