Doria Wilms has been named Desert Hot Springs’ interim city manager after Frank Luckino announced his retirement, city officials said.
Luckino, whose resignation became effective immediately when it was announced Tuesday, worked in Twentynine Palms for almost a decade before taking his Desert Hot Springs position in 2023.
After taking multiple weeks off, Luckino told the Desert Sun that he was looking for additional time to take care of his sick father.
During a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, Wilms was unanimously appointed to the position on an interim basis.
“I am honored to take on the role,” Wilms said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the city’s progress and working closely with the city council, staff, and the community to ensure Desert Hot Springs remains on a path of growth and success.”
Wilms, who previously served as assistant city manager and deputy city manager — holding the latter title since 2021 — was also named interim city manager in 2023 upon the retirement of Luke Rainey.
A Desert Hot Springs resident for 44 years, her tenure in the City Manager’s Office stretches back to 2016.
“The City Council has the utmost confidence in Doria’s ability to lead,” Mayor Scott Matas said. “Her wealth of experience, commitment to our city and deep understanding of Desert Hot Springs make her an ideal choice to maintain continuity.”