Coachella introduced Gustavo Romo as its new city manager Wednesday following an extensive search.
“We’re excited to introduce Gustavo J. Romo as the City of Coachella’s City Manager!” officials posted on social media. “Mr. Romo has been serving in the role since June 15 and we’re pleased to introduce him to our community. With more than 32 years of municipal leadership experience and a strong commitment to public service, we look forward to his leadership as we continue moving Coachella forward.”
Romo has more than 32 years of municipal leadership experience. Most recently, he was deputy city manager and interim city manager for Beaumont, deputy city manager for Bell Gardens, and community development director and economic development director in several Southern California cities.
Coachella has experience a major leadership shakeup this year. Former Mayor Steven Hernandez pleaded guilty in March to felony charge for conflict of interest in a government contract, and was sentenced to two years’ probation and 200 hours of community service.
Hernandez resigned as mayor and from his position as chief of staff to Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez.
Coachella City Councilman Frank Figueroa was appointed to finish the remainder of Hernandez’s mayoral term while the city searched for a new city manager.
Figueroa said Romo’s “extensive leadership experience, collaborative approach and commitment to public service will help guide the city as we build on our progress and advance our vision for the future.”
The position oversees the city’s daily operations while working with the City Council to implement policies.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented team and a caring, engaged community,” Romo said. “The past few months learning about the city of Coachella and the initial weeks of getting started have shown me that the city has grown significantly and holds immense potential to continue expanding in a sustainable and forward-looking matter.”