Berkeley Hires New Deputy City Manager

BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley announced the appointment of Jovan D. Grogan, an accomplished local government leader, as the new Deputy City Manager for the City of Berkeley. He will fill the position that was vacated when Williams-Ridley was promoted to City Manager.

Jovan is currently the Deputy City Manager for the City of Concord, where he has earned the respect of the City Council and staff for his work to improve city services and address budgetary challenges, as the City recovered from the recent recession.

"Jovan is a gifted leader and we are eager to bring him to Berkeley. His strong background in finance and commitment to serving the community make him the perfect fit," said Williams-Ridley.

In Concord, Grogan served as the Budget Officer, where he was responsible for development and oversight of a $150 million annual budget, before being promoted to Deputy City Manager. Prior to joining Concord, Grogan served as a Senior Management Advisor with Management Partners, Inc. As a consultant, he worked to improve service delivery and resolve organizational challenges for local governments throughout the western United States.

"It is an honor to be offered an opportunity to serve the City of Berkeley. I look forward to working with the Berkeley community and immersing myself in the issues that affect the City - its residents, businesses and employees," said Grogan.

In addition to deep experience in municipal financial planning, Grogan brings skills in labor relations, infrastructure management, performance measurement, and economic development. He serves on the Board for the California Division of International City/County Management Association and is a member of the Municipal Management Association of Northern California and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Grogan completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Cornell University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in urban and regional studies and a Master's degree in regional planning.
Grogan will start his new position on September 12, 2016.

— Announcement by City of Berkeley; Image by Charles Burress, Patch