Lake Forest Announces New Director Of Management Services

LAKE FOREST, CA — The City of Lake Forest announced the appointment of Brett Channing as the new Director of Management Services. Beginning May 30, 2017, Mr. Channing will lead the City’s human resources, information technology, and public information functions as well as serve as a member of the Executive Management Team.

“Brett Channing brings over 10 years of municipal experience to the City as well as a history of leadership in professional organizations such as the International City Manager’s Association,” said Debra Rose, Lake Forest City Manager. “I believe that his unique knowledge and experiences will greatly benefit the City.”

Mr. Channing was selected from a field of over 50 applicants. Channing has previously served in the Cities of Yorba Linda and Brea working in various capacities that involved budget development, legislative affairs, labor relations, public information, and economic development issues.

He comes to Lake Forest from the City of El Cajon, where he served as Assistant to the City Manager and Deputy Director of Administrative Services, overseeing 14 employees in the human resources, information technology, and public information divisions.

During his tenure with El Cajon, Mr. Channing instituted new technology initiatives, launched a new City website, managed the change from at-large to by-district elections for City Councilmembers, and lead efforts on the design and construction of a new 11,000 square foot Animal Shelter.

Mr. Channing holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from University of Southern California.

He is an Executive Committee member of the League of California Cities City Manager’s Department and sits on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Local Government. Channing is also a past President of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California and a past committee chair for International City-County Management Association.