Julie Edmonds-Mares Chosen As Next Milpitas City Manager

MILPITAS, CA — Julie Edmonds-Mares was unanimously appointed as the permanent City Manager for
the City of Milpitas by the Milpitas City Council on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, following a national recruitment.

“Julie is a seasoned and community-oriented leader with the right experience necessary to engage our richly diverse community. Her experience working with a variety of stakeholders to provide excellent municipal services will serve the Milpitas community well,” said Vice-MayorMarsha Grilli.

Edmonds-Mares has more than thirty years of experience in the public, private, and academic sectors. She joined the City of San Jose in 2007 and is currently a Deputy City Manager for the nation’s tenth largest city.

In that position she plays a key leadership role to help the City organization focus on partnerships, civic engagement, and collaboration with community stakeholders at all levels to create and maintain safe and healthy neighborhoods.

Previously, Edmonds-Mares had served as Director of the San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood (PRNS). During her tenure in PRNS Julie championed strategic change to provide quality programs, facilities, and natural resources while ensuring good stewardship of public funds.

Before coming to San Jose, she worked for the City of Tucson for nearly twelve years as Deputy Director of Budget and Research, Assistant to the City Manager, and Human Resources Administrator.

Edmonds-Mares holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in education. In addition, she is a graduate of the Southwest Leadership Program in Public Policy Management from the University of Arizona’s Eller College.

She has been an adjunct faculty member and presenter for various professional associations and universities on topics including financial sustainability, strategic and business planning, operational management, leadership, and managing change. Edmonds-Mares is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

“We are delighted to have Julie joining our City of Milpitas team. Her extensive leadership skills, professionalism, commitment to transparency, and innovation will help our organization earn the trust of our community and deliver the services they deserve,” said Councilmember Bob Nunez.

“Milpitas is a vibrantly diverse community, and I am looking forward to building on it’s strengths. Together, we will work for sustainable growth and development while balancing community objectives, remain focused on protecting public safety, enhance our natural environment, and nurture families,” Edmonds-Mares said. “It will be my honor to serve the Milpitas Council, and partner with the community to further the quality of life for the City.”

The Milpitas City Council will act on the employment agreement with Julie Edmonds Mares after the final terms, including compensation, are negotiated this month. In preparation for the short time between the retirement of Interim City Manager Steve Pangelinan on January 16, 2018, and the expected start of the new City Manager, the Milpitas City Council has appointed Dianne Thompson as Interim City Manager. While this appointment will have a short term, the City is fortunate to have an experienced retired Bay Area City Manager in Thompson.

Please join us in thanking Steve Pangelinan for his long and successful career of public service, and in wishing him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

-Announcement and photo via City of Milpitas