San Clemente Gets a New Top Official at City Hall

From the city of San Clemente:

The San Clemente City Council is moving forward on appointing James Makshanoff to serve as the new city manager for the City of San Clemente effective Sept. 29, following the impending retirement of City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson.

The appointment will be official after City Council approves his employment contract at the Aug. 19 City
Council meeting. The recruiting firm Peckham & McKenney of Roseville, California performed the search
for the city of San Clemente.

Makshanoff holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science/Public Administration from California State University at Long Beach. He brings 24 years of experience in local government to San Clemente.

In his last position as City Manager for the city of Azusa he oversaw a staff of 300 and a budget of $120 million. He also held the positions of Assistant City Manager from 2008 to 2012 and Public Works Director from 2005 to 2008 with Azusa.

Makshanoff has worked for multiple agencies and managed various departments during his career which, in addition to Azusa, includes the cities of Brea, Covina and Downey. He acquired vast knowledge and experience that will contribute significantly to the City of San Clemente, including consistently producing balanced city budgets.

“I am confident that we have found a great fit for our organization and our community,” said Mayor Tim Brown. “San Clemente is losing a valuable leader when Mr. Gudgeirsson retires, so Mr. Makshanoff has some big shoes to fill. With his excellent qualifications and reputation, I know he is more than capable to guide San Clemente through the coming years and many changes ahead.”

Some of Makshanoff’s major accomplishments in his most recent post include acquiring and developing a Target store as a member of Azusa’s development team; obtaining grant funding to perform a comprehensive transit-oriented study for the areas around Azusa’s two new light rail stations; increasing efficiencies with animal control services; improving customer service through the electronic delivery of services; making economic development decisions including site acquisition, developer selection and property disposition; and meeting with businesses and community groups on a regular basis.

Makshanoff is a California native having grown up in Newport Beach and currently resides in Fullerton with his wife and two young sons. He enjoys camping with his family at San Clemente State Park (Calafia), body surfing at San Clemente beaches, and served as a member of the United States National Water Polo Team from 1987 to 1994.

PHOTO James Makshanoff. Photo courtesy the city of San Clemente.