The San Marcos City Council will vote Tuesday night on a contract to hire Jack Griffin as its new city manager. If approved, Griffin would begin his duties on Monday, June 4, 2012.
Griffin has built a solid foundation in municipal management over the past 26 years and would bring extensive experience to San Marcos in the areas of capital improvements, fiscal management and public services delivery.
Griffin has been serving as the city manager of Sebastopol, California since February 2009. Sebastopol is located in Sonoma County’s wine country. Prior to assuming his role in Sebastopol, Griffin worked for the City of Chula Vista as the director of public works and director of general services. He also served the Township of Moon, Pennsylvania as their assistant township manager and planning director. Griffin has held several other public positions during his tenure, including work in municipal transportation management, engineering and animal control.
“Jack Griffin brings to San Marcos stability for our fiscal values and new agility for our future plans,” said San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond.
“Jack brings the perfect blend of experience and enthusiasm to this role in San Marcos,” said Vice Mayor Hal Martin. “I’m confident he will lead our organization in a positive direction.”
Griffin has overseen more than $250 million in municipal construction projects during his career including the renovation of Chula Vista’s civic center, police headquarters, three new fire stations, three new recreation centers and 12 new parks.
“With the Creek and University Districts on the horizon in San Marcos, we need a manager who understands the complexities of large-scale developments,” said Council Member Chris Orlando. “We’re confident Jack has this ability given his past experience.”
Griffin has also undertaken several difficult budget adoptions as city manager during the recession, has extensive labor relations experience and strong organizational management skills.
“Jack will help lead our city by implementing philosophies that are important to us like fiscal responsibility and providing our community with top-notch programs, projects and services,” said Council Member Rebecca Jones.
“I’m excited about the prospect of Jack applying a new vision to the successful legacy being left by Paul Malone,” said Council Member Kristal Jabara.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Griffin holds a bachelor of arts in environmental studies with a concentration in land use planning from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. He plans to reside in San Marcos with his wife, Ginny, their 12-year-old daughter Shay, and Ginny’s mother, Liz.
“My family and I are very excited to come to San Marcos and I look forward to being a significant part of the city’s continued success,” said Griffin. “Together with the City Council and staff, I am confident we can build on past achievements to further enhance the quality of life for San Marcos’ residents, businesses and visitors.”
The city manager position became available after long-time city employee and current City Manager Paul Malone announced his retirement. Malone’s last day with the City will be Monday, April 30.
