City Manager Recruitment
Summary
The city council hired a new permanent city manager, Gillian Haen, after a lengthy search while addressing public concerns about transparency, vetting, and compensation packages. Assistant City Manager Erik Gustafson was also appointed to step in as interim manager during the transition.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 29, 2026.
Impact analysis
The new city manager contract provides an annual base salary of $285,000, a $15,000 relocation allowance, and monthly vehicle and phone allowances.
The city organization and residents benefit from having stable, experienced executive leadership to guide municipal operations.
No groups negatively affected
Mentions & discussions (12)
City Council - Special Closed Session - Jul 29, 2026
The City Council is actively working on finding and hiring a new city manager to lead municipal operations.
After background check review, Chico council approves Gillian Haen as top administrator
After background check review, Chico council approves Gillian Haen as top administrator Chico Enterprise-Record
Chico's new city manager approved 5-2 amid public concerns
Chico's new city manager approved 5-2 amid public concerns Action News Now
Council Meeting - Jul 7, 2026
The city council hired a new permanent city manager, Gillian Haen, after a lengthy search while addressing public concerns about transparency, vetting, and compensation packages. Assistant City Manager Erik Gustafson was also appointed to step in as interim manager during the transition.
Chico city council to approve new city manager's $285K deal
Chico city council to approve new city manager's $285K deal Action News Now
Chico City Council confirms Gillian Haen as city manager
Chico City Council confirms Gillian Haen as city manager Chico Enterprise-Record
City of Chico announces selection of new city manager
City of Chico announces selection of new city manager PublicCEO
Chico selects Vallejo administrator Gillian Haen as new city manager
Chico selects Vallejo administrator Gillian Haen as new city manager Vallejo Times Herald
Paradise hires Jennifer Macarthy as new town manager
Paradise hires Jennifer Macarthy as new town manager Chico Enterprise-Record
City Council - Special Closed Session (No video) - Mar 16, 2026
The city is actively working to find and hire a new city manager to lead municipal operations, a critical leadership choice for Chico.
Chico city manager Sorensen announces June 2026 retirement
Chico city manager Sorensen announces June 2026 retirement Action News Now
Meet Mark Orme, Chico City Manager
Meet Mark Orme, Chico City Manager Chico Enterprise-Record
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