August 11, 2008

MICHAEL J. BECK ACCEPTS
PASADENA CITY MANAGER POSITION

The Pasadena City Council has offered Michael J. Beck the position of city manager and he has accepted pending agreement on contractual terms and conditions.

He will begin the transition in September, spending time at Pasadena City Hall and in the community, and will assume his new position on Oct. 1.

Beck, who is assistant city manager in Riverside, oversees the airport and the departments of community development, development, public works, public utilities, and parks, recreation and community services. Riverside has a population of 300,000 and a nearly $1 billion operating budget. He has provided leadership in strengthening Riverside’s local economy, developing renewable energy sources, establishing successful community partnerships, advocating for local government at the state and federal level, and directing the $1.8 billion Riverside Renaissance Initiative that will complete 30 years of capital projects in five years.

Prior to joining the city of Riverside in 2001, he was director of economic development and real estate services for the University of California-Riverside.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics and a master’s degree in business administration from UC Riverside.

“Michael Beck has demonstrated the experience, talents and judgment we have been looking for,” said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard. “He has a strategic vision and strong management skills, and is highly respected for his participative management style. He has established a strong presence in the Riverside community as a good listener and an innovative problem solver, consensus-builder and a person who gets things done.”

He and his wife Brigid are the parents of five sons, the oldest of whom will start at UCLA in September as a chemical engineering major. Their other children include a 15-year-old high school sophomore, 10-year old twins and a 10-year-old foster child.

“On behalf of our entire community, I offer gratitude and congratulations to Interim City Manager Bernard Melekian, who has demonstrated during the last nine months his standing as one of California’s finest public officials,” Bogaard added. “Chief Melekian makes Pasadena proud.”

Melekian will work with Beck during the transition period and will return to the Pasadena Police Department as chief of police and incoming president of California Police Chiefs Association.