The City of Rancho Palos Verdes today announced the selection of Ken Rukavina, a veteran civil engineer, as Director of Community Development.
Mr. Rukavina joins the City from neighboring Palos Verdes Estates, where he served as Director of Community Development and Public Works since 2016. He succeeds former Director of Community Development Ara Mihranian, who was named permanent City Manager in February. Mr. Rukavina’s first day at the City will be July 13. He will earn an annual salary of $173,000.
Mr. Rukavina brings a wealth of experience in land use and engineering, as well as extensive knowledge of development issues facing cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, from view restoration, to wireless facilities and accessory dwelling units.
“I am a local resident and look forward to working on projects in my own backyard that will continue to enhance the character of RPV,” said Mr. Rukavina, who resides in San Pedro.
Mr. Mihranian said he is “delighted to welcome Ken to Rancho Palos Verdes.”
“Ken’s extensive experience in municipal planning and building, combined with his engineering background and keen awareness of the Peninsula community, has poised him to lead the Community Development Department successfully,” he said.
Prior to his tenure in Palos Verdes Estates, Mr. Rukavina served as City Engineer in Lake Elsinore and Director of Public Works and City Engineer in Rosemead. He previously held management positions with engineering consulting firms, working on a variety of development, redevelopment, land use entitlement and engineering projects for municipalities throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Mr. Rukavina holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from California State University Long Beach and a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from the University of Utah. He is a registered civil engineer in the State of California and is a member of the American Public Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.