The Merced City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Mrs. Stephanie Dietz as its next City Manager, and confirmed her appointment at the November 16, 2020 meeting. The City Council conducted an extensive search, resulting in nineteen applicants from across seven states.
As the City Manager, Dietz serves at the pleasure of the City Council. She is one of three Charter Officers, managing operational functions within the City, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Engineering, Development Services, Information Technology, Human Resources while also serving as the City Clerk.
“Merced wanted to hire a leader familiar with the unique inner workings of the City and community,” said Mayor Mike Murphy. We knew that we wanted someone with good judgment, someone in tune with our city. The Council unanimously agreed that her demonstration of critical decision-making and leadership made it apparent that she was the correct candidate.”
Dietz, 40, has spent the past four years as Merced’s Assistant City Manager, most recently serving as Interim City Manager. Dietz’s accomplishments include implementing the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, developing a Legislative Program to advocate for grant funding and resources, and working with community leaders to complete beautification projects. As Assistant City Manager, Dietz spent much of her time shaping the work environment, enhancing department functions and service delivery, and leading labor negotiations.
“I am honored to be selected by the City Council as the City Manager of Merced,” Dietz said. “Merced is resilient, and has the strength to overcome any challenge by taking advantage of opportunities. Furthering the City Council’s goals and priorities and developing a strong culture of customer service will be my focus. Our leadership team and staff are eager to meet the needs of this great community”.
Prior to coming to the City, Dietz spent 10 years working for Merced County, interrupted by almost three years of work at UC Merced. Expanding partnerships was a primary focus for Dietz when first joining the City. Using her existing network, she built new relationships elevating the City’s presence at the state and regional levels.
Dietz has served as a co-chair of the Northern San Joaquin Valley Regions Rise program which is part of the State’s economic development initiative. Coordinating regional planning efforts, she was able to secure additional resources to address homelessness. Working closely with law enforcement officials, Dietz helped identify creative ways to support the Police department through the Merced Crisis Response Team. During the early COVID-19 pandemic crisis, she brought together non-profit and faith-based organizations to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
“These are challenging times requiring us all to find innovative ways to sustain the local economy. Mrs. Dietz is a collaborator and will respond to the needs of the community by surrounding herself with the right people and resources,” Mayor Pro Tempore Matt Serratto said.
Dietz holds a bachelor’s degree from Fresno State, a master’s from National University and is a graduate of the California State Association of Counties Senior Executive credential program. Well established and rooted in Merced, she and her husband Teddy Dietz have two children, Tyler and Madysen.
Dietz’s starting annual salary will be $214,966.13 and will officially begin her role as City Manager on November 17, 2020.