It was announced at the city council meeting last evening that Erik Upson has been appointed as city manager of the City of Benicia. After a closed session 5-0 vote of the council, Upson was appointed to the permanent position.
The city council appointed Chief of Police Upson to serve as the interim city manager last September. Last night’s appointment makes the interim appointment permanent.
Mayor Steve Young said, “The City Council is very pleased that Mr. Upson has accepted our offer to become our next city manager. Although he has come to this job in an unconventional fashion, having served his entire career in law enforcement, he has shown a high degree of adaptability and initiative in confronting numerous challenges. We are confident and know that he will encourage the type of positive culture for the entire city workforce that he has brought to the police department.”
A Washington state native, Upson joined the Army out of high school. He served eight years in the Army and the Army National Guard. He graduated from Cal with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a minor in Public Policy. He worked for the Berkeley Police Department for 18 years, serving in a variety of assignments, including SWAT, community area coordinator and as a motor officer. He completed his master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach while working with Berkeley P.D. He is thankful to be supported everyday by his wife and four children.
“I’m honored by the trust and confidence the Mayor and Council have shown me,” said Upson. “I am committed to serving the Benicia community and our amazing staff at the highest level. I will lead and serve with the vision of providing the greatest city service and workforce anywhere and in doing so, strive to continuously improve the quality of life in this amazing community.”
Upson will appoint a replacement as Chief of Police at a future date