At its regular meeting of July 20, 2022, the Norco City Council will appoint Lori Sassoon as the next City Manager of the City of Norco, effective August 29, 2022.
Ms. Sassoon brings 30 years of extensive municipal leadership experience to the City of Norco. Most recently, she has served as Deputy City Manager of Administrative Services with the City of Rancho Cucamonga since 2012 where she has led operations of various departments, including Finance, Human Resources, Innovation and Technology, Procurement, and Special Districts Administration.
“The Norco City Council conducted a thorough recruitment process for its next City Manager, and we are excited to announce Ms. Sassoon’s appointment,” said Mayor Greg Newton. “Ms. Sassoon is a highly respected and accomplished government professional. The Norco City Council has full confidence in her ability to lead our organization as we embrace challenges and pursue opportunities to better our community and protect our large-lot, animal-keeping lifestyle.”
Prior to joining the City of Rancho Cucamonga, Ms. Sassoon served as City Manager for the City of Villa Park and as Assistant City Manager for the City of San Bernardino. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. Ms. Sassoon is also a Credentialed City Manager of the International City/County Management Association.
“I am very honored to be appointed as the next City Manager of the City of Norco,” said Ms. Sassoon. “I look forward to collaborating with the City Council, City staff and community members as we build upon the organization’s impressive reputation. As City Manager, I will be dedicated to maintaining Norco’s fiscal health, enhancing service delivery, strengthening the local economy, investing in infrastructure, and ultimately working to preserve Norco’s unique, rural lifestyle for future generations.”
Ms. Sassoon will succeed City Manager Andy Okoro, who previously announced his retirement in March 2022. Mr. Okoro initially planned to retire in June 2022, however he has extended his contract as City Manager of the City of Norco through August 2022.
Mr. Okoro has served as Norco’s City Manager since June 2013. He first joined the City of Norco as Director of Fiscal and Support Services in 2003 and was appointed Deputy City Manager in 2009 before his appointment as City Manager. Throughout his career, Mr. Okoro has championed fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, customer service, economic development and public safety services.
“I have truly cherished my time working in public service, and I am extremely grateful to have worked with such dedicated colleagues, elected leaders and community members in Norco,” said Mr. Okoro. “I am proud of our achievements and our positive impact on the City’s future, and I wish the organization and the community continued success.”
During his tenure, Mr. Okoro led the City of Norco through some of the most challenging times in the nation’s history, such as navigating through volatile economies and responding to a global pandemic, all while keeping the City fiscally sound, delivering high quality services and preserving the Norco lifestyle. Most notably, Mr. Okoro has played a key role in helping grow General Fund reserves from $2.7 million in 2012 to more than $22.7 million in 2022.
“The Norco City Council sincerely appreciates and values Mr. Okoro’s steadfast loyalty and dedication to the City of Norco. We wish him the best as he retires from public service,” continued Mayor Newton. “While Mr. Okoro is leaving an exceptional legacy, we are excited to welcome Ms. Sassoon to Horsetown USA and support her as she excels as the next City Manager of the City of Norco.”
For more information, contact the Communications Division at (951) 270-5645 or info@ci.norco.ca.us. To view the City Council Meeting Agenda, visit www.norco.ca.us/citycouncil.