Following the June announcement of his intent to retire, City Manager Bob Russi’s last day with the City of La Verne is today, August 19. Russi served as La Verne’s City Manager for over 12  years. 

“I would like to thank Bob for his hard work and dedication to La Verne,” said former City Councilman  Muir Davis. “His years of service have been instrumental in shaping La Verne into the community it is  today, and his accomplishments have created a strong foundation for the City to continue on this path  toward excellence. His balance of professionalism, foresight and versatility will be greatly missed, and we  wish him the best in his retirement.” 

Russi first joined the City of La Verne in 2001, where he served as the Assistant to the City Manager and  later became the Assistant City Manager. In 2010, Russi earned the City Manager position and maintained  the role for over a decade. Prior to joining La Verne, he gained local government experience in the Parks and Recreation Department and City Manager’s Office in his hometown, the City of Walnut, where he was  first hired in 1990. 

During his tenure as La Verne’s City Manager, he played a key role in moving major initiatives forward,  including the Fiscal Sustainability Plan, Veterans Memorial, La Verne Village, Gilead Sciences Project, Old  Town Specific Plan, the University of La Verne expansion and Measure LV. Through his leadership, the City  of La Verne also overcame challenges related to financial uncertainty and labor drawbacks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in which he successfully helped lead the City back to stability. 

“I have been fortunate enough to work closely with Bob for the last 15 years, and it has been inspiring to  watch him successfully execute projects and plans that help us better serve La Verne,” said Assistant City  Manager JR Ranells. “Bob’s leadership and dedication has made a lasting impact on myself and City staff, and we will work hard to carry on his vision and legacy.” 

Following City Council’s approval in July, Jesse Duff began serving as La Verne’s Interim City Manager on  August 1. Duff has over 40 years of executive local government experience in Southern California,  including multiple Interim City Manager appointments, and previously served as the Executive Director  for Tri-City Mental Health. His contract as Interim City Manager will end no later than June 30, 2023. 

La Verne is actively recruiting for a permanent City Manager. Qualified applicants are encouraged to  submit their application no later than September 9, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the  Government Jobs listing.