South San Francisco City Manager Sharon Ranals has appointed Rich Lee as the new assistant city manager, fulfilling the role that she vacated when she was promoted to city manager in March, 2023. Mr. Lee previously served as the City of South San Francisco’s finance director prior to accepting a position as finance director with the City of San Mateo in January, 2019.
As the assistant city manager, Lee will work closely with the city manager, City Council members, and department heads to develop and implement strategic initiatives and ensure continuous improvement in City operations and service delivery.
“Rich has a proven track record of fostering collaborative relationships with City staff and members of the community, expertise in municipal finance and operations, and a passion for public service, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the City of South San Francisco in this new role,” Ranals said.
Lee has 18 years of local government experience, having served in the cities of Los Altos Hills, Millbrae, and Foster City prior to joining the City of South San Francisco in 2013. He currently serves as the president of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and a member of the Ethics Committee for the Government Finance Officers Association.
“I am humbled and excited to serve as the assistant city manager for the City of South San Francisco. I look forward to partnering with City Manager Sharon Ranals, the executive team, and the City Council to position the City for success in serving the South San Francisco community. The opportunity to serve as a leader in the city I was raised and schooled in (including participating in the venerable Youth in Government program) is a true honor.”
Lee will start his new position on August 23, 2023.