The Town of Portola Valley is pleased to announce that a conditional offer of employment has been made to Sharif Etman as Portola Valley’s next town manager. The Portola Valley Town Council is poised to consider an employment contract with Mr. Etman on August 23, 2023. If approved, Mr. Etman will begin on August 30, 2023. Mr. Etman was selected after a nationwide recruitment and selection process conducted by Peckham & McKenney.
For the past 16 months, Mr. Etman has served as the interim assistant administrative services director and a project lead with Redwood City. Over his professional career Mr. Etman has served as the Administrative Services director (finance, human resources, I.T.) for the City of Los Altos, the finance manager for the City of Campbell, and the director of Financial Services for San Mateo County Human Services Agency. He has also served as the executive director and chief financial officer for Rebekah Children’s Services. He has an Executive MBA from Saint Mary’s College and a B.S. in Health Care Management from California State University Dominguez Hills.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sharif to Portola Valley.” Mayor Aalfs shared this week. “With his years of experience across multiple government functions, including Community Engagement, we are confident that his arrival will help us move forward as a community. I know that Sharif is eager to meet all of his new local partners and learn more about our unique and beautiful Town.” Mayor Aalfs’ words are echoed by the Town staff who look forward to a bright future under the guidance of their new town manager.
“I am excited for this opportunity, and I look forward to connecting with our community, our town council leaders, and our dedicated staff and volunteers. Portola Valley has always prided itself as a wonderful place to live and work and I am confident that we can solve our challenges and embrace new opportunities together” says Mr. Etman.
“Additionally, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff who have gone above and beyond during the last five months without a permanent town manager,” Mayor Aalfs remarked with genuine appreciation. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have not only kept our operations running smoothly but have also showcased the remarkable strength of our team. Despite the challenges that come with transitions, our staff has risen to the occasion, demonstrating their exceptional professionalism and dedication to our community. Their hard work during this interim period has not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to lead a town with such a resilient and devoted team. As we welcome our new town manager, let us carry forward the spirit of teamwork and excellence that has been exemplified by our staff.” The mayor’s acknowledgment resonated among residents and committees, recognizing the remarkable contributions of the staff and setting a tone of unity and collaboration for the future.