The Cerritos City Council appointed Robert A. Lopez to the position of city manager at the September 14, 2023 City Council meeting. Commencing November 4, 2023, Lopez will replace retiring City Manager Art Gallucci, who has served as city manager since 1991.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Robert A. Lopez as the new city manager for the City of Cerritos,” remarked Cerritos Mayor Bruce W. Barrows. “Robert grew up in and is a resident of Cerritos, and he has devoted his career to serving our great City. His extensive knowledge, education and dedication to the City of Cerritos will make him an outstanding city manager.”
Lopez stated, “I am honored to have been appointed the new city manager for the City of Cerritos. I look forward to working collaboratively with the City Council, City employees and the community on the continuing growth and success of Cerritos.”
Lopez began working for the City of Cerritos in 2002 and held various Planning roles prior to being promoted to Advance Planning/Redevelopment Manager in 2005 and Current Planning Manager in 2009. Lopez was appointed Director of Community Development in 2020, and oversaw and administered the City’s land planning, development, land use, business license, GIS, public transportation, and building and safety programs. In 2022 he was appointed Director of Public Works/Water & Power and was responsible for administering and implementing the City’s Capital Improvement Program, providing maintenance to City facilities, parks and streets, and managing the Water & Power utilities. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and holds a professional certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Lopez received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with a minor in urban studies from Stanford University, and his master of public administration and master of planning degrees from the University of Southern California. Lopez is a lifelong Cerritos resident and was a valedictorian of his graduating class at Whitney High School. He and his wife and their five sons are happy to call Cerritos their home.
Gallucci announced his pending retirement from the City of Cerritos in December 2022. Recruitment for the next city manager was conducted by Ralph Andersen & Associates. More than 30 applications were received, and interviews were conducted with the top tier candidates prior to a selection being made.
The Cerritos City Council thanks Gallucci for his remarkable service to the City of Cerritos. During his tenure as city manager from 1991 to 2023, Gallucci served as the City’s top negotiator in major commercial and office developments, including the Cerritos Auto Square, Cerritos Towne Center and Lincoln Station Shopping Center. He was active in the development of all public facilities, including parks, the Cerritos Olympic Swim and Fitness Center, Cerritos Library, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park and Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center. Gallucci also was involved in the development of the City’s recycled water system; the affordable senior housing projects Emerald Villas, Pioneer Villas, Ivy Park at Cerritos and Fountain Walk; the Cerritos Sculpture Garden; and many other programs and services. His efforts to ensure a business-friendly environment supported the expansion of the Cerritos Auto Square and the Los Cerritos Center, contributing to the City’s strong fiscal position.