After nine years with the City of Murrieta and as the culmination of a 40-year career, Assistant City Manager Ivan Holler is retiring in April. Holler started his career with the City as the development services director in 2015. His talents earned him the title of assistant city manager in 2017.
Holler has been the driving force behind several pivotal projects that have positioned the City of Murrieta for long-term success and growth including the entitlements for CarMax, the Kaiser Medical Campus, Costco and the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort.
“It’s been an honor to work for the City of Murrieta, and a privilege to contribute to several challenging, but also very rewarding projects,” noted Holler. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to work alongside City Manager Kim Summers and many other talented individuals. I will miss them all. I look forward to what the next chapter brings.”
Before joining the City, Holler served in a variety of roles for the Rancho Santa Fe Association, including assistant manager and acting manager. Prior to that, he also spent over 10 years working for the County of San Diego, where he held his last role as the deputy planning director. His last day with the City of Murrieta will be April 4, 2024.
The City of Murrieta is pleased to announce that Justin Clifton will be joining the City as its new assistant city manager following Holler’s retirement. Clifton has over 15 years of city management experience, overseeing and building high-performing organizations to improve communities. He previously served in the private sector and, before that, as the city manager of Palm Springs.
“I’m excited to be the new assistant city manager,” noted Clifton. “My commitment to the organization and community of Murrieta is to pursue excellence in every area. I pride myself on being an innovative thinker who is thoroughly prepared and eager to surpass expectations. I truly love being an integrated part of a community, bringing passion, vision and excellent leadership; working together to create a product for which we can all be proud.”
As assistant city manager, Clifton will assist the city manager with the daily operations of the City, achieving the City Council’s goals, strategic planning, implementing best practices, refining policies and procedures, assisting in planning, organizing and directing the services and activities of City departments and programs and providing oversight of the City in the city manager’s absence.
“We are thrilled to bring Mr. Clifton onboard,” shared Murrieta City Manager Kim Summers. “He has a passion for service yet is data-focused, bringing a balanced set of skills to the City. I know his talents will help ensure our City continues to develop while maintaining a high quality of life.”
Clifton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Fort Lewis College in Political Science and Philosophy and holds a Master of Arts degree from Colorado University, Denver in Political Science and Public Policy. In addition, he holds the esteemed designation of Credentialed Manager from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).