At its meeting Friday afternoon, the Wildomar City Council unanimously voted to appoint Chris Mann, who has served as its Interim City Manager for several months, to the role on a permanent basis.
Mann brings more than 25 years of local government experience, including successful tenures as City Manager for the cities of Yucaipa and Canyon Lake. During his time in Yucaipa, he was credited with eliminating a structural budget deficit, passing a new revenue measure, significantly reducing homelessness, leading the city to be named one of the safest in California, and creating award-winning communications efforts. In Canyon Lake, Mann turned an $800,000 deficit into a surplus and helped launch the city’s first municipal fire department.
“We have been pleased with Chris’ performance as our Interim City Manager and are excited to be able to retain him in the role on a permanent basis,” said Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo. “Chris is a highly experienced municipal executive known for driving innovation, fiscal responsibility, and effective communications. His experience aligns well with Wildomar’s needs as we continue to grow and explore new economic development and infrastructure opportunities.”
As City Manager, Mann will oversee day-to-day operations of the City and serve as the chief executive officer responsible for implementing City Council policies across all departments, including Community Development, Public Works/Engineering, Administrative Services, and Economic Development.
“Wildomar holds a special place in my heart,” said Mann upon his appointment in May. “Having supported the City and its leaders since its early years, it’s truly an honor to step into this role. I’m committed to bringing focus, energy, and transparency to City Hall. Together with the City Council and staff, we will prioritize economic development, modern communications, and high-quality public services for the residents of Wildomar.”
Mann previously served as Mayor of Westlake Village at age 26, has held elected positions on two water agency boards, and worked as an Analyst and Deputy Chief of Staff for a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. In addition to his government service, he spent over a decade in the private sector as the owner of a public affairs consulting firm, helping clients interface with local government and improving public agency communications.
“Chris has proven to us that he knows how to balance the technical demands of city government, and the everyday needs of the residents and the staff who serve them,” added Mayor DePhillippo. “I am confident that Chris will continue to provide skilled leadership and a fresh perspective as we move Wildomar forward.”
Mann was appointed to the City Manager position on an interim basis following a competitive recruitment process in May. Over the past four months, he has served as the administrative head of the City.
Mann holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from California Lutheran University and will complete a Master of Public Administration degree at San Diego State University this December. He is also a graduate of the International City/County Management Association’s High Performance Leadership Academy. His active professional affiliations include the California City Management Foundation (CCMF), the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC), the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), and the American Society for Public Administration. More information about Mann can be found at: www.chrismann.us.