The City of Morro Bay is pleased to announce the selection of John Craig as its next city manager. Craig brings more than twenty-five years of leadership experience in city and county government, including roles in financial management, infrastructure planning and organizational leadership. He is expected to begin his duties following approval of his employment agreement and his swearing-in at the January 13, 2026, City Council meeting.
Craig began his career in public service after earning a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University. He has served in senior leadership roles, including city manager of Barre, Vermont; county manager of Talbot County, Maryland; deputy city manager of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; assistant county administrator of Mono County, California; and director of general services for the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Most recently, he served as deputy county manager in Los Alamos County, where he oversaw finance, IT, broadband and community services and played a central role in delivering a $35 million countywide broadband expansion that reached every home in the community.
Mayor Carla Wixom welcomed Craig, stating, “We are happy to welcome John Craig as the new city manager of Morro Bay. With John’s extensive experience and commitment to community engagement, I am confident that he will lead our city with integrity and vision. Together, we will work to enhance the quality of life for our residents and honor the unique spirit of Morro Bay.”
Craig shared that he was drawn to Morro Bay’s natural beauty, strong sense of identity and the clear passion residents and staff have for their community. He noted that his experience in long-range financial planning, complex infrastructure projects and collaborative problem-solving aligns closely with Morro Bay’s current priorities and ongoing initiatives.
“I am honored to join Morro Bay and grateful for the trust the City Council and community have placed in me,” Craig said. “My goal is to listen first, learn quickly and work together to support the Council’s goals and maintain the high-quality services that reflect Morro Bay’s values.”
On a personal note, Craig said he feels most at home in communities that value nature, history and a strong sense of place, qualities he sees throughout Morro Bay. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring trails, visiting nature areas and expanding his rock-tumbling collection. He is also an enthusiastic Kansas City Royals fan, which he jokes “requires equal parts optimism and patience.”
Craig’s family is excited to join him in Morro Bay. His wife, Jennifer, and their children, Harper, 19, a sophomore at the University of Oregon, and Sabine, a junior in high school in Albuquerque, look forward to becoming active members of the community.
The recruitment was conducted by Peckham & McKenney, and the search drew candidates from across the nation. The City Council considered several highly qualified individuals and incorporated the results of the Community Survey into their decision-making process. Craig emerged as the top choice based on his extensive experience, leadership approach and alignment with Morro Bay’s priorities.
For more information about the City Manager appointment, please contact Rachael Hendricks, human resources/risk manager, at rhendricks@morrobayca.gov.