City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly has promoted Alma Reyes to assistant city manager, where she will continue to assist with and supervise the day-to-day management of city operations.
“In the role of deputy city manager, Alma has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and a strong commitment to serving the community,” Gallardo-Daly said. “Her work has been instrumental in advancing key city initiatives, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration and improving the quality of services delivered to our residents. Her partnership, insight and commitment made a significant difference as I filled the role of interim city manager, and I truly appreciated her willingness to step in, collaborate and help ensure our work continued smoothly.”
As assistant city manager, Reyes will take on an expanded leadership role, providing oversight for specific areas, guiding long-term planning efforts and supporting the City Manager’s Office in implementing the City Council’s priorities and vision, Gallardo-Daly said.
Mayor John Stephens congratulated Reyes on her appointment.
“I really applaud this move to make Alma the assistant city manager,” Mayor Stephens said. “She has cemented her reputation as a problem solver, and we look to her for guidance on some of the more complicated issues we face. Alma will be an outstanding assistant city manager, and we are very fortunate to have her in that position.”
Reyes has been the deputy city manager since April of 2023, managing constituent services, community outreach, government affairs, Costa Mesa TV, as well as key citywide projects and city special events. Prior to that, she held the role of assistant to the city manager.
She began her career with the City of Costa Mesa in January of 2011, where she began her first job as a management analyst for the public services department. In April of 2013, she transferred to the parks and community services department to serve as both the management analyst and recreation supervisor. In November of 2015, Reyes moved into the fire & rescue department to serve as a management analyst, and Chief Dan Stefano praised her passion for public service, team value orientation and engaged professionalism.
“I am honored to step into the role of assistant city manager and remain deeply committed to fostering collaboration, strengthening community partnerships and advancing initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all our residents,” Reyes said. “I also look forward to supporting our organization with integrity, empowering our teams and helping guide the innovative work that moves our city forward.”
Prior to working in Costa Mesa, Reyes worked for 10 years for the City of Hawaiian Gardens in various areas of local government including: administration, public relations, public safety, public works, recreation, code enforcement and finance.
Reyes holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton.
She begins her role effective immediately.