Anita D. Gutierrez will be Pomona’s city manager

The Pomona City Council has named Anita D. Gutierrez as Pomona’s next city manager.

The Pomona City Council announced last week that Gutierrez, who has been acting city manager, will take over the position permanently. She previously served as assistant city manager and development services director for the city.

Gutierrez has over two decades of experience in public service and has been an instrumental part of the city’s leadership team for the last five years. She brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success in leading teams and a strong commitment to enhancing the community’s quality of life, making her a key asset to the vibrant community.

"I am both humbled and thrilled to serve the City of Pomona as its city manager,” said Gutierrez. “I am enthusiastic about building upon my work in Pomona, enhancing community trust, engagement, and collaboration. I look forward to closely collaborating with the City Council, staff, community members, and local businesses to accomplish the City Council's key priorities and address the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Alongside her team, she successfully executed high-priority city initiatives such as the commercial cannabis program, housing element compliance, the transition to an in-house Building and Safety Division, and advancing the city towards a comprehensive zoning code update, expected to be adopted later this year. 

Mayor Tim Sandoval said, “Anita was the City Council's unanimous choice; she brings both a broad administrative skill set and a deep understanding of community dynamics that will enhance and progress the initiatives undertaken by the Council. She is a results-oriented leader with the right combination of vision, enthusiasm and experience to help us advance a very ambitious work plan.”

Anita holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master’s in Planning from the University of Southern California (USC). She will complete a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC in May 2024. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and an active member of the League of California Cities. 

“I am deeply passionate about public service, and I am grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership abilities in service to our city,” Gutierrez said. “The Pomona team is truly exceptional, and I appreciate the chance to contribute to this incredibly dynamic and committed organization.”