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Ventura, Calif. - The Ventura City Council announced the appointment of Assistant City Manager Akbar Alikhan as the Interim City Manager during its meeting on February 13, 2023. Alikhan has served in the acting role since November 14, 2022.
"Mr. Alikhan is well-suited to lead the organization for the next several months as we begin the recruitment process for a City Manager. He has 13 years of municipal experience in both staff and consulting roles,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Akbar has worked for the City for nearly four years and has been instrumental in implementing numerous initiatives that have positively impacted our organization and community. He is personable, knowledgeable, and has shown a strong commitment to keeping the Council, staff, and public involved in important decisions."
The Council voted 7-0 to put Alikhan in charge while a search is conducted for a new city manager. As Interim City Manager, he will oversee the city's day-to-day operations and ensure that all services and operations continue to run smoothly. He will also work with the City Council to identify and prioritize key initiatives that will benefit the community.
Alikhan was hired as the Ventura Assistant City Manager in June 2019, where he oversaw day-to-day operations while working closely with Ventura Water, Community Development, and Public Works. He previously worked as General Manager for Channel Islands Beach Community Services, Raftelis Financial Consultants, and the City of Thousand Oaks. Alikhan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Economics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from Cornell University. He and his wife were born and raised in Ventura County.
The Council authorized the City to provide Alikhan with a new contract during his tenure as interim city manager. The external recruitment and hiring process for a city manager is estimated to take up to six months or more to complete. This includes the recruitment and evaluation period, background investigation, negotiating an agreement, and the ability to provide sufficient notice to the candidate’s current employer.
As the Interim City Manager, Alikhan will receive a monthly salary of $20,737.4950, a 14% percent increase over his salary as Assistant City Manager, plus a $500 per month auto allowance, and $100 per month cell phone/technology allowance.
For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Heather Sumagaysay at hsumagaysay@cityofventura.ca.gov.
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