FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Yvonne Kimball, City Manager
Email: ykimball@morrobayca.gov
September 19, 2023
CITY’S ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR SELECTED TO SERVE AS NEXT ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER FOR SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA
Morro Bay, CA – Sarah Johnson-Rios, the City’s Assistant City Manager and Administrative Services Director, has been selected to serve as the next Assistant City Manager for Sunnyvale, California starting October 23, 2023.
Ms. Johnson-Rios joined the City team in June of 2021. During her tenure, she rebuilt the City’s finance team after pandemic-induced layoffs and turnover, implemented a more user-friendly City budgeting platform, updated the City’s purchasing policies to reflect best practices, and strengthened the City’s information technology services. Under Ms. Johnson-Rios’ leadership, the City received annual Awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and for Distinguished Budget Presentation for the City’s annual budgets.
In addition, under Ms. Johnson-Rios’s guidance, the City has made further progress at reducing the City’s pension liabilities by establishing and funding a pension trust for the first time. As City Treasurer, Ms. Johnson-Rios oversaw the City’s highest annual interest earnings on record, due in part to staff’s proactive efforts to more actively diversify and manage the City’s investment portfolio.
“It has been my honor to serve the Morro Bay community since 2021,” Ms. Johnson-Rios said. “I have enjoyed working with dedicated Councilmembers, City Managers, Executive Managers, and staff to tackle day-to-day operations and strategic goals. The Morro Bay staff team is one of the most dedicated and tireless teams I have worked with, and what they deliver for this community given resource constraints is commendable. I wish the Morro Bay City team and the broader community the best and will look forward to future visits.”
“While I am sad to see her leaving Morro Bay, my team and I wish Sarah and her family success in her new community. Sarah will be missed.” City Manager, Yvonne Kimball said.
The City is exploring interim Assistant City Manager and Administrative Services Director support for the near term. Ms. Johnson-Rios’s last day with the City is October 4th.
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