CITY OF SCOTTS VALLEY

SCOTTS VALLEY—On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, the Scotts Valley City Council unanimously appointed Tina Friend as Scotts Valley’s new City Manager. Ms. Friend comes to Scotts Valley from the City of Santa Cruz where she has worked for nearly 14 years, including 9 years as Assistant City Manager.

“The City Council is delighted to have Ms. Friend join our Scotts Valley team,” said Mayor Jack Dilles. “Tina’s leadership skills, qualifications and experience, together with her proven success with community engagement on tough issues make her the right person to lead the city into the years ahead.”

“Scotts Valley is an incredible city and I am excited to work with the community and dive into the issues,” stated Ms. Friend. “It will be an honor to build upon the city’s strengths and unique character and support the high quality-of-life for Scotts Valley residents, businesses and visitors. I look forward to partnering with the community and talented city staff to tackle the new opportunities and challenges ahead.”

At the City of Santa Cruz, Ms. Friend served as the Chief Operating Officer and oversaw the day-to-day operations of six departments and over 100 staff members, including the Planning and Community Development, Economic Development and Finance Departments, helped develop the annual $250 million budget and implementation of a fiscal sustainability plan, and other projects including the Warriors basketball arena, public safety initiatives, strategic planning, community engagement, and housing policy. She served on regional boards and committees such as the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, Chamber of Commerce, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, 9-1-1 Center and United Way, and cultivated strong partnerships with countywide leaders in public safety, tourism, neighborhood groups, business and non-profits, and local and state government. Ms. Friend holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor Degree from Santa Clara University School of Law.

Ms. Friend was selected from a pool of 11 applicants and will earn a salary of $198,924. Her first day will be June 3. She will be the only female City Manager in the county and, following her predecessor Jenny Haruyama, will be the second female City Manager in Scotts Valley history. Ms. Friend resides in Santa Cruz County with her husband and preschool-age son.