PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Today Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica announced the appointment of Johnny Vallejo to Acting Director of the Economic Development Department, effective immediately. Mr. Vallejo has served the City since 2003 and has led several key projects and initiatives in support of the City’s advancements in business development, real estate, workforce development and business operations. The City will conduct a national recruitment to permanently fill the director position. 

“Mr. Vallejo has been an incredible asset over the years for the City’s business development,” said City Manager Tom Modica. “I have no doubt he will lead this team to further our efforts in building back our economy and supporting the recovery of local businesses.”  

As a director, he will oversee the department’s 85-plus employees with focuses on increasing economic opportunities for residents, investors and entrepreneurs throughout the city and managing the City’s extensive real estate interests. 

Over the past 18 years, Mr. Vallejo has served in various roles including Administrative Analyst, Development Project Manager and Property Services Officer. In his most recent role as Business Operations Manager for Economic Development, he was responsible for managing the City’s real estate assets, including agreements for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Queen Mary, Carnival Cruise Terminal, and commercial and retail centers. He has also overseen the financial aspects of the department’s COVID-19 related CARES Act and Long Beach Recovery Act efforts. 

Mr. Vallejo also played an integral role in the development of the Economic Development Department and has supported the Department’s efforts to integrate equity and inclusion into its culture, programs and communications. 

“This Department has an incredibly passionate workforce,” said Vallejo. “I’m excited to lead this team and continue our efforts to expand economic opportunities for this amazing and innovative community. I know our team will keep advancing our important work while City leadership conducts a search for a permanent Economic Development Director.” 

Mr. Vallejo holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska anda bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona. He will not be a candidate for the permanent director position.  

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