PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
11/18/2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # CM: 111816
Subject:
John Keisler Named Director of Economic and Property Development
Contact:
Alejandra (Alex) Basquez
Director of Human Resources
562.570.6140
Alex.Basquez@longbeach.gov
Director of Human Resources
562.570.6140
Alex.Basquez@longbeach.gov
Today City Manager Patrick H. West named John Keisler as the City’s Director of Economic and Property Development. Mr. Keisler brings more than 11 years of professional experience with the City of Long Beach, including eight years in a management capacity.
“Mr. Keisler is a proven, dynamic and innovative leader who will help improve Long Beach’s economic vitality,” said Mr. West. “He will be a great addition to our City Management Team."
Mr. Keisler has served as the Innovation Team Director since May 2015. The i-team, as it is known, helped launch BizPort, the Long Beach Business Portal website, to make it easier for businesses and investors to quickly start and grow a business; and helped the City change procurement methods by working with CityMart to launch invitations for ideas and solutions, instead of simply asking for the cost of services and resources already predetermined. Previously he was Chief Financial Officer for the Police Department; Business Operations Manager for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine; and Manager of Animal Care Services, among other positions in the City. He started his career with the City of Long Beach as a Management Assistant in 2005.
“I’m dedicated to helping Long Beach grow in terms of jobs, business relocation and expansion, and overall economic activity while at the same time strengthening the unique character of our many wonderful neighborhoods,” said Mr. Keisler.
He is replacing Michael Conway, who retired in August. Kathryn McDermott has been serving as Interim Director of Economic and Property Development.
“Kathryn has done a fantastic job as Interim Director, and I want to thank her for her service,” said Mr. West.
Mr. Keisler holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and Bachelor’s Degrees in Philosophy and Religion from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
Additionally, Sergio Ramirez has been appointed Deputy Director of Economic and Property Development, and will report to Mr. Keisler. Mr. Ramirez is currently a Senior Project Manager with the Community and Economic Development Department in the City of Anaheim, where he is responsible for all aspects of development for high-profile development projects, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects.
Mr. Ramirez holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Mr. Keisler’s appointment will be effective in approximately one month, and Mr. Ramirez’s appointment will be effective by the end of the year.
“Mr. Keisler is a proven, dynamic and innovative leader who will help improve Long Beach’s economic vitality,” said Mr. West. “He will be a great addition to our City Management Team."
Mr. Keisler has served as the Innovation Team Director since May 2015. The i-team, as it is known, helped launch BizPort, the Long Beach Business Portal website, to make it easier for businesses and investors to quickly start and grow a business; and helped the City change procurement methods by working with CityMart to launch invitations for ideas and solutions, instead of simply asking for the cost of services and resources already predetermined. Previously he was Chief Financial Officer for the Police Department; Business Operations Manager for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine; and Manager of Animal Care Services, among other positions in the City. He started his career with the City of Long Beach as a Management Assistant in 2005.
“I’m dedicated to helping Long Beach grow in terms of jobs, business relocation and expansion, and overall economic activity while at the same time strengthening the unique character of our many wonderful neighborhoods,” said Mr. Keisler.
He is replacing Michael Conway, who retired in August. Kathryn McDermott has been serving as Interim Director of Economic and Property Development.
“Kathryn has done a fantastic job as Interim Director, and I want to thank her for her service,” said Mr. West.
Mr. Keisler holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and Bachelor’s Degrees in Philosophy and Religion from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
Additionally, Sergio Ramirez has been appointed Deputy Director of Economic and Property Development, and will report to Mr. Keisler. Mr. Ramirez is currently a Senior Project Manager with the Community and Economic Development Department in the City of Anaheim, where he is responsible for all aspects of development for high-profile development projects, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects.
Mr. Ramirez holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Mr. Keisler’s appointment will be effective in approximately one month, and Mr. Ramirez’s appointment will be effective by the end of the year.