City Manager Bryan Montgomery announced his resignation Friday after guiding the East Contra Costa County city’s administration for nearly 16 years.
Montgomery assumed the position in Oakley in 2005 after having served as city manager of Mesquite, Nevada, for more than seven years. He has over 28 years of experience in local government management and has also served as an adjunct professor at San Francisco State University and Los Medanos College.
Montgomery told the mayor and City Council in his announcement that he has accepted the city manager’s position with the Southern California city of Indio and will step down from his Oakley position May 7.
“Bryan has been a strong leader for Oakley and has helped Oakley move from a newly-incorporated city, to a financially sound and safe city that has a very bright future. We will always be grateful for the foundation and solid employee team that Bryan helped build and we know he will continue to be successful in his public service career,” said Oakley Mayor Sue Higgins.
Kevin Romick, a former Oakley mayor, added Friday, “It’s a loss for Oakley. In the over 15 years he’s been a part of the Oakley team he’s been involved in the positive growth of our community.”
“It is very bittersweet to leave Oakley and many wonderful friends we have made here. It has been a great place to raise our family and it has been an honor to serve with such outstanding city employees and elected officials, as well as with so many others that help make Oakley such a great community. We will always cherish the memories and friendships, and look forward to seeing you and the entire City of Oakley continue to succeed and flourish,” said Montgomery.
Indio’s population is more than twice that of Oakley, which boasts about 41,000 residents compared to Indio’s nearly 90,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Montgomery will replace Indio City Manager Mark Scott, who has led the city for the past three years and who previously announced his retirement.