“Mr. Keisler is a proven, dynamic and innovative leader who will help improve Long Beach’s economic vitality,” West said. “He will be a great addition to our city management team.”
Keisler has served as the Innovation Team director since 2005. The iTeam, 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 he 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 & 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,” Keisler said.
He is replacing Michael Conway, who retired in August. Kathryn McDermott has been serving as interim director of Economic and Property Development.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”250px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-11-23-at-2.39.42-PM.png” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Sergio Ramirez” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off”] “Kathryn has done a fantastic job as interim director,” West said, “and I want to thank her for her service.”
Keisler holds a master’s 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 he will report to Keisler. 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.
Ramirez holds a master’s in public administration from California State University, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Keisler’s appointment will be effective in approximately one month, and Ramirez’s appointment will be effective by the end of the year, officials said.
Source: City of LB
