Kevin Thompson, Cloverdale’s current deputy city manager and community development coordinator, has been named the next city manager, the highest unelected position in city government.

The City Council approved his hiring at its Wednesday meeting, making Thompson the successor to longtime City Manager David Kelley, who is expected to retire next month. Thompson’s first day as city manager will be Dec. 21.

Kelley announced his retirement in July. Kelley has worked at Cloverdale since 2016 and has been municipal director since 2018guiding residents through fires, droughts and the pandemic.

When Kelley’s retirement was announced, the city hired a search firm to help find a new city manager. At the same time, the council met behind closed doors “to discuss the vacancy … and consider their options on how to move forward,” city staff said.

Ultimately, the council realized that the person doing the job was right in front of them.

“The city is fortunate to have a good bench,” City Attorney Alex Mog said Wednesday evening. “Most cities want to strive to be able to promote from within.”

Thompson holds a master’s degree in business administration from Sonoma State University and has more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, gaining experience in different roles in Calistoga, Ukiah and Windsor before coming to Cloverdale in 2018.

Since arriving in Cloverdale, Thompson has worked to update the the housing element of the city, the so-called master plan for the city’s growth and development. He also worked with Kelley to guide the city through historic droughts and heat waves.

City staff and council members expressed great confidence in Thompson at this week’s meeting. The board hired him for a three-year term, with a base annual salary of $184,058, plus a cost-of-living increase expected to take effect July 1, 2025.

“We look forward to working with you,” Deputy Mayor Brian Wheeler told Thompson during the meeting. “I think it will be a positive step. Thank you very much for stepping up your efforts.

Police Chief Chris Parker, who has worked with Thompson for years, said he looks forward to working with him in a new role. “Your advice is needed,” Parker said.

And, Marc Laskeywho will join the Cloverale City Council after being elected earlier this month, told Thompson he also “looks forward to working” with him.

Thompson was touched by this support and recognized he had a big job ahead of him.

“It’s super exciting. Thank you for your confidence in me,” he said. “I have big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge. I look forward to 2025, when we can hit the ground running .

Amie Windsor is the community journalism team leader at The Press Democrat. She can be reached at [email protected] or 707-521-5218.