City Manager Stilwell Retires

By Redaccion
[email protected]

Jason Stilwell submitted his resignation to the Santa Maria City Council today. His last day before retiring from his position as City Manager is scheduled to be September 22nd. 

In a message to City employees, Stilwell said “It has been an honor working with you toward the successes we have achieved. I am proud of the City team and what we have accomplished.

It is a long list that has served the community, City Council, and our colleagues well and has enabled us to secure and maintain the support of the Santa Maria community. It is with sincere gratitude that I resigned today from my position as City Manager for the City of Santa Maria.”

Stilwell began work at the City of Santa Maria in 2015 as Deputy City Manager and was appointed City Manager by the City Council on October 3, 2017.

The position of City Manager reports directly to the City Council. Stilwell previously served as City Administrator for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Assistant County Executive Officer for Santa Barbara County, among other positions in his career since1991.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Sciencefrom Cal Poly, a Master of Public Administration degree from San Jose State University, and a Doctorate in Public Affairs from the University of Colorado.

Mayor Patino stated “The City Council unfortunately received Jason’s resignation today from his position as City Manager. The entire City Council would like to thank Jason for his service and for all the City accomplished under his leadership. He and the staff kept the City on a steady course through the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and staffing challenges while maintaining quality services in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible.” 

The Santa Maria City Council will meet in a Closed Session on August 15 to begin the process to select the next City Manager.