Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos has been named as Seal Beach’s interim city manager.
“The City Council appointed Patrick Gallegos as interim city manager effective November 1, 2024, subject to approval of an amendment to Mr. Gallegos’ employment agreement at the September 9, 2024 City Council meeting,” wrote city attorney Nick Ghirelli.
As previously reported, City Manager Jill Ingram has resigned effective Oct. 31. (See “Ingram resigns,” at sunnews.org)
The City Council voted unanimously to appoint Gallegos during the Monday, Aug. 26, special meeting that was closed to the public. State law allows the council to meet in closed session to discuss such things as personnel matters.
Prior to the meeting, the candidates for council seats in Districts Two and Four, expressed a desire to have a say in appointment of Ingram’s permanent successor.
Public comment
Although the council discussion was closed to the public, members of the public were given 5 minutes to comment.
Ben Wong, who is running unopposed to represent District Two World, and the Shops at Rossmoor), said he wanted to stress the importance of a smooth transition. Wong said he and District Four candidate Patty Senecal (who is also running unopposed for ), were in a unique position. They won’t be able to take office until after the November election. Wong said he and Senecal would be working with the next city manager.
Senecal recommended Assistant City Manager Gallegos for the interim city manager position.
Senecal did not support hiring a recruiter at this time.
Senecal suggested waiting until January to appoint Ingram’s permanent successor.
“Give him six months,” Senecal said, referring to Gallegos.
Gallegos comment
“I am truly honored and humbled to be selected for this role, and I am excited to continue serving our community in this capacity,” Gallegos wrote in an Aug. 27 email.
“Over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about making Seal Beach a great place to live, work, and play. I am confident that together, we will continue to build upon the City’s successes and address the challenges ahead. I look forward to working closely with the City Council, staff, and residents to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the high quality of services that our community expects,” Gallegos wrote.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jill Ingram for her many years of service to the City of Seal Beach. She has been a dedicated and passionate public servant for over 30 years, 16 of those years with the City of Seal Beach. I wish her the very best in her retirement,: Gallegos wrote.
Gallegos background
Gallegos has worked at Seal Beach since Feb. 27, 2012, according to Sun archives. He has a master’s degree in public policy and administration from CSU Long Beach. (Many Seal Beach employees are CSULB alums.)
Before Seal Beach, Gallegos worked in the city manager’s offices in Anaheim and Diamond Bar, according to a press release issued by Seal Beach in late February 2012.
Gallegos was promoted to assistant city manager effective April 28, 2014, according to his initial contract. (The contract is available on the city website.)
