TS Talent Solutions Finds Rockstar City Manager for La Cañada Flintridge
When City Manager Mark Alexander announced his plans to retire as City Manager of the City of La Cañada Flintridge, the City Council faced a scenario they had never experienced: how to replace a City Manager. Mark had been with the City for 34 years and served as its City Manager since 2003. To effectively find a replacement who would fill Mark’s big shoes, Council sought out a partner.
Following a competitive request for proposal process, the City Council selected TS Talent Solutions as its recruiting partner for the effort. TS Talent Solutions principal Ryder Todd Smith was a key asset to the selection process for the City Council. Ryder has been working with the City for ten years as a communications consultant and knows the culture, people, and vibe of the City. Plus, his reputation for knowing the City Manager community throughout California was deemed a valuable advantage.
“We had a number of incredible firms bid, but ultimately it was the demonstrated history of working with our community and TS Talent Solutions’ commitment to client service that compelled us to select the firm. This was a first-time experience for each of the City Councilmembers and we wanted the involvement of a partner we already trusted,” said Mayor Keith Eich.
TS Talent Solutions delivered for the City. Ryder led the effort and was ably assisted by recruiter Cathy Thompson and Kylie Sun. Their combined efforts created a pool of over 30 applicants. The City had so much great talent to choose from they added a middle round of express interviews among 12 candidates prior to finalizing their top three options. Ultimately, Dan Jordan rose to the top.
Dan is an alumnus of the City of La Cañada Flintridge having previously served as its Finance Director. He also has strong community ties with his children attending school in the City and his service on the Board of one of LCF’s private schools. Dan’s career working in finance departments and a successful service period as the City of Duarte City Manager also played a role in his selection.
“Dan’s career record, familiarity with the community, understanding of the culture in City Hall and personality were all compelling reasons for his selection. Dan has big shoes to fill, but we are excited to see his leadership and intellect help our community continue to succeed,” continued Mayor Eich.
TS Talent Solutions was engaged in the project from the candidate profile development through the contract negotiations. The work involved multiple on-site trips, closed-session presentations and candidate conversations.
Mayor Eich continued, “Ryder and the team at TS Talent Solutions were the perfect partners for the City Council. They generated an incredible pool of talent for us to consider and ultimately positioned us to make a choice that won unanimous approval. It is clear that Ryder and his team know local government and have a keen understanding of local government, but equally important is that they really took the time to hear each council member about their concerns and hopes for the next City Manager.”
Councilman Mike Davitt, a former Mayor and the most veteran Councilmember on the City Council affirmed those statements. “Choosing a City Manager is one of the most important decisions we make as a City Councilmember. TS Talent Solutions was a key partner in our selection process and went above and beyond my expectations. They delivered.”
Dan Jordan began his service as City Manager on June 14, 2023, the day immediately following Mark Alexander’s final official day.
“It has been a tremendous honor to work with the City Council on this selection process. The City Council has a strong positive reputation within the city management community, and it was clear that a deep pool of talent viewed this as a great opportunity. I am thankful to all the candidates who applied and am impressed by the deep and methodical process the City Council used to vet so much talent. Mr. Jordan is a natural fit for the position, and I look forward to the positive impact he will make in City Hall and the community at large,” said Ryder.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a marketing, technology and public affairs firm based in Orange County, CA. Its clients include for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies throughout the state of California. The firm’s unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage for organizations seeking to leverage the Internet to achieve their communication goals. Tripepi Smith provides full content creation services, including: ghostwriting, collateral development, photography, video production, search engine optimization, email marketing, crisis communications, social media management and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith clients include: City of Santa Ana, City of Culver City, City of Rolling Hills Estates, City of Tracy, City of Santa Cruz, City of Snoqualmie, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Paramount, City of Huntington Beach, City of El Cerrito, City of Indian Wells, City of Yuba City, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Industry Business Council, NHA Advisors, CalChoice, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Rowland Water District, California Contract Cities Association, California City Management Foundation, League of California Cities, Institute for Local Government, Renne Public Law Group, Inland Empire Utilities Agency and Climatec Energy Services.