La Palma names new city manager

The following information was released by the City of La Palma.

City officials today announced the selection of Ellen Volmert as the next City Manager of La Palma, contingent on approval by the full City Council at their August 7, 2012, meeting. Ms. Volmert will assume her duties on September 4.

Ms. Volmert joins La Palma from Corvallis, Oregon where she has been the Assistant City Manager since 1994 and served as City Manager Pro Tem for four months in 2011 following the retirement of the long-time City Manager of that City. She comes to La Palma with broad experience in strategic planning, human resources and labor relations, community relations, capital project management, economic development, budgeting, team facilitation, diversity, technology, organizational development, and risk management.

Prior to moving to Corvallis, Ms. Volmert worked for over 14 years in two Southern California Cities, Baldwin Park and West Covina. Ms. Volmert holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton; a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from University of California, Los Angeles; and is an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager. Ms. Volmert said, “I am thrilled to be coming to La Palma. It’s a great small city with wonderful livability and community spirit. It is an honor to serve La Palma as City Manager. It’s also a homecoming for me since I grew up in Orange County and worked for many years in Southern California cities. I look forward to being closer to family and friends.”

Ms. Volmert’s selection completes a process that began on March 16, 2012, when Dominic Lazzaretto resigned after five years as La Palma’s City Manager. To help assist with the search for a new City Manager, the City retained Bobbi Peckham of the recruiting firm of Peckham and McKenney to undertake a nationwide job search. Of the 64 individuals that applied for the position, 12 were selected as finalists, with 7 being invited to interview with the City Council on June 27 and July 3. Based on those interviews, the top three candidates were identified and invited back for a second interview on July 20. City of La Palma’s Mayor Charoen said, “I am looking forward to having a new permanent City Manager. Ms. Volmert will be a fine addition to the La Palma family. We will be looking to her to guide us through our upcoming financial challenges.”