A veteran city administrator will step temporarily into the top job in Morro Bay, as the City Council begins the search for a permanent city manager.
City Manager Scott Collins, who is slated to leave the City for a new job on March 3, announced the hiring of Greg Carpenter as the interim city manager. Collins leaves to become the executive director of the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo.
Carpenter will step in on March 1, provided his contract is approved at the Feb. 28 City Council meeting. But if the Mayor’s statement is any indication, that would seem to be a formality.
“We are thankful,” Mayor Carla Wixom said, “that Mr. Carpenter will be able to serve the community as interim city manager, while we work with a recruiter to search for the next city manager. I believe Mr. Carpenter will be a good fit for the interim position, as he understands our region and has previously served as a city manager for a Coastal California community.”
Carpenter, who last served as interim city manager in Paso Robles, looks forward to this challenge. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve during this interim period while the City Council selects the next permanent city manager for Morro Bay,” Carpenter said. “I’m looking forward to working with the Council, City staff, and the community to continue the projects and efforts that are underway, and set the stage for a smooth transition for the new city manager.”
He said his door will be open. “Please feel free to reach out and contact me with any comments, concerns, or questions,” Carpenter said. “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Carpenter is a local government veteran. Carpenter “brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the City of Morro Bay,” Collins said, “having served as a city manager and director of Planning and Building Safety for the City of El Segundo. Prior to that, he served as zoning administrator and planning bureau manager for the City of Long Beach. Most recently, he served as the interim city manager for Paso Robles.”
Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Arts in geography and a Master’s Degree of Public Administration from CSU Long Beach.
Carpenter’s hiring is the first step in a process the City Council has embarked upon. Mayor Wixom previously said they had hired a search company, Mosaic, to conduct the recruitment and help them narrow down what could be a large number of applicants. The City Council will make the final decision on who is hired as the next full time city manager. Carpenter’s tenure could last several months depending on how the recruitment goes.
