Costa Mesa City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced government executive and development services professional Cecilia Gallardo-Daly to be Costa Mesa’s next Assistant City Manager.

After a nationwide search, Gallardo-Daly, who was formerly the Assistant City Manager for the City of San Clemente, quickly became a top candidate for the position. Her years of experience in Planning, Economic Development, Building, Code Enforcement, Park Ranger Services and Homeless Outreach make her an outstanding fit for this role.

“Cecilia impressed us with her extensive record of accomplishments and nine years of executive management experience,” City Manager Farrell Harrison said. “She is results-driven and puts a premium on customer service, which is an important function of our work here. Her 28 years of experience in successfully managing complex and controversial issues and projects will make her a valuable asset to the City and the entire Costa Mesa community. I’m thrilled to have her join our team.”

Gallardo-Daly most recently served the City of San Clemente as the Assistant City Manager, and prior to that as the Community Development Director, where she was responsible for implementation of San Clemente’s vision and policy as it relates to land use, economic development, environmental and historic preservation and coastal resiliency.

She is also experienced in land-use planning, development project facilitation, architectural review, historic and environmental preservation, General Plan implementation, social service and housing programs and climate and adaptation planning.

“I’m pleased that Cecilia will be our new Assistant City Manager,” Mayor John Stephens said.  “Her years of experience in economic development, land-use planning and housing will enhance our talented City team. I look forward to working with Cecilia as we continue to improve the great City of Costa Mesa.” 

 Prior to joining the City of San Clemente in 2015, Gallardo-Daly worked as a Planning and Environmental Permitting Consultant for local agencies from 2001 to 2013.

Before that, she served in several capacities with the City of San Diego, holding the titles of Deputy and Assistant Director of the Development Services Department, Program Manager for the City Planning and Community Investment Department and Senior Planner.

She has also held planning roles for the cities of Austin, Texas and Rancho Cucamonga, Rosemead and Sierra Madre in California.

“I am very much looking forward to this great opportunity as I thrive in environments that embrace innovation, public service and customer service. I am eager to bring my creative skills, technical expertise and new ways of providing continued economic, cultural and social vitality to the City of Costa Mesa.”

Gallardo-Daly has a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from UCLA.