The Belvedere City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Craig Middleton as its next City Manager, pending approval of an employment agreement at the regular Council meeting of April 11, 2017. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of former City Manager Mary Neilan in January, 2017.
“Craig’s career has prepared him to be an excellent City Manager for Belvedere,” said Mayor James Campbell. “His leadership style, and his management and interpersonal skills are a perfect fit for our community. I found him to be thoughtful and enthusiastic and I really look forward to working with him.”
Middleton led the transformation of the Presidio, San Francisco from Army post to national park. As executive director of the Presidio Trust for fourteen years, he was responsible for the operation of all the departments of a small “city,” including public safety, planning and preservation, community relations, resource preservation, facilities and infrastructure. Prior to his work with the Trust, Middleton worked with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the non-profit partner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There, he led a team that assisted Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi in drafting and advocating for legislation to establish the Presidio Trust. Middleton previously served as Washington press secretary and legislative aide to Nancy Pelosi.
“I am so pleased to be coming to Belvedere,” said Middleton. “It is such a unique and special place – a jewel on the bay – and I am really looking forward to getting to know the people who live and work in the community.”
Middleton and his family have lived in Marin and the Presidio for two decades. He holds degrees from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, and the University of California at Santa Barbara. He loves all sorts of water sports and regularly hikes the trails throughout Marin.
“Craig’s deep and extensive experience in public management, and his years in Marin, position him perfectly to lead Belvedere as we face the many challenges ahead,” said Council Member Claire McAuliffe. “I join my fellow Councilmembers in expressing our warmest welcome to Craig Middleton as our next City Manager.”
The Belvedere City Council was assisted in the recruitment by Heather Renschler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ralph Andersen & Associates. The full Council participated, along with Ms. Renschler, in screening and interviewing the candidates. The Mayor negotiated the final terms and conditions with Middleton on behalf of the Council.
If the employment agreement is approved by the City Council on April 11, Middleton will begin work May 1, 2017.
Source: City of Belvedere