In a prepared statement, the city’s top administrator said she would stay on until July 10. The announcement came an hour after the City Council was scheduled to meet to evaluate her performance.
by Alex N. Gecan May 6, 2024, 4:40 p.m. May 7, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley, the city’s top administrator, has announced her resignation, saying she will stay on until July 10.
Williams-Ridley made the announcement in a joint statement with Mayor Jesse Arreguín, sent through a city spokesperson. The announcement indicated she was leaving “to pursue new opportunities.” The message came an hour after the City Council was scheduled to meet in closed session to evaluate her performance. The City Council has hiring authority over the manager position.
Arreguín thanked Williams-Ridley for her years of work. Williams-Ridley spoke glowingly of city workers and residents.
Matthai Chakko, a spokesperson for the manager’s office, said in the emailed statement that “the City Council will consider appointing an interim city manager in anticipation of hiring a permanent candidate.”
Williams-Ridley’s resignation is the latest in a string of high-profile departures of city department heads and elected officials. Former councilmembers Kate Harrison and Rigel Robinson resigned in January. Lisa Warhuus, the city’s health chief, announced her departure the same month.
In November, former Public Works Director Liam Garland resigned, taking some on the council by surprise. The same department’s former deputy director, Farid Javandel, left earlier in 2023 under murky circumstances.
Williams-Ridley’s full statement read:
“It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the city of Berkeley for these past nine years. I am immensely proud of the organization and what we have achieved together. From award winning projects to implementing groundbreaking initiatives, we have consistently pushed the boundaries and set new standards of excellence.
“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the senior leadership team, and each and every employee of the organization, for their unwavering commitment, hard work and dedication. I will be forever humbled and proud of their service, partnership and care for the Berkeley community.
“The tireless efforts of the Mayor and City Council have not only fueled our successes but have also inspired me personally. I am profoundly grateful for the support and leadership from all elected officials over these past nine years.
“Service has been at the core of my leadership tenure for over 30 years. I have truly cherished not just the rewards but also the challenges of serving the Berkeley community and its workforce. As I prepare to move on to new professional challenges and opportunities in my next position, I remain committed to a smooth transition of leadership, and will no doubt miss the tremendous collaboration between the Berkeley community, council, staff and various external partners that has been vital to our achieving an unparalleled standard of excellence for this organization.”
Arreguín’s full statement read:
“We are grateful for Dee Williams-Ridley’s tenure of exceptional service to the city of Berkeley. Under her leadership, she oversaw the transformation of our city organization focusing on technological innovation, improved customer service and innovation policies and programs. She also led our city through some of its most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during COVID helped save thousands of lives and protected our businesses and residents from displacement. Through it all she had led with great skill, compassion and vision. Hiring and leading great staff who every day serve our community. The City Council has been lucky to work with such an exceptional leader and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors. Berkeley is a better place because of her.
“Ms. Williams-Ridley was appointed as City Manager by the City Council in 2016, after having served in an interim role. She has worked tirelessly to uplift the community throughout. The city is grateful for her dedicated service and wishes her the best.”
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