Peter Pirnejad Selected as Next City Manager for Foster City -- Appointment Effective January 4, 2021

For Immediate Release: December 4, 2020
Contact: Jennifer Phan, Principal Management Analyst, (650) 286-3223, jphan@fostercity.org 

Earlier in May 2020, the City Council began the recruitment process for a new City Manager following the resignation of the former City Manager. After conducting interviews of the recruitment firms responding to the City’s RFP, in July 2020, the City Council unanimously agreed to engage William Avery & Associates, Inc. to conduct a nationwide recruitment process for City Manager. The City Council also appointed an Ad Hoc Citizens’ Advisory Committee in October 2020 to provide feedback and participate in the recruitment/selection of the new City Manager. After an extensive and robust process, the City of Foster City City Council is pleased to announce that Mr. Peter Pirnejad has been selected as the new City Manager, effective January 4, 2021.

Mayor Catherine Mahanpour stated, “Over the past several months, Foster City has been faced with many challenges amid the pandemic. Strong leadership is critical as we navigate these trying times in an effort to advance recovery, make budget decisions given severe economic constraints, manage a partially remote workforce, and promote greater civic and resident engagement.”  

“I, along with the entire City Council, share our confidence in Mr. Pirnejad’s ability to manage and lead the City well into the future. Mr. Pirnejad brings a depth of knowledge, perspective, and energy that I believe will contribute to the success of the City organization as well as uphold the standard we have for public service in Foster City,” said Mayor Mahanpour.

Mr. Pirnejad is an award-winning local government expert who has hands-on innovation, technology, and community development experience. With over 20 years local government experience in public administration, Mr. Pirnejad has previously served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Napa and as the Development Services Director for the City of Palo Alto. Mr. Pirnejad has received awards complimenting his team’s ability to develop policies that advance sustainability, building safety, and collaboration.  His passion for advancing government technology earned him a range of innovation awards as well as a seat on a number of non-profit boards committed to promoting innovation in government, including Alliance for Innovation and CivStart.org. 

Mr. Pirnejad has also served on a number of public sector membership boards and commissions, including as president of the CA League of Cities Planning Department and in mentoring of next generation city managers with the International City/Council Managers Association. Mr. Pirnejad has a BA in Environmental Studies and Geography from UC - Santa Barbara, as well as a Masters and Doctorate in Policy, Planning and Development from the University of Southern California.  

In his most recent role, Mr. Pirnejad led Oracle’s Global Public Sector Industry Strategy focused on State and Local Government as the Executive Director. As the City/District Manager for Foster City, we are sure he will exhibit the same leadership abilities in serving the needs of the public sector today and into the future.

“From the first time I visited Foster City I appreciated its master planned history, its commitment to the highest quality of life, and its focus on fiscal stewardship,” said Mr. Pirnejad, “I am delighted to serve as Foster City’s next City Manager as we celebrate our City’s fiftieth birthday together and usher in a new era of organizational effectiveness and innovation.”  

The City Council is scheduled to review an employment agreement for Mr. Pirnejad and officially appoint him as City Manager at its regularly-scheduled City Council meeting of Monday, December 7 at 6:30 PM. The City Council reorganization ceremony is also scheduled for the same evening. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health concerns, as well as current restrictions on public gatherings, all members of the public are invited to attend virtually via Zoom.

• To access the meeting by computer or smartphone, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81292469720
• To dial-in via phone: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-408-638-0968 and enter Meeting ID: 812 9246 9720

The City Council meeting will be broadcast and live streamed online at www.fostercity.org/fctv or on FCTV on Comcast Channel 27 and AT&T Channel 99. Following the meeting, a recording will be posted on the City’s website at www.fostercity.org/agendasandminutes. 

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